Opal Ridge 317268 Off-Trail hike on 21-Oct-2026

We set off from the parking lot a little after 9 am under blue skies but quickly encounter a gusty wind which came and went as we climbed depending on our exposure to the south. The trail up was best described as mixed. For the most part the trail was good, but some sections had loose scree that required more effort and the occasional short rock band that required some careful route selection. We reached the ridge shortly after midday and had a leisurely lunch out of the wind. Some members of the group decided to brave the wind and make quick dash to the highpoint a further 700m along the ridge from our lunch spot. Miraculously, as we approached the highpoint the wind disappeared completely and we were able to spend a few minutes enjoying the views. The hike down was uneventful returning to the vehicles at 3pm, having covered 7.8 km and climbed 1,005 m. Thanks to Alda, Susan, Clifton, Cristina, Monica, Lilianne, Jiaping, Jonathan for joining me for a fun day. John c/s