Last Updated: 7th Jun 2024
Mt Sunday - Mt Riley Loop
Submitted by Ian Buunk
Last Updated: 7th Jun 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 45 ?
Gnarl Factor: 74 ?
17.0km
1660m
1660m
1311m
Last Updated: 7th Jun 2024
Submitted by Ian Buunk
Last Updated: 7th Jun 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 45 ?
Gnarl Factor: 74 ?
17.0km
1660m
1660m
1311m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
With permit
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +22.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -22.9%
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6:00
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:00
Fast
Follow the track from the carpark. At the large sign turn left to climb Mt Sunday (there is no real reason not to do it in the other direction). Follow the triangles through the forest as you climb, this section is more of a hike than a run. As you near the summit of Mt Sunday you will encounter several false summits which involve rock scrambling.
Descend to Sunday Bivouac (a good place to fill your water or have a snack). Easier travel along the ridge to Mt Riley. Descend through some rocks and then onto the track in the forest. Follow orange triangles until you get to the stream. Cross the stream and follow the track to your car.
This trail includes the peaks Mount Sunday and Mount Riley.
On the ridge shortly after Mt Sunday is a 2 person Bivvy/Hut.
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.
Gravel Road, Plenty of Parking, No Public Transport
29 km
29 minutes
With Permit
No
Hard.
There are a lot of animal tracks in the area, make sure you follow the orange triangles. SAR have rescued several people from this area
Patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Compass, Map
There is very little water on the route. There is a water barrel about 5km in which may have water of questionable quality. The water at the hut is from the roof and seems good. Near the end you cross a nice stream.
The tops are exposed to the wind and get snow in winter, expect it to be hot in summer. These are mountains.
Roadhouse Cafe
Renwick
Its close and has good food
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Sunday - Mt Riley Loop
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I have done this a couple of times now. It is slow going for sure but well worth it. The last 5 km drive from Davies Road is super slow and I would only attempt in a 4WD, it is a super narrow gravel road and also includes a river crossing. Keep going though you cant miss the carpark even if it feels like you have. The track is brilliantly marked but it is easy to go off track. My advice would be if you havent seen the next orange triangle for 30 seconds track back. You can almost always see the next one from the last and this is a pretty serious track to get lost on.
June 9
Glad access to a favourite slog has finally been restored, and DOC have helpfully refreshed the track marking:) Glorious views and forest, but it's a mint weather route only, as foot placement is critical on parts of the Mt Sunday ascent, and safety trumps speed for the entirety of this technical track. Note for the low kms, DOC estimate 8-10hrs if walking- which reflects the gnarl factor!
January 8, 2024
SB
Not much running to be done. I would recommend a clockwise approach otherwise the descent from Mt. Sunday would be dreadful on the knees. Quick mind you, if you could stay on your feet.
January 3, 2021
CK
Awesome trail with fun open forest to climb/descend though. View at the top are definitely worth the effort of getting up there. Even managed to spook a handful of goats
December 5, 2020
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