Hiking Harmony Lake – Musical Bumps – High Note
Length: 11.5 km
Elevation Gain: 811 m (if doing it clockwise), 470 m (if doing it counter clockwise)
Difficulty Level: Hard (if doing it clockwise), Intermediate (if doing it counter clockwise)
Whistler/Blackcomb has a very extensive trail system and many of them are suitable for all ages. I have been to some of them, like Blackcomb Peak and Whistler – High note to half note .
This hiking trail is in the Whistler Alpine area and is a point-to-point trail. One point is at the Roundhouse Station of Whistler Gondola, and another point is at the Whistler Mountain Peak-the Upper endpoint of the Peak Express.
You can do the trail counter clockwise or clockwise. If you do clockwise, you start at the round house station (starting at the Harmony Lake Trail). If you do counter clockwise, you start at the Whistler mountain peak (Starting at the High Note Trail), but note that the peak express usually begins operating at 11 am. However, starting at the peak saves you about 300 m of elevation gain. Either way, take note of the last download gondola or express chair, and assess your ability with regard to how long it takes to complete the trail. You don’t want to hike down the mountain.
The trail is mostly exposed, so sun protection is a must. There are a couple of running water sources, but they are at the part of trail that is close to the Roundhouse. There is nothing technical about the trail. Signs are clear and abundant throughout the trail. The only exception is the side trail going up to Flute Summit. However the side trail is well travel and short therefore you won’t get lost.
The best thing about all the trails in Blackcomb/Whistler alpine, not only this one, is that you have good views throughout the trail. You won’t get bored. This is especially true on this trail. I highly recommend you going up to the Flute Summit. The 360 degree view on the summit is spectacular. There is even a sign on the summit that claims the view is the best in all of Garibaldi Provincial Park. You will see Cheakamus Lake along the trail, but you will have a non obstructed view of the Lake on the flute summit.
There are a couple lakes about 2 km away from the roundhouse station. You can jump in the lakes for a cool refresh after a long hike (if you do counter clockwise).
The only downside of hiking this trail is that you need to pay for the parking, and the hefty price for gondola ride to the trailhead.
