Last Updated: 16th Jan 2025
Mt Rosa Loop
Last Updated: 16th Jan 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 26 ?
Gnarl Factor: 17 ?
20.3km
1213m
1213m
1316m
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Last Updated: 16th Jan 2025
Last Updated: 16th Jan 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 26 ?
Gnarl Factor: 17 ?
20.3km
1213m
1213m
1316m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Mountainous
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.2%
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3:30
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:45
Fast
Starting at the carpark at the main road you follow the poled route right up the side of Mt Mason. The track winds up and over Mt Mason, drops down to a saddle and then climbs back up Mt Rosa. Once on Mt Rosa there are great views before you drop down to the Coal Pit Saddle. Here there are many options to carry on, but for this route carry on down the road towards the bottom of the valley. Take a right at the first intersection and follow the back roads through the valley down to join with the main road. A small section of roadside running, which is relatively unpleasant, but is handy for getting you back to the original location - making it a lot less hassle if completing by yourself.
This trail includes the peaks Mount Rosa and Mount Mason.
Great views of the Gibbston Valley.
Old mining relics around the Coal Pit Saddle area.
Up close and personal with Nevis Bluff and huge rapids in Kawarau River.
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 is available in a wee carpark at the trailhead. Good parking at Oxbow.
20 km
17 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Following poles.
About 1.4km in the route deviates from the 4wd track and heads off to the left. Don't miss it, or you will head towards the bluff rather than up Mt Mason.
Generally good.
Thermal leggings, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
No water on track
Snow on top a possibility in winter. Exposed ridges can be very hazardous during wind/rain.
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This would be a 5 star if not for the hideous main road for the last 3km. On the brightside the seem to be building a cycle path round the bluff, so help is coming. Mt Rosa is a gem
December 13, 2024
I was pleased I looked at the elevation profile the night before - all the climbing is in the first 8km, so the next 10 km or so makes for a nice jaunt down hill. The climbing starts pretty quickly and doesn't take long to feel like you are getting some good hill work in. After 8km you start descending & when you see the signs "remarkable conservation area" you hope the style on your right and keep heading down hill. Do agree the last few km's along the road is a bit ho hum, if you do it on the left heading back you get good views of the river, but can be a bit intimidating with the cars zooming along. Be a good one to do with a friend & leave a car at each end :)
May 13, 2018
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