Dead Horse Gap Hike
Grade: 3 Distance: 10km circuit
Highlights: Unique Snowy Mountains landscape; granite tors, alpine snowgums & Thredbo river
Hike Type: Private or Self Guided
When: November to April during wildflower season
One of the best and most accessible hikes in the region, this trail takes you from the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift down to Dead Horse Gap – descending just over 300 vertical metres through stunning alpine terrain. Along the way, take in sweeping views, carpets of wildflowers and the incredible twisted snowgums that define the landscape. From Dead Horse Gap, follow the Thredbo River back to the village, where the sound of rushing water and tumbling waterfalls make for the perfect finish. Mostly downhill and packed with scenery, it’s a great option for families or anyone after a rewarding half day adventure.
The hike takes roughly 4-5 hours with plenty of stunning sights to take in along the way. If you are walking independently, we recommend grabbing a Scenic Lift Pass to start the walk at Eagles Nest.
Get the most of your hike with a guide. You can learn about the unique features of the landscape, plants and animals – and how we can help protect the fragile ecosystem.
What You Need To Know
- Before The Hike
- Meet and greet with your experienced guide
- Guide will load 1-day Scenic Lift Access onto your MyThredbo card
- Departure time: 8.50am outside Valley Terminal at the large Walks & Hikes map. View Map
- Finish: Approx 2pm
- Distance: 10km
- Grade 3 Walk: This hike requires a moderate fitness level and is mostly downhill. The track is variable with uneven ground and stone steps. Walking poles are recommended for those that feel like they would like some extra stability.
- Check the weather here. Please be aware that guided hikes go ahead in most weather conditions.
We recommend checking the weather before you head out and pack for all weather conditions.
- Waterproof/wind stopper jacket, rain pants are also recommended.
- A warm layer, fleece or wool is ideal.
- Minimum 1L of water per person.
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Enclosed walking shoes, preferably boots with good socks.
- Snacks.
- Gloves and a warm hat.
- Camera.
- Any medication that might be needed (eg. Ventolin).
- Swimmers and towel (if you plan to take a dip in the river on the return trip to Thredbo)
If you are on a guided hike, it’s important to let your guide know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions (such as motion sickness, fear of heights, heart conditions, pregnancy, asthma and musculoskeletal issues) prior to the walk. This will help us cater the walk to your needs and make your trip more enjoyable.
Thredbo Guided Hikes reserves the right to cancel a hike at any time.
This may be due to but not limited to any of the following:
- Lightning
- Winds over 70km/hour
- Extreme weather conditions: fire, rain, hail or snow
- Poor air quality
- Medical incident
In the event that a hike is cancelled prior to the commencement date, a full refund will be issued. No refund will be issued if the hike is cancelled or the goal of the hike is not met during the activity.
We encourage guests to Leave No Trace and observe the Hiking Responsibility Code:
- Pack a reusable water bottle – our guides will point out the refill station at the bottom of the chairlifts
- Dispose of all waste properly – no bins are located on hiking trails; all waste is to be disposed in appropriate locations across Thredbo Village
- Travel on durable surfaces – remain on designated walking tracks or travel on surfaces which can tolerate trampling. Much of the alpine ecosystem is fragile and cannot recover from trampling
- Leave what you find – do not pick or remove anything natural
- Respect wildlife – appreciate wildlife through quiet and observation from afar
- Be considerate of hosts and other visitors – remain on left hand side of hiking trails to allow for 2-way traffic and others to pass. Do not play music aloud when hiking.
Looking for your next hike?
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Any Questions?
For more information please contact Thredbo’s knowledgeable guides at [email protected]
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Thredbo sits on the traditional land of the Monero – Ngarigo people who have looked after this land, water and community for over 60,000 years. We thank them for all they have done and continue to do to look after their country, a special place which we all love and respect.









