Last Updated: 27th Dec 2023
Rock and Pillars Loop
Submitted by Matt Sheat
Last Updated: 27th Dec 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 33 ?
Gnarl Factor: 25 ?
23.0km
1300m
1300m
1450m
Last Updated: 27th Dec 2023
Submitted by Matt Sheat
Last Updated: 27th Dec 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 33 ?
Gnarl Factor: 25 ?
23.0km
1300m
1300m
1450m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.8%
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5:00
Slow
3:45
Moderate
2:45
Fast
From the car, head onto the farm road opposite the parking lay by (DOC Sign posted as Glencreag Track). Follow the farm road and orange track markers across farmland to the boundary of the Rock and Pillar Conversation Area (approximately 2.2km). Cross the stile and follow the orange track markers steeply uphill, continue to follow the markers until you reach Big Hut at the top of the track.
From Big Hut, follow the 4x4 road for a short time before heading across the untracked tussok land to the Summit Rocks. Head down hill and re-join the 4x4 road, follow the road across the tops to an intersection at around the 9.3km mark. Take the right hand road at the intersection, follow this over the rise and downhill.
After a short time you will arrive at a small plateau, from here you can make a side trip to the OTMC owned Leaning Lodge Hut (Currently closed due to safety concerns.) Continue to follow the farm road down hill to the bottom and out onto the state highway. Run along the highway back to the car. The loop can be easily run in either direction.
This trail includes the peak Summit Rock.
Big Hut has a good collection of photos of the historic hut builds and the ski history of the area.
There is a layby just beyond the intersection for parking.
6 km
4 minutes
Unknown
No
Hard.
Navigation on this route is relatively straightforward in clear weather, however It's very easy to get lost on the tops in bad weather. Take a compass and a map.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
Some small streams on the Glencreag track. Water tank at Big Hut.
Expect snow on the tops throughout winter. Is often muddy after spells of bad weather
It is often very windy and cold along the tops.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Rock and Pillars Loop
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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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