Date: December 31, 2024
Location: The Remarkables, Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
Total Trip Distance: 4.88 mi / 7.85 km
Total Elevation Gain: 2,395 ft / 730 m
Trip Duration: 3 hours 36 min
Team: Solo
Field Notes: A straightforward route with easy access from Wye Saddle. The upper sections offer fun scrambling on good rock. The South East gully provides an easy descent with bolted anchors for rappelling
Rating: II, 2
I woke up to beautiful weather in Queenstown and wanted to get into the hills. The Remarkables offer quick and easy access to alpine terrain and I had always wanted to do the scramble up the North East Ridge of Single Cone.
I finished work early, loaded up my climbing gear, and drove the long and windy road to Remarkables ski field. While the weather in town was sunny and warm, at 1800 meters it was cool, windy, and cloudy. I threw an extra layer into my bag and set off.
Summer access to Wye Saddle is super fast. I followed the established trail and within an hour I was at the base of the North East Ridge. The upper sections looked pretty steep and I was curious at their difficulty. The guidebook says, "the upper rock steps are steeper than they look."
If I were to rewrite the description, I might write, "The upper rock steps are easier than they look." I found the scrambling moderate, with great holds on solid rock. It was super refreshing to go on a climb where choss and scree were not constantly being dislodged from the mountain.
At the summit, clouds circled in, obstructing my view. Fortunately, Henry and I had stood on this summit before when we had done a winter climb of the Grand Traverse in clear weather.
I didn't stay on top for long and headed over to the South East gully for my descent. I inspected the rappel station, fixed my Petzl Rad Line to it, and rappelled down. With just two rappels I was back on solid ground and was able to quickly make my way back to the car.
Only three and a half hours round trip car to car while not rushing in the slightest. This is an excellent half-day out on fun rock!
Happy days...
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