Libretto TraverseExperienced
Submitted by Nelson Pearson
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Mountainous
Native bushOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Experienced
Not Suitable (Slow)
7:30 (Moderate)
5:00 (Fast)
-19.5%
+18.3%
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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Description
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.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Panoramic views of the peaks & valleys around Lewis Pass & St James.
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 75%
Technical Single Track: 10%
Moderate Single Track: 14%
Sealed Road: 1%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
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Access
The Boyle Village DOC parking lot just off of SH7
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
No
No
-
Staying Safe
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. -
Post run indulgence
Mumbles Cafe
Hamner Springs
https://mumbles-cafe.business.site
Good Coffee -
Sponsor this trail
See other runs nearby:
Fowlers Pass - St James
Mt Isobel Long Loop
Hanmer 10km loop
Hope Kiwi Half
Mt Isobel
Easy Rider & Conical Hill
Hanmer Old Forest Loop
St James Walkway
Doubtful Lake Man with Hope
Mt Dumblane
A Tale of Two Peters
Nina Valley SH7 to Swingbridge
Mt Chisholm
Doubting the Devil
Maling Fowler Pass Loop
Around Hanmer Ski Field
Balmoral Fire Lookout
