An initial gentle walk soon gives way to a steep climb that gains 400 m of elevation. The track ends at the conservation area boundary, at around 800 m above sea level.

To access the car park, turn left at the end of Rock Road, off Gladbrook Road, near Middlemarch.

Weather: The Rock and Pillar Conservation Area is very exposed and subject to extreme temperatures – hot and dry in summer, freezing cold and covered in snow in winter.

Avalanches: Avalanche terrain is classified as 'simple' at the northern end of the Rock and Pillar Range and on the tops, and 'complex' on the eastern faces. If you plan to be in this area in winter or spring be avalanche alert.