Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mt Dewar Devil Creek Loop
Submitted by Stu Houston
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 23
Gnarl Factor: 19
15.0km
1025m
1025m
1291m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Stu Houston
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 23
Gnarl Factor: 19
15.0km
1025m
1025m
1291m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.6%
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3:00
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:30
Fast
From the park at the saddle climb up the Mt Dewar track, which is a 4x4 road , to the top. from here the track descends down the Shotover Canyon track until a DOC sign junction which you turn left (east) onto the Devils Creek Track which descends down into the Creek. Refill your water here as this is the only water, then cross the stream. The track zig zags up the east side of the creek and climbs up to a saddle, then drops down to the Coronet Peak Ski field Road. Follow the sealed road up towards the ski field (watch for cars, vans flying down the road) then left onto the gravel Skippers Road and back to Skippers saddle.
Old access to the Shotover River and old farm roads. Great views of the Wakatipu and mountains of the Shotover as well as Mt Aspiring.
Park in small layby on saddle or at the junction with Coronet Road - parking for about 5 cars.
13 km
17 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
The track doesn't have many markers as you are just following old farm 4x4 tracks and at times they are tricky to follow due to high grass Take a map if worried.
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.
The only water is in Devils Creek at half way. This is a grunty run and can be hot in summer - carry water. Devils Creek is clean - I guzzled litres of it (hot day !!) with no ill effect.
In winter can be snow covered; mid summer can be very hot...or cold. Mt Dewar is very exposed to all weathers all year - a Norwester or Southerly change up here is life changing go prepared !!!
Wind is the biggest hazard so check the forecast before departing and go prepared. Watch out for Rafting company vans and cars coming down the Coronet Peak road - they speed down this winding hill so stay way over to your right on the down hill side of the road going up so your facing the traffic coming down. Cover yourself in sun block your high up and the Otago sun burns.
The Boatshed Cafe
Frankton boat ramp
The best location and food in Queenstown
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Dewar Devil Creek Loop
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JE
Also did this in reverse. Warm and windy day. Some really nice views to be had. Fun track, but a slog in some places. Any day in the hills is a good day, though adjacent Atley's track may offer a bit more oomph overall.
May 20, 2022
I did it in reverse after reading Scott‘s comment and having a quick look at the track and I second doing it reverse! The steep descent to Devils Creek is a bit savage but the climb up to Mount Dewar is great and probably quite runnable for a lot of the mountain goats on here. A great sub 3hr mission for a slower runner (like myself) and you really feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.
January 9, 2022
Good run with great views but you will need to earn them with the climb. In winter there is lots of frost, snow, and ice so take caution.
June 8, 2021
JO
Great run with a decent amount of vert for relatively short distance. Wonderful views and nice varied trail. Only slog is the road climb at the end.
March 28, 2021
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