Back country - remote
Combo
Mountainous
Native bush
Lakeside
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +22.60%
Average Downhill Gradient: -22.50%
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8:00
Slow
6:30
Moderate
5:00
Fast
Please note:
- DO NOT attempt this route in wet, icy or snowy conditions!
- no signs, poles, marks after you will leave the Mt Crichton Loop Track.
Park at Mt Crichton Loop Track car park and follow directions for Mt Crichton Loop Track. After having crossed the road, follow directions as you were doing the loop clockwise.
Cross a creek where a bridge used to be and keep going. You will find a track quite easy to spot on the left. There are no signs nor marks but track is very easy to follow, apart from some fallen trees obstructing the way.
Before reaching point 1432 on Topo Map there is the chance to sidle on the right and skip some elevation. From point 1390 up to Lake Isobel keep sidling along the right side of the ridge.
From here to the lake, follow the gpx track as a guideline only and use your own judgement. If unsure, do not hesitate to drop down a bit, it will pay off!
From Lake Isobel follow the easy NE ridge to the summit. From the summit follow the ridge NW (some easy scrambling here) and then drop down on the western side. Relatively easy terrain will lead you past and below point 1723 and from there along the easy ridge that will close the loop.
From there, back to the starting point via the same way up.
This trail includes the peak Mount Crichton.
At the parking area.
Big parking area on the left if coming from Queenstown. No public transport.
1 km
2 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Relatively easy to navigate for experienced parties with a GPS track, in clear stable weather.
Patchy.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Lake Isobel.
Steep sidling on tussocks suggests to definitely avoid the track when wet. Avalanche prone terrain to be avoided when snow is present.
Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Lake Isobel and Mt Crichton
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