Marchant Ridge - Alpha Hut return in Pakuratahi, New Zealand

Distance

20.48

miles

Run

CLIMB
3,431.76 ft

Marchant Ridge - Alpha Hut return

Begins in:: Pakuratahi, New Zealand
Created By:: anbic
Description:: Mostly a rough, tree rooty, hard to run tramping track. Start from the Marchant Rd end. Run up the wide track for a bit over 1km to the Dobson loop/Marchant ridge track heading up to the left (sign posted). Follow this as it climbs about 100m over the next K. It levels out around 500m and slowly climbs to 600m over the next 3K or so. Ignore the track off to the right (to Smith creek) and climb 300m over the next 1.5-2K to Marchant ridge (a bit over 900m and around 6.5K from start). The track is in the open for the first K or so then you're under the canopy and contending with tree roots and mud. The track follows the ridge for around 7.5K to Omega, undulating mainly between 950-1050m but occasionally dipping lower. You know you're getting somewhere when you see the Block XVI track dropping to the right (beside a fallen tree), about 2K later the track to Tutuwai Hut drops to the right. At this point you are on Omega at 1118m; the track drops and you come out from the canopy. You've come about 14K with 2.5 to go and are about the same elevation as Alpha Hut. Ignore the track to Bull Mound on your right and follow the track as it turns West and drops 100m to Hells Gate then grinds up 180m then drops 100m before leveling off as you come up to Alpha hut. Have a rest, refill your water bottles, put a note in the hut log book and head back the way you came. Notes: I haven't done much mountain running - it took me 3:20 up and 3:40 back on a sunny day (the DoC sign said a 5hr tramp one way). I took 3x750ml water bottles and needed most of it on the way in. There's only bog water on the ridge so if you think you migh turn back before the hut then take that into account. The terrain is tough and my running shoes were a bit light weight. It can get boggy. I had cell phone coverage at the hut and en route (although I wasn't paying particular attention). Although it's a day trip usual common sense applies: note your intentions; go with someone; take appropriate clothing and emergency gear and note your movements in the hut log book etc etc.
Starts From:: trailhead
Tags:: For Workout Hard Difficulty Rural Area Scenic Surroundings Trail Surface Very Rough Terrain Very Steep Contour
Type:: Run / Jog Run / Jog Run / Jog

Start/End Points	Length	Start/End Elevation	Avg Grade
0.00 mi/4.83 mi	4.83 mi	1134 ft/3315 ft	8.6%
6.69 mi/9.49 mi	2.80 mi	2853 ft/3537 ft	4.6%
10.56 mi/11.00 mi	0.44 mi	3564 ft/3647 ft	3.5%
14.30 mi/15.67 mi	1.37 mi	2984 ft/3315 ft	4.6%

Rating

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