Cascade Saddle Track Explained
The Cascade Saddle Track, also known as the Cascade Saddle Route, is a 25abbr=onNaNabbr=on alpine tramping track in the Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand that takes approximately four days to complete. It is known for its "spectacular" views but is considered an expert-level track due to the hazardous conditions.
Description
The route is typically undertaken from east to west and links the Matukituki Valley with the Dart River valley. The start of the track is accessed from Wānaka and the end of the track links with the Rees and Dart Tracks, with the exit towards Queenstown. Accommodations are available along the route in the Aspiring Hut and in the Dart Hut. There is a steep scrambling climb from Aspiring Hut towards the Cascade Saddle itself, reaching a maximum elevation of 1835m (6,020feet). The views of Matukituki Valley from the saddle have been reported as "spectacular".[1] The route then follows the left bank of the Dart River and includes views of the Dart Glacier.
The tramping route has been highlighted as one of the most dangerous, both in New Zealand and worldwide, due to the hazardous alpine nature of the track. The route is maintained by the Department of Conservation, who recommend it is best attempted by experienced trampers.[2] [3] [4] [5] A 2014 proposal to install safety rails was not adopted, partly so as not to encourage attempts by less-experienced hikers.
Incidents
In 2012, a senior software engineer employed by Google, Frank Spychalski, died on the Cascade Saddle route after falling 200m (700feet).[6] There have been a number of other fatalities reported, with at least 10 lives lost over several decades.[7] [8]
References
-44.4778°N 168.6606°W
Notes and References
- Web site: Cascade Saddle, Mt Aspiring National Park . Wilderness Mag . 21 December 2023 . 26 September 2021 . 21 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220521082741/https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/trip/cascade-saddle-mt-aspiring-national-park/ . live .
- Web site: Cascade Saddle Route . . 20 December 2023 . 3 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230603045744/https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/mount-aspiring-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/cascade-saddle-route/ . live .
- News: Minihane . Joe . 11 of the world's most dangerous hiking trails . 21 December 2023 . . 16 July 2022 . 18 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230718123339/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/world-dangerous-hiking-trails-cmd/index.html . live .
- Web site: Deguara . Brittney . The most dangerous and deadly places to tramp in New Zealand . . 20 December 2023 . 12 January 2020 . 7 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221207022814/https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/118176741/the-most-dangerous-and-deadly-places-to-tramp-in-new-zealand . live .
- Web site: Deb . Soham . 10 Of The World's Most Dangerous Hiking Trails . Outlook India . 20 December 2023 . 30 December 2022 . 20 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231220122419/https://www.outlookindia.com/travel/10-of-the-world-s-most-dangerous-hiking-trails-news-198233 . live .
- News: Roxburgh . Tracey . Coroner raises questions on safety of Cascade Saddle . 20 December 2023 . . 8 August 2013 . 23 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231023095700/https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown-lakes/coroner-raises-questions-safety-cascade-saddle . live .
- News: Ibbotson . Lucy . 3 April 2014 . Deadly alpine track unlikely to get safety structures . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231221004800/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/deadly-alpine-track-unlikely-to-get-safety-structures/ANOLOCMLF7CWVCUSZUXD7NDJCI/ . 21 December 2023 . 20 December 2023 . NZ Herald.
- News: Price . Mark . Cascade crossing may be made safer . 20 December 2023 . . 2 April 2014 . 1 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180701033332/https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/cascade-crossing-may-be-made-safer . live .
