Panorama Ridge/Garibaldi Lake

July 16-17, 2025

Distance: 35km (total over 2 days)

Elevation gain: ~1900m

I did an overnight trip to Garibaldi Lake, bagging Panorama Ridge on the first day and what was supposed to be Mount Price the second day, but instead turned into a hike to a lookout south of the lake.

Day 1: Panorama Ridge/Garibaldi Lake

The first time I did Panorama Ridge was in 2023, but it was so socked in that I could barely see 20m in front of me. The weather promised to be clear over these couple of days, so I took my chance.

I first hiked to Garibaldi Lake to set up my tent and drop off my backpacking gear. The 9km to the lake isn't hard but it is a bit boring as almost the entire length of the trail is in the forest. It at least offered a nice respite from the heat and sun.

After grabbing a tent pad, I backtracked a little bit and started making my way to Panorama Ridge. The first several kilometres winds its way through Taylor Meadows, and is fairly flat. This section offers stunning views of wildflowers, creeks, and surrounding peaks.

Panorama Ridge from Taylor Meadows

The wildflowers on display included phlox, western pasqueflower, indian paintbrush, sitka valarian, and mountain arnica.

There are several small lakes below Panorama Ridge that you pass by before starting the rocky climb to the peak.

Passing by Mimulus Lake below Panorama Ridge. The climbable peak is on the left, just to the right of the big snowfield.

Now passing Black Tusk Lake

Looking out at Helm Lake

The climb to the peak is quite long and fairly steep. It involves some navigation through talus and scree. At this time of year, there was still a bit of snow on some parts of the trail.

Working my way up the rocky slopes. The summit is on the left, just to the right of the snowfield.

Melting summer alpine snow goes red because of an algae that blooms on the surface

Last push along the ridgeline to reach the summit

After a few hours, I made it to the summit. At 2133m of elevation, the views are incredible. There's a reason this trail is so popular.

The iconic view of Garibladi Lake and surrounding peaks

There's the campsite on the right where my gear awaits

The mountains and glaciers east of Garibaldi Lake. Castle Towers towers high above on the left.

Great view of the Black Tusk from the summit. The lower peak is the one that people climb. Below it are Black Tusk Lake and Helm Lake.

East of the Black Tusk is the Helm Creek valley

After a long break at the summit, I started making my way back down.

Great view of Black Tusk Lake and Mimulus Lake below Black Tusk as you make your way down the slopes

I couldn't believe the endless streams of people heading up, even though it was already the late afternoon. I don't think unexperienced hikers are often prepared for how long a journey like Panorama Ridge can take.

Once back at Garibaldi Lake, I went for an incredibly refreshing swim in the lake. Despite the lake being glacier fed, it wasn't that cold. Not nearly as cold as other glacier lakes I've been in, nor as cold I've felt Garibaldi Lake to be during previous trips. Perhaps the sun had warmed it.

The peaks to the east of Garibaldi Lake, including Castle Towers (left), Mount Carr, Sphinx glacier, and Guard Mountain

Panorama Ridge from Garibaldi Lake (taller peak on the left)

Mount Price and Clinker Peak

Day 2: Garibaldi Lake lookout via Mt Price trail

My intention for my second day was to hike Mount Price before grabbing my pack and heading back to the parking lot. However, I found that I really did not feel like hiking another big peak. Although I would consider myself a peak bagger and physically, I felt fine, I just wasn't up to it. Instead of berating myself for that, I just accepted it.

What I did instead was start along the trail and stop about 1/3rd of the way there at a bump that offers a nice view of the lake and surrounding area.

Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and Panorama Ridge from the top of a bump along the Mt Price trail

Mount Price (left) from where I stopped on the trail

Nice view of the Tantalus range to the south

After spending awhile at my lookout, I hiked back to Garibaldi Lake, grabbed my pack, and made the return journey to the parking lot. It took me just under 2. 5 hours to reach the parking lot from the lake.