Aspiring Hut to Cascade Saddle
Track category
Tramping track
Route
Time:
4 - 5 hr
Distance:
6 km
Description
The track starts immediately behind Aspiring Hut and climbs steadily on a well graded track through mixed beech forest.
Above the bush the track becomes a route and is marked with orange poles and follows a steep snowgrass and tussock ridge, with a few rocky outcrops and ledges to negotiate. The route is never more than 100 metres from the left of the spur until, near the summit, it swings well to the left over easy slopes before veering right again.
It reaches the pylon at the top of the ridge (1835 metres), via a steep and narrow gut. After the pylon, follow the poles down to Cascade Creek, cross it and follow the easy slopes and flats leading to Cascade Saddle (1524 metres). The track to the Dart and Rees Valleys veers off to the left, just before the saddle.
Getting there
To get to Aspiring Hut follow the West Matukituki Track.
Plan and prepare
Cascade Saddle is an alpine crossing; not to be attempted in adverse weather. Steep snowgrass slopes can be treacherous and slippery when wet or covered with fresh snow that can fall in summer.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
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