What My Lens Sees

professional resort photo and videographer ... capturing the magic of the planet ... one adventure at a time

  • Home
  • Search

Hiking Up Black Tusk

A day trip up to Black Tusk. We originally had our eyes on the summit, but after finding the proper chimney, we decided we were too old and wimpy to scramble up the class 3 chute. Instead, Mike surprised us with a cold 6 pack of brews that he managed to lug up the mountain. Perfect weather, good company, and a stop afterwards at Howe Sound Brewery.

Final stats for the day:
Round Trip - 29 km
Elevation Gain - 1650 meters
High Point - The base of the chimney
Start Time - 8am
Reached Base of Chimney - 12:30pm
Drank beer until - 2pm
Back at Car - 5pm
Howe Sound Brewery - Beers, Yam Fries, Burgers
Read More
  • Cowden's first time to Garibaldi Provincial Park. Here he's taking a picture of a dead tree.

    Cowden's first time to Garibaldi Provincial Park. Here he's taking a picture of a dead tree.

  • The ultramarathonner and triathelete. That's why they're ahead, and I'm behind.

    The ultramarathonner and triathelete. That's why they're ahead, and I'm behind.

  • Looking back at the Tantalus mountain range and the Rumbling Glacier.

    Looking back at the Tantalus mountain range and the Rumbling Glacier.

  • From the same point along the trail, only this time 180° in the other direction. The view of Garibaldi Lake, Mt Price and Mt Garibaldi is outstanding from this point onwards.

    From the same point along the trail, only this time 180° in the other direction. The view of Garibaldi Lake, Mt Price and Mt Garibaldi is outstanding from this point onwards.

  • A quick stop along the trail. This is looking towards the objective (Black Tusk). Although it doesn't look like much, it takes about 15 km and 5000' of elevation gain to get to the top of this extinct volcano.

    A quick stop along the trail. This is looking towards the objective (Black Tusk). Although it doesn't look like much, it takes about 15 km and 5000' of elevation gain to get to the top of this extinct volcano.

  • Just another lake/reflection shot. Wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun was intense. Not a great day for picture taking, but a perfect day to be outside hiking.

    Just another lake/reflection shot. Wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun was intense. Not a great day for picture taking, but a perfect day to be outside hiking.

  • The trail supposedly ends at the Black Tusk viewpoint as the Province doesn't encourage hikers to go beyond due to loose rock and exposure. We carried on in hopes of getting the summit. This picture was taken after gaining the ridge. You can see the silver trail skirting the edge of the ridge.

    The trail supposedly ends at the Black Tusk viewpoint as the Province doesn't encourage hikers to go beyond due to loose rock and exposure. We carried on in hopes of getting the summit. This picture was taken after gaining the ridge. You can see the silver trail skirting the edge of the ridge.

  • The men in Black with Whistler/Blackcomb in the background.

    The men in Black with Whistler/Blackcomb in the background.

  • Looking down the scree that we trudged up to gain the ridge. As I said, the lake is constantly in view and always a sight to behold.

    Looking down the scree that we trudged up to gain the ridge. As I said, the lake is constantly in view and always a sight to behold.

  • Peering off the North side of the ridge, there are many crazy formations that are leftover remnants from the once active Black Tusk volcano. This is also the point where the marathoner and triathele got jelly legs from the exposure.

    Peering off the North side of the ridge, there are many crazy formations that are leftover remnants from the once active Black Tusk volcano. This is also the point where the marathoner and triathele got jelly legs from the exposure.

  • Looking towards Panorama Ridge (another stellar hike in GPP), Mimulus Lake, and Black Tusk Lake from just beneath the chimney.

    Looking towards Panorama Ridge (another stellar hike in GPP), Mimulus Lake, and Black Tusk Lake from just beneath the chimney.

  • Once we reached the chimney, Mike/Chris decided they'd had enough and went for beer rather than 30' chimney climb with loose rock/exposure. I gave it a try, but only made it about 10' up before deciding to turn back. It was the right decision and I quickly popped open a coors light.

    Once we reached the chimney, Mike/Chris decided they'd had enough and went for beer rather than 30' chimney climb with loose rock/exposure. I gave it a try, but only made it about 10' up before deciding to turn back. It was the right decision and I quickly popped open a coors light.

  • Although we didn't make the summit, it was still an outstanding day in the hills. Was able to  introduce these guys to a new area and even enjoy a few beers along the way.

    Although we didn't make the summit, it was still an outstanding day in the hills. Was able to introduce these guys to a new area and even enjoy a few beers along the way.

  • Again looking 180° the other way from the ridgeline. Still lots of snow on the mountains considering it's August.

    Again looking 180° the other way from the ridgeline. Still lots of snow on the mountains considering it's August.

  • One final picture on the way down showing the ridge/trail with mountains and lake in the background.

    One final picture on the way down showing the ridge/trail with mountains and lake in the background.

Follow Me @

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2022 SmugMug, Inc.
    Looking back at the Tantalus mountain range and the Rumbling Glacier.
    From the same point along the trail, only this time 180° in the other direction. The view of Garibaldi Lake, Mt Price and Mt Garibaldi is outstanding from this point onwards.
    A quick stop along the trail. This is looking towards the objective (Black Tusk). Although it doesn't look like much, it takes about 15 km and 5000' of elevation gain to get to the top of this extinct volcano.