70% Single Track
18% Gravel Road
12% Sealed Road
A good, long, mainly single track ride with several river crossings and no major hill climbs. The trail traverses along the bottom of the Ben Ohau Range.
Description
To get to the start just head out of Twizel along Glen Lyon Road, and just after you cross the canal there is a large layby and DOC sign on the right. The start of the track meanders next to the river along single track. After about 7km you cross Fraser Stream and steadily follow the left bank for a couple of kms. The track then recrosses the stream and climbs up to a picnic bench and viewpoint. If it wasn’t for the sand flies it would be a nice place to stop!
The trail now traverse the foot of the hills for around 4km before turning back towards the road along the side of Gladstone Stream. After 3kms you reach the main river crossing, Twizel River, near some old huts. This crossing can be a quite deep and fast flowing after heavy rain, care is needed. The remaining part of the trail heads south east before turning east to go through a small working forest. As you come out of the forest you reach a car park at the other end of the trail. A gravel road then leads you to the main road. To complete the loop turn right on the main road, right again towards Twizel, then right along Rhoboro Downs road or the road on along the canal.
Variations
This route can easily be extended by a detour to Baikie Hut. This can be reached by turning north at Gladstone Stream or just after crossing Twizel River. This loops adds about another 12kms.