Hike the Cinder Flats in Garibaldi Park
Details
Added by Greg Hamilton
Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles) total. Elevation gain: 920 m (3,000 ft). Amazing geological features! Solitude in the flats, as the hordes of daytrippers will be heading to Garibaldi Lake. Sub-apline flowers in the summer. Glacier fed streams and lakes. Black Tusk towering overhead.
Enter from the Cheakamus Lake side, which mean a steady climb up the Helm Creek Trail, but you won't battle the crowds coming up the Rubble Creek side. Plan for a full day in the mountains - it's ~25k total with quite a bit of climbing in the beginning. Bring lots of water, as it can get pretty hot once you're out of the trees! If you want to turn it into a multi-day, the Helm Creek Campground is a fantastic place to set up for the night, 9.5k from the trailhead.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Whistler.
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Whistler.
Reviews
Leave a Review
Fun Through-Hike Too
The Helm Creek side is a little more quiet than Taylor Meadows and Garibaldi Lake, a huge bonus. Great views all along the trail. If you're able to hike it with someone, you can complete this as a through-hike. Have a car parked at the Helm Creek side and shuttle over to Rubble Creek to start. Hike in via Taylor Meadows and hike out via Helm Creek, with a Cinder Cone detour along the way.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
