Broderick Pass Assault

Leave the hut after writing in intentions book and head on true right track over the hill to the flat up to the Main valley forks. Turn up the Huxley here.
You can follow the river bed the whole way to Huxley Forks or the track.You choose. We did the track on the way in and river on the way out.

After leaving the Forks hut the valley closes up considerably and you shuffle round the side of the river and sometimes up on the terraces. It's very up and down until you reach Broderick Hut. Stand back and take it all in. You are in true rugged back country here. The hut is at high avalanche risk in winter and you wouldn't want to be around.

Follow your nose and the white poles across avalanche chutes to the base of the climb to the pass. This is a very solid climb the whole way. There are tarns up near the top - or there was in January- but fill at least your bottle up and conserve just in case. Stop and enjoy the different look outs on the way up - it is mind blowing. And keep an eye out for poles as they are far apart at times and hard to find. Keep reading your map for the contour lines and do not veer off trail or you will get bluffed!! Do not attempt in fog.

Once at the pass you will look down Mackenzie Creek to the mighty Landsborough on one side and down the Huxley on the other. Mount Strauchon and Mount Mackenzie tower either side of you. Soak it up, the re-trace your steps.