Challenging

Gillespie Pass Circuit

Alpine tramping loop with big views and serious river decisions

Distance34.8 mi

Typical time21 hr

DifficultyChallenging

PetsNot allowed

Overview

A serious backcountry classic in Mount Aspiring National Park, this 56 km loop strings together the Young, Siberia, and Wilkin valleys with one big alpine crossing over 1,600 m Gillespie Pass. Expect braided rivers, tussock basins, rugged peaks (keep an eye out for Mount Awful), and real commitment. Most parties take 3–4 days. This is a total loop distance, not counting side trips.

Route at a Glance

You can walk it clockwise or anti‑clockwise. A common flow is Makarora → Young Hut (about 20 km, 6–7 hr), Young Hut → Siberia Hut over Gillespie Pass (12 km, 6–8 hr), then Siberia Hut → Kerin Forks → Makarora (22 km, 7–8 hr). From Siberia, the optional Lake Crucible side trip is a stellar add‑on: a steep climb to a high basin where the lake can be dotted with floating ice in season. The descent off the pass is steep and slippery when wet.

Huts and Camping

Young Hut sleeps about 20 and is first‑come, first‑served; camping is not allowed around it. Siberia Hut is also roughly 20 bunks and requires bookings in the summer season (December 1–April 30). Young Forks offers a basic campsite (shelter and toilet). Carry a tent—rivers and full huts can force changes. Camping is not allowed in Crucible Basin due to fragile alpine herb fields.

Best Time to Hike

Best tackled December–April when daylight is long and snow/ice are less likely. From May–November, avalanche terrain exists on the pass and on the Crucible side trip. Weather flips fast year‑round—whiteouts and hypothermia are realistic even in summer—so aim for stable forecasts and start early on the pass day for firm snowgrass and better light.

Logistics and Transport

Access is near Makarora on SH6. Park at the hikers’ car park, then road‑walk roughly 2.5 km north to the Young Valley access. The first big decision is the Makarora River: if it’s high, use the Young River Link Track swing bridge to reach the Young or pre‑arrange a jet boat. Many trampers also book a jet boat pickup from Kerin Forks to skip the long Wilkin flats back. There’s no visitor centre in Makarora—sort bookings and info with the nearest visitor centres before you go.

Safety Essentials

This circuit is for experienced trampers with strong river‑crossing skills. The Makarora and Wilkin can be uncrossable after rain and have been fatal; they may look deceptively friendly when they’re not. A natural dam in the Young North Branch can cause rapid rises—avoid the Young during or just after heavy rain and move to higher ground if levels climb. Expect slips, steep ground, and a tiny creek near Siberia that can become uncrossable after rain. Check weather, avalanche advisories (in season), recent track notes, and carry warm waterproof layers, navigation, spare food, and a PLB. Dogs are not allowed in the national park.

Pros

Young River Link Track swing bridge can bypass the riskiest Makarora crossing.
Jet boat exit from Kerin Forks trims the dullest end miles.
Lake Crucible side trip to a high basin that sometimes holds floating ice.

Cons

Unbridged rivers can become impassable for days and have a history of fatalities.
Siberia Hut requires summer bookings and there’s no camping around Young Hut—carry a tent as backup.
No visitor centre in Makarora, so logistics and transport must be pre‑arranged.

Parking

Park at the Makarora hikers’ car park on SH6; road‑walk about 2.5 km north to the Young Valley access, or arrange jet boat access to the Young or Wilkin confluences.

Caution

Multiple serious unbridged river crossings (Makarora, Wilkin); natural dam hazard in the Young North Branch; avalanche risk May–November; rapidly changing alpine weather with potential whiteouts; slips and very steep, slippery sections near the pass; a creek just before Siberia Hut can become uncrossable after rain. No public access along the true right of the Makarora between the Wilkin and Young confluences.