Sunset Saddle Route

Sunset Saddle Route is a one-way alpine crossing from Angelus Hut to Hopeless Hut, about 6 km (3.7 mi) and usually 3–4 hours. It climbs from Lake Angelus over Sunset Saddle, then drops into the upper Hopeless Valley. This is an unmarked mountain route, not a maintained track: it suits experienced trampers who can navigate when the tread disappears. The distance describes the hut-to-hut crossing alone; adding Mt Angelus is a separate side trip.

From Angelus Hut, the route descends around the outlet of Hinapouri Tarn, then climbs into the basin before turning toward the saddle. Sunset Saddle sits at roughly 1,890 m, above Angelus Hut at 1,650 m. The approach crosses open alpine ground, and the way can be hard to pick out in poor visibility. In clear weather, the saddle opens a broad view down into Hopeless Valley; take that in before committing to the descent.

From the saddle, follow the true left side of Hopeless Creek through boulders and lingering snow patches. At the main tarn, cross to the true right and traverse a steep scree slope around a waterfall. This is the route’s trickiest section: keep to the described line rather than dropping straight down beside the falls. Once past the scree, the valley floor makes for easier travel to Hopeless Hut, at about 1,030 m.

There is no continuous marked path, and a short, mapped route is no measure of how demanding the terrain feels. Snow and ice can linger, streams must be crossed, and the alpine weather can change quickly enough to erase landmarks. Conditions are particularly serious through the winter and spring snow season; this is not a route to attempt in a whiteout or when snow and avalanche risk make the valley unsafe. Hopeless Hut lies below an avalanche path: avoid staying there during winter storms or when snow reaches the valley floor.

Neither hut is road-accessible. Reach Angelus Hut on a separate backcountry route and plan the onward exit from remote Hopeless Hut before setting out; this is not a road-to-road day hike. Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted in the park. Hopeless Hut has six bunks. Members of the New Zealand Alpine Club built it, and Sir Edmund Hillary opened it on 23 December 1967.