12.8 miles
Distance
3,657 ft
Climb
-3,659 ft
Descent
4,328 ft
High Point

4-6 hours return. No chance of doing this one in winter due to snow

Stepping it up a gear the ride up to Coal Pit Saddle are for those that like long relentless climbs in the
granny gear. Starting in Gibbston cyclists climb up Coal Pit Saddle Rd for 5.5km as it turns from a gravel road to a rough 4WD drive track high above the Valley of the Vines.

Once at the saddle turn left to continue toward Ben Cruachan for a further 7.5 kilometres on a narrow single track over some large cliff areas or right for a 7.5 kilometre ride heading further up along the ridge line to Mt Rosa. The climb over Mt Rosa continues to be a strenuous climb - but the views and feeling of being so small in such a large environment are really worth it. A brake burning descent takes you over the back of the Nevis Bluff to State Highway 6 with a short 6km road ride back into Gibbston for a well earned glass of the regions famous wine.

Detailed Description
Coal Pit Saddle - Mt. Rosa Loop is a 13 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Queenstown. This mountain bike only route and has a hard overall physical rating. This route climbs 3,657 ft with a max elevation of 4,328 ft then descends -3,659 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (www.queenstownmtb.co.nz)
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1 Review & Comments

  • + 2
Bazzapnz (Oct 12, 2020 at 19:22)
This is best done on an ebike, though you will need to carry it over a few stiles. The downhills are brake-burners so be aware. The descent into Victoria Flat can get overgrown with rosehip but has recently been cleared (Oct 2020).
It is a worthwhile ride, for sure, if you have an ebike...
[Reply]





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Details

  • Riding area
    Gibbston
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Ridelogs
    4
More Stats for Coal Pit Saddle - Mt. Rosa Loop mountain bike route
  • Altitude change
    -1 ft
  • Altitude min
    1,008 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,194 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,194 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -83.9%
  • Grade min
    61%
  • Distance climb
    7 miles
  • Distance down
    5 miles
  • Distance flat
    4,383 ft
Avg: 3.5 (2 votes)
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  • Ideal
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  • By 1stWave & contributors
  • #3274 - 1,307 views