Running Rubble Creek
A classic B.C. trail experience Garibaldi Provincial Park, B.C.
Located roughly 70 kilometres north of Vancouver in B.C.’s southern coast range, Garibaldi Provincial Park is one of Canada’s crown-jewels and a celebrated backcountry playground. With countless glaciated peaks, crystal lakes, rolling meadows, exposed ridges and deeply forested valleys, this challenging and rugged landscape is remarkably accessible due to its immediate proximity to Highway 99, between Squamish and Whistler. One of the most popular hikes in the park leads to Taylor Meadows and Panorama Ridge, between the iconic Black Tusk (a giant volcanic plug) and Garibaldi Lake. Nowadays, it’s common to find trail runners in the area making a 25k point-to-point traverse known in running lore as the Rubble Creek Classic, after one of the region’s oldest trail running events.
The Rubble Creek Classic began way back in 1985 as an informal social event, long before trail running grew into a sport unto itself. With no aid stations and no f lagging to guide the way, this legendary foot race is a true mountain run and community favourite that continues to be held each
Location
The Rubble Creek Classic / Black Tusk traverse is located about 16 kilometres south of Whistler Village, immediately east of the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The traverse runs between the Cheakamus Lake and Garibaldi Lake trailheads.
Route Details
25K point-to-point 1,300 m ascent 1,600 m descent High point 1,800 m Low point 550 m Total elevation gain 900 m Total elevation loss 1,200 m
Course Record
1:47:27 by Nick Elson, 2015
Race Information
Escape Route escaperoute.ca Rubble Creek 25K trailseries.ca/rubble-ck.html
Season July-October
Snow, slush or hail can be encountered at any time of year. Most of this route is under heavy snowpack throughout winter.
Logistics
Because this is a traverse you will need to plan ahead and arrange a vehicle shuttle from one trailhead to the other. Of course, the route can be completed in either direction, but most runners prefer north to south, starting at Cheakamus Lake (by Function Junction) and finishing at the Rubble Creek (Garibaldi Lake) trailhead. Driving distance between the two is approximately 30 minutes.
Dogs are not allowed in the park. Water sources are plentiful en route. Cellular service is generally very good, but should never be relied upon. Be sure to bring a camera for the outstanding scenery, and expect to catch glimpses of resident wildlife such as black bear, deer and marmot.