Black Tusk

Want to experience stunning views and stand right next to a powerful ancient volcano? This challenging hikes climbs through lush forests through beautiful alpine meadows, sorrounded by wildflowers, up the flanks of an ancient volcano to the base of its summit. Black Tusk is an iconic local mountain, known to the Indigenous people of Squamish as ‘t’ak‘t’ak mu’yin tl’a in7in’a’xe7en’, or the “Landing Place of the Thunderbird”

Good to excellent fitness is required to hike this mountain as a daytrip. If you are wanting to do this hike, and have average fitness, please contact us to book a backpacking trip, so that you can climb the mountain over three days and base camp in the meadows before and after the summit day.

Highlights

  • Climb up to the base of a powerful ancient volcano

  • Stunning views of alpine wildflowers and surrounding mountains as you approach Black Tusk through ‘Taylor Meadows’

  • An excellent challenge: starting from nearly sea level and climbing to just under the top of this iconic mountain

  • Knowledgeable and experienced hiking guide

Trail Distance: 26 km, 1761m elevation gain

What to expect:

  • Begin with a long uphill climb at a gentle grade. Follow boardwalks through the beautiful Taylor Meadows and ascend Black Tusk. The trail up to Black Tusk is composed of a lava ‘scree’ slope (feels like walking on loose gravel and sand), requiring good footing and stability.

  • Your experienced hiking guide will provide instructions and a briefing before setting off.

  • This hike does not summit the volcano as that requires climbing gear and skills.

  • Good mobility and fitness is essential to do this as a daytrip. Those wanting to do this hike and having more average fitness, please contact us to book a backpacking trip so that you can base camp before and after the summit day.

Tour Summary

Cost: $300/person (or $600 for a private booking of up to 4 people, $700 for up to 8)

Duration: 8-14 hours

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 26km

Elevation gain: 1761m

Start/end: Rubble Creek trailhead (contact if transport required)

Season: July-October

For private/group bookings, email info@risemountainadventures.ca. Prices are $600/4, $700/8)