Mystery Lake Loop

Park down by the lake front at the Lake Clearwater huts. Heading off clockwise around the lake the trail quickly turns to flat single-track following the lake shore through thickets of matagouri. After crossing a wooden bridge across the wetland at the western end of the lake the track leaves the water and begins an undulating run along old 4x4 tracks towards the confluence of the Potts River and the Rangitata. On a clear day there are spectacular views from here to the snow-covered mountains at the head of the Rangitata.

Just before the Potts River, the track turns north and begins to climb up towards the top of the range. Starting gently at first, but becoming steeper towards the top, the track continues along 4x4 track which is quickly reverting to single track without farm machinery keeping it open. The horizontal lines running across the slope parallel to the ridge are a legacy of when the whole valley was filled with glacier.

Just before the top of the ridge the track turns back west and a short, flat run brings you to Mystery Lake itself, hidden in a deep, unexpected little valley. From here the track follows the lake shore around and drops off down the far side through a series of roche mountonnees, another sign of the past glaciation. It's a relatively quick trip from here back down the slope to Lake Clearwater. When you hit the lake head left to complete the circuit via a well-worn four wheel drive track back to the huts.