Devils Den Bivouac has a commanding view.Photo: Sam Harrison

Dealing with the Devil

March 2022

Read more from

March 2022

Devil’s Den Bivvy, Lake Sumner Forest Park

The Devils Ramparts tower high above Devils Den Bivvy, which, despite the name, is a neat two-person hut perfectly situated for a weekend adventure. 

It can be approached three ways: up the Nina Valley, over from Slyvia Tops, or from the Doubtful River, all off the Lewis Pass Highway. The route over Slyvia Tops is an easy alpine traverse with views over the surrounding ranges and is the most spectacular of the routes. 

Those views have to be earned with a steep grunt up from the Nina River to gain the tops, but if the weather is fine this is a ‘must’. There are plenty of tarns to refill water along the way. 

From the bivvy itself, a steep side trip leads to The Devils Ramparts for further views of the Nina and Doubtful valleys. 

If you’re running out of daylight never fear, the bivvy’s location on Devilskin Saddle is a great place to watch the sunset. The local kea may even visit. 

For the more adventurous, the bivvy can be linked up with Lake Man Bivvy and the Harpers Pass route for a multi-day trip.

March 2022

Read more from

March 2022

Distance
10km
Total Ascent
1600m
Grade
Moderate
Time
6-8hr over Slyvia Tops
Accom.
Devils Den Bivouac (free, two bunks)
Access
From SH7 near Palmer Lodge
Map
BU23
Sam Harrison

About the author

Sam Harrison

Sam Harrison is a chocolate addict who tramps on the side. When he’s not in the bush he can be found pushing paper for the Department of Conservation in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Sam graduated from the University of Otago in 2021 with a Bachelor of Law, a Bachelor of Arts, a large student loan and a love of all things tramping. He is easily identified in the hills by his oversized camera and his distinctive knack for finding type 2 fun.

More From March 2022

More From March 2022

Related Topics

Similar Articles

The Top 6 Trips in Arthur’s Pass

Four decades of shelter 

Fiordland Fun for the Whole Family

Join Wilderness. You'll see more, do more and live more.

Already a subscriber?  to keep reading. Or…

34 years of inspiring New Zealanders to explore the outdoors. Don’t miss out — subscribe today.

Your subscriber-only benefits:

All this for as little as $6.75/month.

1

free articles left this month.

Already a subscriber? Login Now