The route to Black Tusk is a scramble and should only be attempted by those with previous scrambling experience. A helmet is highly recommended for sections higher up where loose rock creates frequent rockfall hazard. Scrambling up the chimney is not recommended for an inexperienced hiker.

The trailhead starts at the Cheakamus entrance, where there's a neat bridge over the Cheakamus River. The trail then proceeds into endless switchbacks, with the first one being the longest and most difficult. From Taylor Meadows Campground to Black Tusk junction it’s relatively flat for a few kilometers. The rest of the way up is uphill, but not too steep until near the end of the maintained trail. The whole way up hikers are surrounded by breathtaking views!

Once past the sign where the official trail ends, hikers can expect approximately another hour to arrive at the Chimney of the Tusk. To get to the Tusk, the trail follows directly left of the sign. The route then continues through loose rocks near the tusk, after which it starts climbing up. While this may look easy, a slip or fall from the chimney can easily send someone on a fatal tumble down the talus. This a vertical climb where technical equipment can be used for increased safety but many do without, if a spotter or other folks are able to help each other climb. The chimney should be used one person only at a time due to falling rocks and debris and limited space - helmets are highly recommended for this section.

On the top of the Tusk, the views are even better because hikers are higher up and have a full 360-degree view.

The route then backtracks to Black Tusk Meadows and heads towards Panorama Ridge. Helm Creek is a great spot to stock up on fresh water from the creek just behind the camping pads, but a filter is needed. Enjoy this Eventually things flatten out and the geography changes to feel more like a desert, with lots of sand and small rocks and no cover from the sun. There is another river crossing on a very cool alpine bridge and the trail soon comes to the final third of the route. This part is a straight up incline and a mix of rock trails and some scrambling. This is the most difficult section. Once at the summit, there is plenty of space for sitting down and enjoying the view as well as capturing photographs, though most people tend to congregate at the first area that is seen when summiting the ridge.