This was truly one of the hardest hikes that we have done with two of the most beautiful views we have ever seen. British Columbia in Canada undoubtedly has a reputation of being one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Home to the Garibaldi Range on the land of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, it offers some of the best hiking, mountain biking, skiing and camping. But most importantly it is the home of the Panorama Ridge Trail.

Hike Panorama Ridge Trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park

This hike also shares a trail with Garibaldi Lake Trail. Both are amazing destinations, but Panorama Ridge Trail is seriously one of the best we have been on. Challenging, rewarding and beautiful. This hike should be taken seriously as it is considered a hard hike. While you are not at the elevation that normal mountain hiking trails would have you at, you still end above 6,000′ by gaining 5,272′.

Miles: 18
Elevation Gain: 5,272′
Trailhead Elevation: 1,500′
Parking Lot: Rubble Creek Parking Lot. There are two large gravel parking lots and another small lot for 5 cars. There is some road parking. At certain times there are parking permits that you are required to have, otherwise they will not allow you in.
Difficulty: Hard
Dogs: NOT Allowed
Optional Addition: Garibaldi Lake
Time: 7.5 Hours – This was with 3 water refill stops, one foot maintenance and 15 minutes at the top. This is relatively fast, most people need to plan on 10-12 hours or more. Most information websites will not give a time because of how strenuous this is.

The first 6 miles of this hike is the same hike to get to Garibaldi Lake. We did this hike a year before so for this section of the hike, read about it here: Garibaldi Lake Hike.

The trail continues on through the forest. The elevation gain has calmed down and you get to enjoy your surroundings. After about a mile you hit the major intersection. This spot is important. On your return from the ridge, you will go straight here to experience another trail and it will link you up with the hut in the Garibaldi Lake Hike to get back to the point of switchbacks and 3.75 miles until the parking lot.

To the left you head back and to the right is the Panorama Ridge Trail. You get a glimpse of the amazing scenery you will soon be hiking through.

As you continue on the trail you will be rewarded with lake views and peaks. The trail is slightly rocky, but still compact.

There are multiple places to fill up water, so you don’t need to carry a lot if you have a good water filtration system. We have a Grayl for when we have room to pack, but when we are going light weight, we use the Salomon filtration.

The trail at this point again feels like a stroll through the forest. We got kind of worried about that though since if you follow how far and how high you have gone, you will know you don’t have very far, but you do still have a climb. Since it does have the word, “ridge” in it, you know you have to get to one of them that surrounds you as you are hiking. Your first confirmation is when you get to Black Tusk Lake. You will see exactly where the trail will take you. Take a close look at that highest peak and the small bumps are people. You can also slightly see part of the trail heading up.

From this point on it is steep. Very steep. It starts on dirt trail but then the majority of it is rock scrambling and finding trails, but you won’t get lost because all you need to do is make sure you head straight up. On a busy weekend there will be always people around, so you can’t lose your way.

About half way up you will get your first amazing view of Black Tusk. When everything around you is grey and white, the vibrant colors of the landscape pop even more.

Make sure to take as many breaks as you need. All levels and abilities are on this trail. Beginners and trail runners alike and there is always someone faster. Make it about your pace and not anyone else’s. Just understand trail etiquette before you go because when it is busy it is nice when there is a rhythm on the trail.

When you make it to the top you can feel your eyes get bigger. The view of Garibaldi lake and the surrounding glaciers is nothing like you will ever see anywhere else.

As a reminder, when you get back to the sign, make sure to to straight and not veer to the left. It is a little easier and will take around a mile off the hike. Plus, Taylor Meadows is beautiful.

In conclusion, this was one of the hardest and best hikes we have done. We were surprised to see beginners on this hike but determination can get you very far.

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