THE OLD GHOST ROAD Trail
Mountain biker, Anka Martin, on Old Ghost Road Trail © Sven Martin
TRAIL INFO
GREAT RIDE • THE OLD GHOST ROAD TRAIL
2-4 Days 85km
TRAIL GRADE: LYELL CAR PARK TO LYELL SADDLE HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) LYELL SADDLE HUT TO GHOST LAKE HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) GHOST LAKE HUT TO STERN VALLEY HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED), with some GRADE 5 (EXPERT) sections of the trail
BEST FOR: The courageous. This is one demanding but life-affirming adventure.
LYELL to SEDDONVILLE 2-4 days
85km
With ridgelines barely wider than your wheels, Grade 4 terrain and place names such as Suicide Slips – you’ll want to put your brave pants on!
A
world-class trail that requires some world-class mountain biking skills, or at the very minimum, plenty of experience, this former 19th century gold miners’ road between Lyell and Seddonville has been transformed into a demanding 85km course. Skimming one of the most remote, untouched areas of Aotearoa, the
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track often hinges precariously on the mountainside or tumbles down sheer-sided valleys cloaked in vegetation. Your reward for negotiating such a terrain is a series of trail huts in spectacular locations. Days are undoubtedly taxing, although it is possible to do an ‘in-and-out’ overnight ride from either end of the trail, or embark on a single day ride by including
a heli-trip. For those putting in the hard graft, you’ll discover gold-rush relics and debris left by sizeable earthquakes, including two colossal land slips. There’s also the ominous-sounding Boneyard – a field of shattered rocks scattered by seismic forces. Other highlights include emerging above the bush line to greet astounding views, the lofty face of Mt Montgomery – a highpoint of 1280m – and the profoundly beautiful Skyline Ridge. With sheer drops that will leave you delirious, the track eventually (and mercifully) merges into Skyline Steps, where you can dismount to carry your bike. Not much further and you’re on the home run. TOP TIP – Well-facilitated huts are all set in spectacular locations and many have bike tools, gas cookers, crockery and pots.
STERN VALLEY HUT TO GOAT CREEK HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) GOAT CREEK HUT TO SPECIMEN POINT HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) SPECIMEN POINT HUT TO NORTHERN TRAILHEAD GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: There is no cellphone coverage other than some patchy spots between Lyell and Ghost Lake. DRINKING WATER: Water is available at the huts as well as various streams. BE PREPARED: The Old Ghost Road Trail is a remote wilderness experience and you will need to plan and prepare thoroughly to get the most out of your ride. There are no towns or shops along the trail so you will need to take all necessary provisions, including a first aid kit and an emergency communication device. TYPE OF BIKE: A ship-shape mountain bike is absolutely essential, as are tools and good mechanical skills. In accordance with Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails Trail policy, e-bikes are not recommended on trails graded 4 and above. Responsibility for e-bike use remains with the individual rider. GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) GRADE 5 (EXPERT)
