Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023
Bealey Blaster
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 61 ?
Gnarl Factor: 76 ?
24.0km
1430m
1430m
1907m
Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 61 ?
Gnarl Factor: 76 ?
24.0km
1430m
1430m
1907m
Back country - remote
Loop
Mountainous
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.2%
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8:00
Slow
6:00
Moderate
4:00
Fast
This circuit conveniently starts and finishes near the Bealey Pub east of Arthur's Pass, with plenty of action along the way to work up a thirst!
Start up the totally runnable, well-groomed track that leads 6km up to the Bealey Spur hut, with Power Stream on your left and the vast expanse of the Waimakariri valley and Arthur's Pass peaks to your right. From here carry on along trails up Hut Spur towards the tops which swing south-west and undulate their way towards a high point (1875m) overlooking Jordan Saddle.
Rather than going that way, continue along the ridge to the high point 1907, with great views, then start the untracked but easy descending traverse east along the top of a ridge that passes a delightful tarn (refreshing!). Power stream is still on your left and Bruce steam is on your right, and the route so far has involved a few bits of minor/easy rock scrambling, and is mostly runnable. Continuing on the top of this ridge, there's a couple of small climbs followed by a sustained descent down the aptly named Blind Spur. This leads into a section of beech forest, which is interesting and easy to move through but be careful to keep to the crest of the spur - there are NO markers, and only a faint ground trail in places, and you are still quite high (take a map and compass).
As you descend through this bush, avoid dropping leftwards towards or into Power Stream. Instead keep on the crest of the ridge. Near the confluence of Power Stream/Bruce stream a faint trail drops off to your right down into Bruce stream (if you want to avoid this bush section there's a scree-slide into the Bruce river higher up Blind Spur). Now follow Bruce stream which is very scenic and has a nice plunge pool at one point. You'll get wet in a few places too. Eventually you pop out on the highway and can repair to the Bealey Pub for some well-earned rehydration.
Panoramic views of the Arthurs Pass area/Avoca valley
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13 km
13 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The bush section descending Blind Spur requires some care to stay on route (take a map and compass, also check it out visually on the way up Bealey spur).
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Water at Bealey Hut, but after that there's none till you get down into Bruce Stream. Carry plenty of water.
Avoid after rain (Bruce Stream could be tricky in places). Also it's pretty much a fine-weather trip in good visibility, and as a run only between spring and autumn.
Bealey Hotel
Bealey
http://thebealeyhotel.co.nz
Beer and chips
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LS
I think this needs a few more warnings. I had. An epic day but find it hard ti reconcile with the original description , especially "a few bits of easy rock scrambling" and "mostly runnable". A lot of rock scramblung, some actual bouldering, and tentative sidles with massive exposure. A hunter I met described it as "very gnarly" and it got tougherafter that. You need a windless day and a good head for heights and scree. I missed the advice about the cairn at the treelune and wasted time and energy finding and losing the track. Descent to the stream is very steep and you definitely need very low river flows. Epic, but mistly not trail running as such!
December 29
This is a fantastic and super fun adventure - just take into account that it's not a fast adventure! I'd recommend adding at least 1 hour to your estimated time. The descent of this route is harder to navigate than the ascent. A small cairn currently marks the best entry to the beech forest as you come down the spur. From the cairn you can pick up a VERY faint ground trail, with a few scraps of old, faded tape here and there, but it's slow going and much care is required to not lose the route. Also important to check the river levels before you go, as Bruce Stream requires much crossing and could be impassable with higher water.
December 29
We had a perfect bluebird day and really enjoyed a trail that we had coveted for a while. Despite reasonable experience plus maps & compass we did end up in the Power stream just before the confluence with the Bruce as opposed to the other way around. No biggy just means a return visit or maybe mix it up by doing it in reverse!
January 18, 2021
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