Berghoffers pass

Way back int he days of early automobiles people found that Mt Victoria pass was to steep for these new fangled horseless carts. As the team of oxen employed to drag cars up was expensive and slow a new road was cut tot he side on a much gentler gradiant. Berghoffers pass

I don't think it was use for long but it has lasted and now makes for an easier ride up through the escarpment and a fun descent. It's a great way to start and finish a loop of the Mt York Convict trails.

Bergoffers pass starts just up from the bottom corner of Mt Vic Pass, there is a small parking area and a sign posted trail head. However a short, steeper section of single trail can be used to cut off the bottom corner of Mt Vic Pass and extend the ride all the way to the bottom.

This is a great option as there is a larger parking area and while the initial section is more challenging on the way up it's an absolute blast on the way down.

So my tip is to park at the bottom of Mt Vic Pass. There is a cleared area where RTA sometimes stockpiles gravel and what not (On the right coming from Sydney or left coming from Lithgow)

Find the obvious ST heading up to the left of the highway. This basically by passes the first 2 corners on the highway climb and gets a little steep just before it rejoins the highway.

From here it's 10m up beside the highway to the Berghoffers trail head.

It really is a gentle climb and as you chat away with friends and take in some very nice views as you pass beneath the convict built highway passes suddenly you find yourself at the top.

At the top gate you cross the Mt York road and come to the trail head for the other convict trails, Coxes, Lockyers and Lawsons.