Camping on top of the Pilot - Kosi NP

[LAMEA-Gals]

Heading down to Kosi post xmas to walk to the Pilot from the Thredbo side.

Has anyone camped on top of the Pilot and if so are there flatish area for 2 or 3 tents? What about the saddle between the Little Pilot and the Pilot? We know we have to lug water up the top but were interested in being up there for sunset and sunrise.

Thanks

[Lophophaps]

Quite a few years ago I came up from the Murray. At 062277 where the road swing west I went NE into the saddle. The scrub was a bit rugged. Once on the spur the scrub eased, and more so on the northern fall, lovely open walking. I have a vague recollection of open ground on the summit. This is confirmed by the aerial pic. The walk to and from DHG is a slog, and I'm not persuaded that the possibility of a sunset is worth it. Have you considered something closer, say Ramshead or near Cascade Hut?

[LAMEA-Gals]

One of the main reasons that we are going out is one of our party is interested in the history of Tin Mine Huts. So the Pilot seems to be a logical side trip to get some views. I have been to Tin Mine Huts about 15 years back and recalled the firetrail being a bit dreary (but fast) beyond Cascade Hut. And that was before the fires that devastated the area.

[north-north-west]

Yep, camped up there a couple of times. There's a flat area with scattered rocks around the cairn, and even better area about ten metres away on the western side, just a step down a low ledge. Plus plenty of camping on the saddles and terraces both north and south of the highest part. It's a great ridgeline. And a wonderful spot for a sunrise/set if the weather co-operates.
Direct route from track up the ridg and over Little Pilot can be a bit hard to follow from below until you're out of the trees. Easiest way up is from the firetrail immediately below the lowest point of the saddle.
No water, but. Nearest reliable point is where Pilot Creek's highest feeder crosses the fire trail. Always water just below. And then you head straight up.

Camping near the summit

From the summit, looking over the tent

[rcaffin]

Top of the Pilot - yeah, plenty of room, but if the weather is off you may need a very good tent. That's a bit exposed up there.

Cheers