Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mt Somers - Over the Top V1
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 53
Gnarl Factor: 83
21.0km
1650m
1650m
1688m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Mike Steel
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 53
Gnarl Factor: 83
21.0km
1650m
1650m
1688m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +18.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.6%
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6:30
Slow
4:45
Moderate
3:30
Fast
The route combines a variety of tracks plus a short off-trail section and takes in the summit of Mt Somers.
From Woolshed Creek head up the steep Rhyolite Track and traverse along, then take the South Face track which undulates through open tussock, streams and bush sections. At the signposted turnoff take the Mt Somers summit track for a grunty climb up to the summit ridge. Pleasant running along the airy ridge top to the summit.
After taking in the views, head down open gentle tussock slopes (no trail) north-west for 1.5 - 2 km (staying near the northern edge of the flat wide ridge) till you can see a clear route (mostly a step wide screeslope, but some minor rock near the top) down to the col which is the highpoint of the Mt Somers walkway. Now you're on the popular and cruisy Mt Sommer walkway - follow it to Woolshed Creek hut, and then back to the car.
Interesting volcanic features (basalt columns etc) and old mine workings passed en route. Good views of Mt Cook, D'Archiac and Alps from the summit on a clear day.
Plenty of parking at car park.
46 km
35 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The section from the summit back down to the Mt Somers walkway requires some navigation skills, especially if cloudy (i.e. map+compass handy). Don't head straight down (north) from Mt Somers - there's some serious bluffs below.
Patchy.
Thermal leggings, 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 blanket, Cellphone, Map.
Water at Woolshed Creek carpark and hut. Streams on south side should be fine to drink.
In winter, Mt Sommers often is coated in snow, which can be hard (i.e. requiring crampons).
Stavely store
Stavely
http://www.staveleystore.co.nz/
Classic old-style country store with great food and atmosphere.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Somers - Over the Top V1
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Agreed with James. Loved it! It was a HOT one today... plenty of streams to fill up water while you’re in the bush, but when you get to the turnoff to the summit, it’s exposed pretty much the rest of the way, and it’s dry for much of it. It was so nice to cool off afterwards in the stream by the car park. Could see Aoraki and D’Archiac clear as a bell from the top.
March 14, 2021
Wicked trail. Has a mix of vert, forest and a bit of nav (nothing hard as cairns mark route once off track). Good spot to swim at end. Good times.
January 5, 2021
Amazing loop, bit of everything! Our distance ended up closer to 23km
December 7, 2020
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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