Last Updated: 27th May 2025
Alex Knob
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Last Updated: 27th May 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 32 ?
Gnarl Factor: 54 ?
15.0km
1100m
1100m
1303m
Last Updated: 27th May 2025
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Last Updated: 27th May 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 32 ?
Gnarl Factor: 54 ?
15.0km
1100m
1100m
1303m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.2%
VIP Feature: Send this route to your Garmin account so you can follow the course on your Garmin device.
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
5:00
Slow
3:45
Moderate
2.30
Fast
Very easy run to follow (just not to run) - from the carpark follow the signs. After about 1.5km of 'tourist footpath' you will see the sign pointing left to Alex Knob. Take this and start to climb. Reasonably well groomed at first, but climbing it soon gets more technical and from there to the top is a real mix.
There are two viewpoints of the Glacier on the way up... the Rata and the Christmas... take the time and get some shots if it's clear, because it can change quickly and not be there when you get back. As you near the top you will think you see the Knob, however there are several 'false Knobs' before you actually reach the top.
Have a breath, take pics if its clear and head back the way you came.
This trail includes the peak Alex Knob .
Two of the best views you can hope to get of Franz Josef Glacier. If you get a clear day on top, you may even get the very best!
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.
There is carpark for about 8 vehicles although it is often full, just up or down the road there are other places to park your vehicle off the road.
1 km
2 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Very patchy.
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, Map
Surprisingly for the area, there is no water other than a couple of small tarns where the water has been standing for probably too long to drink.
This route can have snow and ice in winter, so if you are attempting it then, make sure you have a full set of gear, microspikes, and all the safety gear and clothing. There are also a couple of boggy areas that could become tougher in winter.
Quite a few rocks to manouvre over, so be careful if wet.
Trail Legend
Login as a VIP to become a Trail Legend. Learn about Trail Legends.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Alex Knob
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
Did this over Easter weekend 2022. bout 3 hours all up. great weather greater views
October 20, 2022
I really enjoyed doing this one. Yep, it's not really a run going up. But I wasn't feeling that keen on running this particular morning and so I enjoyed the hike up. The forest has a beautiful magical quality to it. And then at the top I got some amazing views of the glacier as luckily it was pretty clear.
There wasn't running for me when I started going downhill either, but after the really rocky technical and steep parts were done I was able to have a fun speedy run down the rest of the track.
January 26, 2022
What a great run! Amazing views of Franz Josef glacier and all the way out to the coast (if you get a clear day like I did!) The terrain is definitely gnarly to run in parts - you probably won’t be making any speed records here, but you’ll certainly be having a great time!
April 9, 2021
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
