Note: The following is for the route to Black Tusk using the Black Tusk Microwave Road. Alternate routes which are much
longer are via Taylor Meadows or Helm Lake. A four wheel drive with good ground clearance is recommended for the Black Tusk
Microwave Road unless it has been improved. This road is sometimes closed or may be gated. Best check on the status of the
road before using this route.
Approximately 130 KM (81 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. Hiking time round trip- 5 to 7 hrs. Round trip roughly 14 KM (8.7 miles), elevation gain-835meters (2,730 feet). Best time is usually July to September.
From Vancouver head north on highway 99 towards Whistler. Using Cleveland Avenue in Squamish as the zero marker drive roughly 51KM (31.7 miles) towards Whistler, cross the railway tracks, and make right turn onto Cheakamus Lake Road. A short distance in take the right fork which is an approximately 16 KM (10 miles) 4-wheel drive road leading to the Black Tusk Microwave Tower. The road gains considerable altitude with a number of switch backs. Depending on the time of year one may eventually get stopped by snow. There is a clearing some distance below the tower which provides a good place to park and ensures one has not driven past the park boundary. Hike past the tower to pick up the trail leading towards Black Tusk. Note: Access to the peak is by a short climb up a chimney. The trail leads to the chimney to be used. If one decides to do this climb note the route taken on the way up as there is a fork in the chimney. It is easy to take the wrong fork when climbing back down. It also can be much easier going up than coming down. There are some sheer drop offs at the top.
Black Tusk 2000/09 |
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