Gillespie Pass Circuit

This is an excellent 58km, 3 – 4 day circuit, with spectacular mountain scenery, alpine vegetation and river valleys filled with native beech forest. It is not suitable in winter, and at all other times only to be undertaken by experienced hikers. This circuit can be walked in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Parties with river crossing experience may wish to cross the Makarora River, otherwise jet boat transport is available to cross the Makarora River into either the Young or Wilkin valleys. In addition, the new Blue-Young Link Track offers a swing-bridge crossing of the Makarora River and access to the Young Valley. A full-day side trip to Crucible Lake is exceptional.

• Time: 3 – 4 days
• Distance: 58 km
• Grade: Good fitness is required. Moderate to high level backcountry skills.

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