Routes
Huts / campsites
Roadends
Summits
Passes / crossings
Scenic features
Junctions
DOC Land
Altitude: 1301m to 2185m. Gain: 581m. Loss: 983m . Gradient: 9 deg
Skills: Prolonged scrambles (4/7) - Occasional rivers (3/6)
From the campsite, continue up the wide ridge to below pt 2101m, plenty of campsites at the 2100m level. To reach Mt Adams, continue over pt 2194m and along the ridge to Mt Adams. Some scrambling is required and depending on time of year, ice axe & crampons are needed.
To descend to Escape Col, traverse under pt 2101m until a wide gully is reached just before the ridge above the Escape Glacier. This gully descends all the way to easier ground at around 1900m. Traverse out at an appropriate point and head across and up to Escape Col.
After Escape Col, the ridge is flat and easy walking to pt 1951m. After this, the ridge gets narrower and finally there is a very steep 60m at about 1900m as shown on the map. It is necessary to scout about to find the best way down. We took a very steep gravel/rocky slope where we could see it didn't end in a bluff. It was facing in the whole way and extreme care was needed. A rope would be smart.
After this, it is easy travel to pt 1824m. There are probably numerous routes down to the Dale Creek flats. We took the gully draining pt 1809m.
After crossing the flats, take the faint saddle to the west branch of the Dale Creek. Follow the gorge until it becomes untenable and tussock slopes can be traversed out of the gorge. Cross tussock slopes and basins to reach the numerous tarns and campspots around 1450m.