2.8 miles
Distance
537 ft
Climb
-542 ft
Descent
3,031 ft
High Point
-6 ft
Altitude change
2,531 ft
Altitude min
2,536 ft
Altitude start
2,530 ft
Altitude end
-71.6%
Grade max
24.4%
Grade min
1 mile
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
751 ft
Distance flat

Enjoyable short loop through Thomas Bush beech forest, with expansive views at the top from Long Spur over the Castle Hill Basin. Easy uphill riding, with well-graded, reasonable-radius switchbacks.

Detailed Description
Hogs Back Short Loop is a 3 mile popular intermediate route located near Castle Hill. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 2 trails. This route climbs 537 ft with a max elevation of 3,031 ft then descends -542 ft.
Tags
Route Supporters

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Craigieburn Trails (www.craigieburntrails.org.nz)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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Stats

  • Distance
    3 miles
  • Avg time
    34 min 58 sec
  • Altitude min
    2,531 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,536 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,530 ft
  • Climb
    537 ft
  • Descent
    -542 ft
  • Grade max
    -71.6%
  • Grade min
    24.4%
  • Distance climb
    1 mile
  • Distance down
    1 mile
  • Distance flat
    751 ft

3 Reviews & Comments


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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Activity Logs
    27
Avg: 5 (1 votes)
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Trail transparency
  • Singletrack

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Hogs Back - Uphill
Nov 10, 2026 @ 11:20am (Pacific/Auckland)
Nov 9, 2026
Hedge trimming. Upper old forestry road and lightning tree- long creek. 4 hours.
Hogs Back - Thomas Bush Downhill
Oct 9, 2026 @ 1:06pm (Pacific/Auckland)
Oct 8, 2026
Open for Spring 2026 - may close again depending on spring storm(s) reporter
more reports »
  • By conorboydTF Pro CT & contributors
  • #6744 - 1,210 views

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