Last Updated: 31st Mar 2024
Omarama Saddle (Broken Hut Road Entry)
Last Updated: 31st Mar 2024
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 14 ?
21.6km
1140m
1140m
1730m
Last Updated: 31st Mar 2024
Last Updated: 31st Mar 2024
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 14 ?
21.6km
1140m
1140m
1730m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.2%
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4:00
Slow
3:15
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Easy to follow, this was mapped heading right from the carpark and along the 4wd track, many stream crossings (most could jump without getting wet). It follows the valley before the climb up towards Top Hut. At Omarama saddle turn left on Saddle Ridge Track and climb to the main ridge. Follow the track along the ridge in a NE direction. Beautiful views along the top. Again at the DOC sign turn left down the hill to the carpark. A lot of climbing but never really really steep. I mapped this with a lot of snow on the ground so very slow time - I would expect much quicker on dry ground.
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Plenty of parking - it is a bit remote
16 km
25 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
There are a few farm roads that come off this - the rule is to remember to just keep going up until you find the doc sign (about 9.5km from the start) and when going over the saddle you are mostly following the fenceline, so dont stray too far from this - use the most obvious farm track
Non-existent.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters
Plenty of streams - not sure of the quality but all looked crystal clear and not much sign of stock further up so I would drink from them if necessary
Heavy snow in winter - can get very cold up the top, compulsory gear is a must
A few spaniards (spear grass), and as always be aware of stock
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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LM
Amazing views all the way. We had two horse riders with us and had to go really slow over the icy snow up the top but still very enjoyable. It was calm in the valley that day but freezing gale force winds up the top so make sure you take the right cloths with you! Highly recommend this run!
September 15, 2020
I have run this a number of times and prefer the opposite direction to the one described but it is good both ways. It is fun in the dry or with snow but is very exposed both to the wind and the sun so take the necessary precautions, no drinkable water on the trail.
March 22, 2020
DB
Awesome high country run. Lots of climbing, stunning views both sides of the Hawkdun Ranges.
December 30, 2018
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