Garibaldi-Whistler Thru Loop

Whistler

A 1-2 day extension to the Rubble-Helm Circuit

Hiking Extreme

Distance: 128 km
Ascent: 6 km
Descent: 6.3 km
Duration: 1 day +

Low Point: 328 m
High Point: 2 km
Gradient: 13˚

This is a preposed Thru Hike of the Garibaldi and Whistler areas. Sections have all been hiked, but the author is unaware of anyone doing it all in one go.

Even in september you can get wintery conditions up high. With a heavy pack microspike and poles would be appreciated.

Even in September it can snow up on the High Note Trail

Snow in the fall is common on the musical bumps.

Approaching the peak of Whistler and the High Note Trail

Nearing the ski runs on the Khyber Pass Trail Photo: Tam McTavish

The wood around the Cheakamus Access road

The resort in summer and fall is mostly talus, scree and mud. It's worth sticking to the high note trail to stay clear of the resort.

Description

A rough itinerary would could be: Rubble to Helm Creek Helm to Russet Lake Russet to Whistler (overnight, restock in whistler) Whistler to Skywalk, down to Rainbow trail to Hanging Lake, Hanging Lake to Cal Chek, Cal Chek to Brew Hut Brew Hut to Rubble Creek

The trail uses campsites at Taylor Meadows, Helm Creek, Cheakamus, Russet Lake, which are all booked through BC Parks reservation system. Hanging Lake, and Cal Chek are first come first serve. Camping is not technically illegal along the Brew Peak and Skywalk sections of the trail, but it is strongly discouraged. Camping within the limits of Whistler is illegal, and the municipality does extend to most of the Skywalk trail. You can skip these sections if necessary. These are fragile alpine environments, and responsible trail users should plan to not camp here.

A potential addition to this trail may be added if a viable scrambling route can be found along the eastern ridge of Rainbow Mountain to the main scrambling trail. Wedgemount lake is also doable in a big from Whistler. It does not loop though.

Difficulty

Extreme

Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".