The track is the western portion of a longer path which historically connected the West Coast to Mount Cook Village via Copland Pass, however erosion and the retreat of the Hooker Glacier has led to the eastern side of this route becoming increasingly dangerous to traverse.

[5] European exploration of the valley began in the late 19th century and was largely spurred on by development of the Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village.

Explorers Charlie Douglas and Arthur Harper were commissioned by the Department of Lands and Survey to determine whether the valley would be a suitable location to develop a mule track between the village and the West Coast.

[6] Despite reports from Douglas and Harper both suggesting the conditions at Copland Pass and the Hooker Glacier made a trans-alpine crossing unsuitable, interest in the route persisted.

[5] Despite improvements to the track being made throughout the 1930s, World War Two and further adverse weather conditions caused it to fall into disrepair, with only infrequent use – largely by deer cullers employed by the Department of Internal Affairs.

[4] The hut and facilities have continued to be renovated to cope with increasing interest in the track, with a booking system in place year-round to manage demand.

The track then progressively climbs again through forest with occasional crossings of scree slopes, before reaching a swing bridge at Tekano Creek and the Douglas Rock Hut beyond.