A scenic valley climb that runs up to Barbers Hut, with a string of huts along the way. Cave Hut sits roughly 6km before Barbers, and Lower Gordon hut is a bit further along. It's long been a favourite with hunters, who'll often base up at a hut overnight.

The going starts as smooth gravel up to the Branches track turnoff, then turns into typical to-the-hut 4WD terrain with rocky sections and plenty of river and stream crossings. The crossings deepen toward the top, and the river exits before Barbers Hut and Lower Gordon are the most technical points, so a snorkel is preferable. Many drop their tyre pressures for the rocky going, around 18psi is common.

Valley views run the whole way, and there's a swing bridge that comes as a nice surprise. Weather has a big say in how the crossings behave, so check the forecast and take your time through a cracking part of the country.