Mt Cloudsley – Mt Enys (2194 m) traverse: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

An unmarked route along the Craigieburn Range from Mt Cloudsley to Mt Enys, suitable only for fit, experienced and well-prepared trampers.

This DOC directory entry covers Mt Cloudsley – Mt Enys (2194 m) traverse in Canterbury, within Craigieburn Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 3.3 km one way
• Walking time: 1 hr
• DOC grade: Expert

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Mt Enys is the highest point in the Craigieburn Range. There is an unmarked route from Mt Cloudsley to the Mt Enys Summit.

It is very important to only attempt this unmarked route in good weather and visibility. This area is extremely hazardous in wet, windy or low visibility conditions.

The area around Mt Enys can have extreme avalanche danger in winter conditions, irrespective of the general avalanche rating for the area. We strongly advise that you do not attempt this trip if there is snow present.

The route is not a DOC track and DOC does not maintain it or manage hazards. Only attempt this trip if you are a confident, fit, experienced backcountry alpine tramper, with good gear and in favourable conditions.

From Mt Cloudsley (2107 m), descend southwards, staying on the broad open ridgeline. Ascend from the saddle to the 2089 m point. Keeping the summit of Mt Enys in sight, descend the narrow joining ridge into another saddle 100 m lower.

The final ascent on the Mt Enys is made up a steep, winding ridge to the summit. From the summit you can see the entire Craigieburn Range, with views into the Arrowsmith Ranges in the south. Return the same way.

Note: It can be tempting to return via Carn Brea (2090 m) and Dead Man Spur. While this is possible, it is important to note that a return trip to Castle Hill Village needs to go over Leith Hill, staying above 1100 m to avoid the private farmland of Castle Hill Station.

Getting there

This unmarked route begins at Mt Cloudsey.

Know before you go

This is a challenging trip, make sure you have the skills and experience for it

This trip is best suited to fit, well-prepared and experienced backcountry alpine trampers.

There is extreme avalanche danger on this route

The area around Mt Enys can have extreme avalanche danger in winter conditions, irrespective of the general avalanche rating for the area.

We strongly advise that you do not attempt this trip if there is snow present.

NZ Avalanche Advisory for Craigieburn Range.

Only attempt this trip when there is good visibility

Fog/mist/cloud will make it very difficult to find the route and navigate your way along to Mt Enys. It is easy to get lost there in low visibility conditions.

Be ready for alpine weather

This is an alpine area and people should be prepared for extremes of weather. Always check the forecast before you go. Weather forecasts for Mt Cheeseman and Canterbury High Country

Carry warm layers, a waterproof raincoat and sun protection. Find packing lists here.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.