Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Bealey - Avalanche Traverse
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 43
Gnarl Factor: 93
13.1km
1498m
1498m
1836m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 43
Gnarl Factor: 93
13.1km
1498m
1498m
1836m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Mountainous
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +24.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -21.9%
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Not suitable
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:00
Fast
Head south along the main road to the Rough Creek bridge. Cross, and turn right up Mount Bealey Rd. At the end of the road the track starts climbing steeply into the bush. Track marking finishes at the bushline, from there stay on the main ridge and consult the map. The most technical section is between Mt Bealey and Pt 1778. After 1778, it is runnable all the way to join the tourists on Avalanche Peak. Pick up the poled route off the summit and down the left spur (Scotts track) all the way to the road. From the road, it is a short jog back through the village to the carpark
Kea, Alpine ridges
Large carpark with public toilets. Daily bus and train from Christchurch and the West Coast
1 km
1 minutes
Unknown
No
Hard.
In poor visibility, you may need to take a bearing to descend off the high points in the right direction
Unknown.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.
No water on the ridge
Full snow gear and the knowledge of how to use it required in winter. In high wind or low visibility would not be a good trip.
Very exposed between Mt Bealey and pt 1778. If you don't like the look of this ridge, turn back at Mt Bealey
Arthurs Pass Cafe and Store
Arthur's Pass Village
http://www.arthurspasscafe.co.nz/
The Wobbly Kea
Arthur's Pass Village
http://www.wobblykea.co.nz/
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Bealey - Avalanche Traverse
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I'm writing a review for a variation of this one, rather than submit a new trail as it is such a similar route - that is Avalanche to Bealey & the Bealey shingle scree. The scree is a fun & fast way to loose height!
This up to Avalanche Peak via the track starting behind the DOC ranger house in Arthurs Pass village. From Avalanche summit, take the south ridge, past Lyell Peak and the high peak of Mt Bealey. Continue to the low peak of Mt Bealey and just past this, the shingle scree on the north side of the ridge will be accessible. This will take you into Rough Creek, then it's boulder-hopping down to the village.
A large scree like this is hard on footwear, you may want to use older shoes/boots for this trip.
April 22, 2022
On a clear day this is a stunning ridgeline to run. Between Mt Bealey and Pt 1778 I dropped down approx 150m vertically into the village side to sidle below the technical bit of broken rocks before regaining the ridge, another in our party of three did the same dropping into the Waimak side, and the third stuck to the ridge, so all possible options - mine was great if you're not a fan of too much exposure!
February 11, 2019
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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