Last Updated: 11th Mar 2024

Intermediate

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Mount Fox Route

Fox Glacier, West Coast

Submitted by Isaac Walker

Last Updated: 11th Mar 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 32 ?

Gnarl Factor: 98 ?

8.0km

1200m

1205m

1345m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Mountainous

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

10%
90%

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +34.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -34.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:00

Fast

From the trail head basically follow the DOC orange triangle markers and then the blue/orange poles above the treeline. This is a tough, very steep trail and it pays to keep an eye on the markers throughout the entire route - especially in the dark or bad conditions. The track starts off relatively easy but then quickly climbs up very sharply. The majority of the trail is under a tree canopy and has a lot of slippery rocks and hundreds of tree roots to conquer. There are very steep sections which require plenty of scrambling and some actual climbing skills up old creek beds and tree root systems. If it is or has been raining (quite likely on the west coast) then chances are these tree roots will be very slippery and there will be large bog/mud patches. Just keep an eye on the markers and you will be fine.

At around the 3km mark you will start to climb out the treeline and through an alpine tussock area. You will pass a trig point at 1021m to further climb to higher alpine tussock grassland with scattered small tarns. The summit is at 1345m in this flatter grassland area where the Doc sign is. If it is clear you will apparently get amazing views down onto Fox Glacier and the surrounding Southern Alps. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and snow storms. And be careful on the return route as the tree roots can be treacherous.

This trail includes the peak Mount Fox.

Brilliant views of Fox Glacier and Southern Alps on a clear day.

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.

Small carpark directly across road from start of track. Parking for at least 5 cars.

3 km

5 minutes

Unknown

No

Hard.

Follow the markers!!! If in doubt back-track and look for the markers again. There is no mistakes on this route.

Very patchy.

Waterproof leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters

No water available - carry all water.

Very, very muddy and slippery after rain. In winter the route may become impassable due to snow and storms.

Slippery roots, slippery moss covered rocks, shin-deep mud, very uneven ground, tussock covered tracks.

Trail Legend

HF

Henry Frakes

has completed Mount Fox Route once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

The easiest 5 star rating ever! Very steep and technical, it’s a solid grunt but the reward is more than worth it. The route is in very good condition (June 2023), someone has been though and done a great job clearing the track.

Tom Brennan

June 17, 2023

Realistically this is more of a walk/scramble than a run. Views on a clear day are phenomenal. The summit is now marked. Marking of the poled route above the bush line has been improved however it is still possible to become disoriented in cloud/poor visibility.

Owen Kilgour

November 17, 2020

If running in summer, leave as early as you can. The clouds can build up along the top during day, and ruin the view. The earlier you leave the less chance of being clouded out.

Timothy Hargrave

December 1, 2017

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