Day 1: Rubble Creek Parking lot to Garibaldi Lake Campground I have been to Panorama Ridge several times; it’s one of my all-time favourite “perches” and I could sit there all day looking down at shimmering Garibaldi Lake way below and the majestic snow-capped peaks and glaciers that surround it. The trail begins on the far side of Whistler Mountain, 8 kilometres from the Sea to Sky Highway at Cheakamus Crossing across from Function Junction. Warm up along the easy, rolling trail from the trailhead toward Cheakamus Lake. The trail leads through Taylor Meadows to the Panorama Ridge for the Garibaldi Lake overlook. I am trying to determine if I should camp at Helm Creek and make it to Pano Ridge or camp at Garibaldi Lake. This hike brings you to beautiful views of the Black Tusk and Garibaldi Lake from Panorama Ridge. Garibaldi, Black Tusk, The Table and Garibaldi Lake (among a myriad of other mountains). Side trips can be made to the Black Tusk, Panorama Ridge or Garibaldi Lake. Just another weekend :) From Cheakamus to Panorama Ridge to Cheakamus to Whistler. For many who have done extensive hiking around Vancouver, the hike to Panorama Ridge remains a favorite year after year. Turn down a short switchback and cross a bridge above the lake outflow before starting a ~7 km climb to Helm Creek. Panorama Ridge Hike: Helm Creek. The Cheakamus Lake area experiences increased black bear activity in the spring season. Garibaldi Provincial Park: Black Tusk, Cheakamus Lake, Panorama Ridge. Cheakamus Lake is a wonderfully relaxing way to get in the wilderness easily and quickly from Whistler Village. The climb starts at its steepest and becomes more gentle as the distance rolls by. The Cheakamus Lake trailhead is also and excellent place to hike to Helm Creek, Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge. This lesser-known route actually takes you from the Whistler side of Garibaldi Lake. Mountain biking is permitted on the trail as far as the Cheakamus Lake campsites but may not be taken across the Cheakamus River Bridge on the Helm Creek trail. The hike from Helm Creek is 19 miles and 4,319 feet of elevation gain. Items of Importance. The trailhead is accessed by following a route into Cheakamus Lake. The trail heads down a bit before beginning a climb through the alpine vegetation, snaking its way up the side of a hill onto a ridge where the terrain turns to rock and then to a bit of a scramble. Black Tusk Lake, Mimilus Lake and Helm Lake are all visible from the ridge, as well as the Howe Sound. The Panorama Ridge Hike is a great backpacking trail near Whistler. Panorama Ridge sits, along with Black Tusk in the midst of some of the most popular and beautiful hiking trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Almost no one on the trail between Pano Ridge and Cheakamus Lake...3 people I counted. Panorama Ridge is a 28.3 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cheakamus 11, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Just beyond Helm Lake is a junction with a turnoff to a short, steep trail up to Panorama Ridge. Located on the opposite end of the campsite, high above Garibaldi Lake, Panorama Ridge offers a full panoramic view of Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and the Helm Lake area. Day Two: Garibaldi Lake Campground to The Black Tusk to East Cheakamus Lake Campground Day Three: East Cheamamus Lake Campground to Panorama Ridge and off East Side of ridge at unnamed lake. I know that going through Cheakamus Lake is much less crowded but speaking only distance/elevation gain wise, which one is an easier route to Panorama Ridge? Panorama Ridge is situated right between Black Tusk and Garibaldi Lake, with Mount Garibaldi and Table Mountain across the lake, the Tantalus range visible to the south, and an endless sea of glaciers and rocky peaks to the north. Virtual Run of Panorama Ridge from Cheakamus Lake. The views from Panorama Ridge are some of the most scenic views in the Garibaldi Provincial Park area. After some initial hard work climbing Helm Creek Trail, enjoy a long day of flowing, meadow singletrack and evolving, beautiful views of the Garibaldi alpine meadows.The finale of the hike is the final climb/scramble to the summit of the aptly named Panorama Ridge. Andy at Cheakamus Lake: “I’d forgotten just how nice this trail can be. It’s busy on clear days and an absolute must-do. We soon reached a junction for the out-and-back detour up Panorama Ridge. It is easy to see where its name is derived. There are two main trailheads for Panorama Ridge, Cheakamus Lake and Rubble Creek.