Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mt Guy
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 62 ?
9.6km
670m
670m
1319m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 62 ?
9.6km
670m
670m
1319m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Mountainous
Lakeside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.5%
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3:15
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:45
Fast
Mt Guy is a prominent peak from Lake Clearwater Huts, and its almost impossible for a trail bagger of any sort to turn up the chance to check out the view on top of this one.
Park up in the village and head down to the shoreline of Lake Clearwater to pick up the trailhead. The first couple of kms is nice 4WD trail around the lake, crossing Lambies Stream outlet. Then the climb proper begins, steady to start but it gets steeper and steeper and gnarlier as you climb.
As you climb the views become more and more expansive, up into the headwaters of the Rangitata - famous High Country Station Country. Mesopotamia, Erewhon, its all up here, with Mt D'Archiac and the Main Divide to Mt Cook on full display if the weather plays its part. Lord of the Rings country for those that way inclined, you can see why this countryside filled in for Rohan in the films.
Eventually after an hour or so of serious uphill grunt things start to level out and you'll find the massive summit cairn on a wide and comparatively flat summit.
Two options for the return, retrace your steps - or else head west along the summit and descend the ridgeline to hook up with part of the Te Araora Trail which passes to the western flank of Mt Guy.
Not a long day, but certainly a steep one and if its hot, a refreshing dip in Lake Clearwater will invigorate the most hard core of us!
This trail includes the peak Mount Guy.
The Ashburton Lakes, as they are known locally
Wetlands
Retired Pastoral leasehold
Great views
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.
Access Lake Clearwater Huts from Mt Somers Village about 45 mins up the Hakatere Mt Potts Road
33 km
34 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Take a map. Route is well poled by DOC but weather changes can be swift and fog you out swiftly
Non-existent.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters
BYO. Village is on tanks
Snow in winter. High country travel even at the foot of the hill, so prepare for any eventuality- pack wisely and know the forecast
Rapid weather changes.
Mayfield Panthers Rock
Mayfield
https://www.facebook.com/panthersrockmayfield/
Nice small town bar with a solid menu for the way home
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Guy
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Another honest uphill push with enough technical downhill to really wake up the legs. Completed on a very crisp day, but I had no trouble keeping warm!
July 23, 2023
Nice little run with stunning view over Ashburton Lakes. Like Alice - we had fog at the top so no view, but loved the moody atmosphere and caught the views on the way down. Would go again :)
April 25, 2022
I really feel like I was robbed.... couldn't see a thing. Might have to do it with Mystery Lake next time ... and hopefully a view! Good fun though!!!
September 20, 2021
A really cool trail. Easy running to begin as you go along a 4WD track and then comes the long grunty up! Great views at the top - stunning!
April 20, 2021
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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