Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Gillespie's Pass Return
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 79 ?
Gnarl Factor: 50 ?
48.0km
1750m
1750m
1600m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 79 ?
Gnarl Factor: 50 ?
48.0km
1750m
1750m
1600m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.9%
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Not suitable
Slow
13:00
Moderate
8:00
Fast
Cross the stile and follow the orange poles to the junction of the Young and Makarora rivers.
Crossing Makarora River is challenging. You need to be 100 percent confident or you can use a commercial jetboat or start at Blue Pools (extra 14km - Check DOC brochure).
First approx. 5 km is relatively easy to run in beech forest, later track goes up and down with a lot of roots and muddy spots. Sometimes is hard to run. Once you reach the hut, take rest and have a snack, because it is gonna be big later. Approx. 1 km from the hut you reach a wide-open area (valley). You follow (orange poles) the track until you reach the head of the valley. Get enough water from the creek before you start climbing up to Gillespie pass. It is really hard and steep. Once you reach the pass enjoy the beautiful view and then go the same way back.
Great view from pass and beautiful valley. Beech forest.
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.
Car Park is signposted (green DOC sign) on the left, 3 km north of the Makarora Tourist Centre.
3 km
5 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Non-existent.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters
You can get it from the hut, but there are numerous small creeks. Get enough water for climbing to the Pass.
The alpine section between Young hut and Gillespie pass is avalanche terrain between May and November.
The river crossing (Makarora River) is very challenging, even when the river is low.
The alpine section between Young hut and Gillespie pass is avalanche terrain between May and November.
Avoid Young valley during heavy rain.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Gillespie's Pass Return
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This is awesome can't believe its only got 4 stars. 5 more me! I think going up Gillespies is prefeable form my experience of going down it. The full loop around Siberia and Wilkin is great too, with the Crucible additiion. Recommend a hut night for that and an extra day,If you get stuck by the river at all you can go up 12 odd km of trail up to Blue Pools, but if you can't cross the Makarora because of high flows you probably shouldn't be mucking around up Gillespies!
April 28, 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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