Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

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Mt. Crichton Loop

Queenstown, Otago

Submitted by James Harcombe

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 12 ?

Gnarl Factor: 42 ?

7.2km

310m

310m

622m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

30%
70%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:10

Slow

0:55

Moderate

0:40

Fast

From the car park, take the obvious walking track to the West. After a few hundred metres, at the T intersection, turn right. Follow the track down to the road, cross the road, and continue on to the bridge over the river. From here, you have the option of running the route clockwise or anti-clockwise. Anti-clockwise is most peoples preferred option, as the downhill part is more undulating and a little more interesting from a technical perspective. Either way, the track is obvious and well marked.

Track passes the old gold mining Hut of Sam Summers. Close to the hut you'll find old gold mine tailings, and an interesting channel cut through the rock. The DOC sign posts will explain all!

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.

Large safe car parking area, with a long drop toilet.

12 km

14 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

The only point at which you could leave this track, is at the intersection with the Lake Dispute track. The DOC signs however are very clear at this point.

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)

There are a couple of points where it's possible to access the creek, however, the run is short, and the need for water low.

In winter, the descent after Sam Summers Hut (anti-clockwise direction) can be very icy.

There are some very steep drop offs along parts of the track. A trip or a fall could have serious consequences!

Smiths Brewery
Shotover Street
http://www.smithscraftbeer.co.nz
Awesome Beer!

Vudu Cafe and Larder
Beach Street
http://www.vudu.co.nz
Great coffee and pastries.

Trail Legend

EH

Emma Hurst

has completed Mt. Crichton Loop 4 times in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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Trail Reviews

Perfect 7km+ loop. Added on a side quest through the tunnel to the waterfalls which was a cool little area to explore. Will be adding this to the after work loop list.

Brad Geen

December 29, 2022

Nice short loop track with something for everyone. Be sure to give it a go in both directions for some variety of undulation and on the go views.

Chris Seymour

June 14, 2021

Everything you could want in a 7km after work run... views, waterfalls, a historic hut, mountains and even some snow tonight... just a wee gem...

Mike Tennent

July 24, 2020

Awesome run,feel an hours a bit of a challenge for a novice or an old bugger like me.

Dick Dutton

July 12, 2020

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