Last Updated: 23rd Nov 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Mt. Taylor Dual

Methven, Canterbury

Submitted by Tom Torok

Last Updated: 23rd Nov 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 63 ?

Gnarl Factor: 69 ?

31.0km

1700m

1700m

2333m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Mountainous

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

15%
35%
50%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Moderate Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

10:00

Slow

7:00

Moderate

5:00

Fast

From Lake Heron carpark, I took a bike to Double Hut following the well marked trail. It is probably not much faster than running (return journey was easier though).
From Double Hut, follow south branch of Swin river until you get to the bottom of obvious west ridge of Taylor. This is moderate river bed / boulder hopping but mostly runnable terrain.
About 100m or so up the true left branch, gain the west ridge of Taylor and follow path of least resistance to summit, marked by an occasional cairn. Enjoy the view, then retrace steps.

This trail includes the peak Mount Taylor.

Scenic Mt.Taylor provides an awesome summit panorama being the highest point east of Lake Heron. A fun ascent of its long west ridge. Historic Double Hut.

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Lots of parking

71 km

66 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Non-existent.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), First aid kit, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)

No water once on ridge unless there is snow around. Plenty before this.

Mt. Taylor usually has snow on it during winter months or after snow event. So need to be prepared to travel on snow / frozen snow if this is the case.

as above

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Trail Reviews

Good day out - nice scenery, especially if there's still a few patches of snow around. The route is fairly obvious and easy to follow. If you are tempted to descend a different ridge suss it out from below (to avoid matagouri and/or steep eroded/loose slopes) .

Mike Steel

February 6, 2020

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