Blackcomb Meadows hike
View PhotosBlackcomb Meadows hike
Difficulty Rating:
Taking the chair lift to the top of Blackcomb Mountain rewards you with easy access to the beautiful alpine, reclusive Backcomb Lake and stunning Overlord Lookout. Throughout the trail, views of the Spearhead Range are ever-present.
Getting there
From Whistler Village go to the main Gondola Station and take the Blackcomb chairlift up to the alpine village. Alternatively, if you have gone up the Whistler Gondola take the “Peak to Peak” gondola over to Blackcomb and from the station.
About
When to do | June through September |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Toilets | Gondola |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Circuit |
Blackcomb Meadows
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Blackcomb Meadows
The first part of the trail is very wide, and gains a moderate amount of elevation. You will soon arrive at the Fitzsimmons Lookout, a small boulder field that grants you your first view of the Spearhead Range. Continuing along the path, you will turn up to the left and rejoin a dirt path. This path becomes the “Overlord Trail” as named by Whistler Blackcomb, and you will hike along for its entirety.
This blue-graded trail winds through meadows and trees, lazily gaining then losing elevation. You will shortly come to a junction leading towards the small, yet beautiful, Blackcomb Lake. Take a left turn and climb a few dozen meters up to this small alpine lake. Up at the lake there are few trees, and the meadow really comes into its own. The lush greenery and wildflowers are stunning, as is the reflection of Blackcomb Peak in the pale green waters of Blackcomb Lake. Continue along the path as it descends and rejoins the Overlord trail.
Another stint along the Overlord Trail will bring you to another junction. Again take the black diamond path leading up to the right. This leads up to the Overlord Lookout, and constitutes the only major climb of the hike. The trail is more rugged than the blue trail, but still switchbacks as it climbs the ridge above Blackcomb Lake. You will finally turn right and get a stunning view over the several glaciers and peaks. Most prominent are the Overlord and Fitzsimmons Glaciers, Overlord Mountain, Fissle Peak and Mount Lago all in the distance.
Keep hiking down to another smaller alpine lake below Decker Mountain. The trail loops around towards the gondola and becomes the Overlord Trail once again. On the way back keep left and stay on the Overlord Trail.
Want to find more amazing hikes around Whistler? Check out the Garibaldi Lake hike, Panorama Ridge hike or the Black Tusk hike.
Insider Hints
Buy your tickets for the Gondola in advance on the Whistler Blackcomb website to save money.
Get a meal at any one of the four cafes on top of Blackcomb Mountain. With a mountain top view, it’s hard to miss.
Look out for what time the last chairlift down is. It changes depending on what time of year it is and what day of the week you go.
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HIllaryPNW 4 years ago
Wonderful trail to connect with nature
Lacey J 5 years ago
The views from the top are divine- mountains for miles. Even with the ride up on the gondola it's a nice quick little workout.
iloveflowerz 5 years ago
A nice moderate trail with some great panoramic views.
joselitocruz 5 years ago
It was a considerably modest hike. The views are noteworthy. Spearhead range was perfect.
9stepsM8 5 years ago
The mountain views here were stunning
WalkingLilly 5 years ago
I have to agree with everyone here, this is a beautiful place and a beautiful hike.
Doug Logan 5 years ago
Lots of options, great views.
Wyatt Thomas 6 years ago
Nice way to access the alpine, Blackcomb Meadows is a lovely hike and lots to see!
xAlex 6 years ago
the lift makes this hike easier to approach but it's not a walk in the park. You'll still get good exercise doing it.
Jack_99 6 years ago
blackcomb meadows trail is a good hike that allows you to see a lot without spending too much energy doing it.