Accessible from the Rubble Creek parking lot just south of Whistler, the hike begins at the wooden steps along the top section of the car park.
The first 6km of the trail is a gradual uphill climb through dense forests of Douglas Fir trees. At times, the trail can seem like it goes on forever, however, keep moving as the reward will be well worth the effort.
Shortly after the 6km mark, you reach a junction with a map of the surrounding area. Going right takes you directly to Garibaldi Lake, the perfect option for those who may be short on time or want a shorter hike. However, going left and adding a few kilometers onto the hike takes you up through Taylor Meadows, a magnificent area filled with colors from alpine flowers that cover the sides of the trail during the late summer and early fall. At the junction, go left and head towards Taylor Meadows.
After another 20 minutes of gradual uphill, the trail begins to level, and you arrive at the Taylor Meadows campsite. Looking up to the left between the trees reveals the towering peak of Black Tusk.
Continue along the trail through the meadows occasionally stopping to check out the view behind you. The fields are very sensitive to any sort of foot traffic, so it is important that hikers stay on the marked trails to protect and promote the growth of this ecologically sensitive environment.
The trail continues it's meandering path through the meadows for the next 20 minutes. The trail eventually begins to head downhill through a series of switchbacks offering the occasional views of the turquoise colored lake through the trees.
Once you reach the bottom of the switchbacks, watch for a sign and a trail that goes down a steep dirt slope. Take this path as it heads down towards the river draining from Garibaldi Lake and a wooden bridge crossing. Cross the bridge and continue to the left towards the lake. As you continue walking, the lake becomes more and more visible until you reach a wooden structure where the trees open up completely revealing a panoramic view of the entire lake and glacier off in the distance. From this point on, several places offer scenic views. Pick one that is less busy and stop to take a break and soak up the view.
Once you are satisfied you have taken enough photos and are ready to head back to the parking lot, walk back alongside the lake where you came towards the wooden bridge that crosses the river. Head up the steep path to the junction but this time, go left. This trail will go directly to the first junction, bypassing Taylor Meadows.
Continue along the path as it passes two other smaller lakes that Garibaldi Lake drains into. These lakes also offer beautiful scenery, but they are not quite as spectacular as their mother lake.
After passing the second lake, continue into the forest and a short distance later the first junction appears that you passed earlier in the day. Continue straight back downhill towards the Rubble Creek parking lot. The next 6 km are long but keep in mind the accomplishment and reward of getting to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia.
