2023-04-12 - Black Tusk Snowshoe

Amazing views while snowshoeing up Black Tusk
Amazing views while snowshoeing up Black Tusk
Amazing views of Garibaldi Lake while snowshoeing up Black Tusk

The trailhead is at ~1900ft and was easy to drive to at the time. Roundrip distance (trailhead, tusk, lake, trailhead, some detours) is 22 miles, ~6300ft gain. I started at 3am because I really wanted to see the sunrise at elevation. Remarkably, I ran into another snowshoer at 3am and we teamed up the rest of the day.

I carefully checked the route to avoid any steep terrain, and indeed it was mostly a very long scenic slog to 7000ft.

Rough time estimates:

  • Start 3am
  • 2h15m to the Taylor Meadows trail split
  • 5h30m (accumulative) to Parnasus Creek
  • 7h30m (accumulative) to base of Black Tusk

I tried to get to a view of Garibaldi Lake from Panorama Ridge, but turned around at 6000ft. I think it was a combination of begin tired and lack of immediate views along the climb.

Approaching Black Tusk with views of Taylor Meadows and the Tantalus Range
Approaching Black Tusk with views of Taylor Meadows and the Tantalus Range
Approaching Black Tusk with views of Taylor Meadows and the Tantalus Range

The Table and Garibaldi
The Table and Garibaldi
The Table and Garibaldi

Black Tusk
Black Tusk
Black Tusk

Cool perspective on the Spearhead Traverse, with the Kees and Claire Hut, Fissile, Whirlwind, Overlord (including the rock step) Cool perspective on the Spearhead Traverse, with the Kees and Claire Hut, Fissile, Whirlwind, Overlord (including the rock step)

Sentinel Bay (Garibaldi Lake)
Sentinel Bay (Garibaldi Lake)
Sentinel Bay (Garibaldi Lake)