Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Silverpeaks Classic Loop
Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 47 ?
Gnarl Factor: 55 ?
24.8km
1530m
1530m
804m
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Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 47 ?
Gnarl Factor: 55 ?
24.8km
1530m
1530m
804m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.4%
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5:00
Slow
3:30
Moderate
2:40
Fast
Note this run can be run EITHER way, depending on how much you like uphill or down hill. I prefer running up Yellow Ridge and the Devil's Staircase as then there is less technical downhill to navigate (and for me seems quicker). Start either at the DOC Carpark or drive a bit further up the road where you can park opposite the entrance to the Possum Hut route (another good running option).
Run along the gravel road for approximately 5.5km to the track entrance where you'll see a sign (on your left). Run through the pine forest down into a gully, then head up the step track on the other side of the stream (there are some ropes to help pull you up). Enjoy running up Yellow Ridge, past the hut and up into the open tussocks where you'll eventually run past ABC Caves and onto Jubilee Hut. After a drink from the stream near Jubilee Hut, head up Devil Staircase (very steep), and glide down the ridge, past green hill to the car park, where it will be a short run up the road to your car.
This trail includes the peak Pulpit Rock.
Beautiful mix of native forest, pine, tussocks and streams. Awesome views from the top of devil staircase out to the ocean and over the Taieri Plains.
Plenty of parks, and safe.
33 km
41 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Ensure you stick to the track at all times (it becomes faint in areas around Jubilee Hut).
Very patchy.
Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
There is water around Jubilee Hut (but I would advise bringing your own). It can be VERY hot in summer and you will need your water. It is a grunty run!
Very muddy heading up the first part of Yellow Ridge
Make sure you bring enough water and protection from the sun! It is very step exposed on Devil's Staircase so take care.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Fantastic run. A real challenge with all that vert, especially the Devils Staircase. The Trail was well marked and very easy to follow though a bit muddy in places, particularly at the bottom of the devils staircase. Doing it anticlockwise makes for a nice long slow descent at the end with only a few undulations after the hardest slog. The ridgeline views into the backcountry are outstanding with the segment from the top of Yellow Ridge to ABC cave a particular (and unexpected) highlight.
September 15, 2021
My go to long run loop! Always a good challenge... can be muddy in very wet conditions. Stunning ridgeline views!
November 3, 2020
Nice sub-zero run early this morning. First frosty day this winter to date but wonderful clear sky and sunny day to follow the chilly dawn. We started at the Philip J Cox end and finished by heading back up the road back to the car at the dead-end forestry road. The cave was very stinky haha, I think some vagrants were living there (joke) nah but it did smell. Cool cave though. Both the PJ Cox and Jubilee Huts were nice, I must stay at some stage. Good climb up the Devils staircase but worth it as we reached the top and the sun streamed down and warmed us up. Plenty of gorse along the way, wear gaiters if you have some. Nice morning out. 5 hours moving time today.
May 16, 2020
Really cool trail. Only lost a star because of the parts that were overgrown, definitely worth pushing through these though. You feel like you are nowhere near Dunedin. The ridge lines up around Jubilee Hut and Devils Staircase are gorgeous. Make sure you check out the cave, pretty cool.
April 16, 2020
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