Last Updated: 11th Apr 2025
Black Hill via Turtons Saddle
Submitted by Martin Trvaj
Last Updated: 11th Apr 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 73 ?
Gnarl Factor: 69 ?
27.0km
2055m
2045m
Last Updated: 11th Apr 2025
Submitted by Martin Trvaj
Last Updated: 11th Apr 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 73 ?
Gnarl Factor: 69 ?
27.0km
2055m
2045m
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.2%
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9:00
Slow
6:00
Moderate
5
Fast
Starting at Glenrock Stream car park, head up the Te Araroa trail to Turtons Saddle—an easy section. From there, you could head east to Donald Hill (1525m), but the thick tussock makes it tough. To avoid that, continue to pt1229 and bypass the worst of it.
From Donald Hill, the run toward Black Hill is straightforward, partly following a fence line. The final climb is steep and tiring but still runnable. From the top of Black Hill, descend northwest through scree and tussock back to Turtons Saddle.
You can refill water at Ensor Stream (water filter recommended) near the Te Araroa trail and then ran the final stretch back to the car park.
This trail includes the peaks Black Hill and Donald Hill .
Great view of Rakaia River, Lake Colleridge, Craigieburn forest park, Hatakere park.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Glenrock Stream car park - enough space along the fence to park your car.
1 km
3 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Pretty straightforward. GPS still highly recommended.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
Water at Ensor Stream near Turtons Saddle.
Snow during the winter.
Snow, Ice, loose rock.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Black Hill via Turtons Saddle
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