Last Updated: 30th Mar 2025
Libretto Traverse
Submitted by Nelson Pearson
Last Updated: 30th Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 78 ?
Gnarl Factor: 99 ?
24.4km
2360m
2180m
1736m
Last Updated: 30th Mar 2025
Submitted by Nelson Pearson
Last Updated: 30th Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 78 ?
Gnarl Factor: 99 ?
24.4km
2360m
2180m
1736m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Mountainous
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +18.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -19.5%
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Not suitable
Slow
7:30
Moderate
5:00
Fast
Start at Boyle Village and travel North beside SH7 across the Boyle River Bridge. After the bridge, take a right onto the well marked Faust Loop track. This track climbs steeply for 3km to the bush line at 1320m.
Follow the the ridge line north along the duration of the Libretto Range. It finishes abruptly in a steep saddle before Travers Peak. Along this section, the route gains some legendary peak names - Faust & Mephistopheles, along with Mt Lucia. It is possible to follow the top of the ridge line for the duration of this section. The saddle before Mephistopheles & the climb up to Mt Lucia both involve a short scramble.
Drop into the saddle at the northern end of the Libretto Range, then continue north towards Travers Peak by climbing to regain the ridge line. Follow this ridge line towards Travers Peak, but drop off the west side of the ridge line before it becomes steep & rocky. Continue west along the south face of Travers Peak and regain the western ridge. Follow the cairn marked trail on this ridge line west, descending towards the ridge line. Note - the south face of Travers Peak has some sections of scree. These can be avoided by dropping off the ridge line earlier than is done on the GPX file for this route.
From the bushline, follow the well marked Foleys Track back to SH7, finishing across the road from the Deer Valley Camp Site.
This trail includes the peaks Faust, Mephistopheles and Mount Lucis.
Panoramic views of the peaks & valleys around Lewis Pass & St James.
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.
Parking at start of trail - Boyle Village DOC carpark. Parking at end of trail - Deer Valley DOC Campsite. Leave a car or bike at the end of the trail. Hitchiking from the finish can be challenging as SH7 has a narrow shoulder.
56 km
42 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The majority of this route is unmarked, but follows the high point of the ridge line in a northerly direction.
The section around Travers Peak to the western ridge does not have a natural line. Feel free to diverge from the route marked in the GPX file for this section of the traverse. A lower traverse than what is in the marked file would likely be easier travel.
Unknown.
Waterproof 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, Headtorch and spare batteries
As this is a ridge top traverse, fresh water is scarce. Be prepared to travel 5km between water sources.
Tarns are plentiful in the approach to Faust.
Tarns are present near the midpoint between Mephistopheles & Mt Lucia.
Tarns & streams can be found in the saddle at the northern end of the Libretto Range.
This route follows an exposed & untracked ridge line for the duration without shelters. The rocky sections may be slick when wet.
This route should only be attempted in good conditions, with low wind, good visibility, and no rain.
Mumbles Cafe
Hamner Springs
https://mumbles-cafe.business.site
Good Coffee
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
So long as you tag the peaks - Faust, Mephistopheles & Mt Lucia - it doesn't matter which direction you complete the traverse or precisely what route is taken.
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Right up there with the best ridgeline routes! You can even bag Travers peak for extra peak bagging points before dropping back down to the treeline (best to get across to the west ridge of Travers peak first then it's easy enough hiking to the summit)
Would totally leave a high vis at your bike if you're biking back - the road can get pretty busy at times.
January 4, 2022
Just ran this amazing point to point today. It was stunning and totally agree with Steve a favorite ridge line travel run route . Another great run loop appear to be Mt Faust loop for a shorter outing. Awesome day and was great going but check weather forecast . Thanks Nelson for the trail route.
March 14, 2021
This has to be my favourite type of run; point to point, open tops, ridgeline travel, no trudging up and down valleys. Doesn't get much better!
The scrambles up to Mephistopheles and Lucia were pretty straightforward.
I took the advice of the author and peeled off the final ridge a bit earlier than the gpx, which made for an easier route to bypass Travers.
February 14, 2021
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