The Larapinta Trail (223km)

Exploring the Stunning Larapinta Trail Walk

Ranked as one of the planet's top 20 treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 223 kilometre path that follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder. Note that you can't be picked up at Mount Sonder and will have to actually walk back to the Redbank Gorge car park. With the many side trips and access to campsites, it is likely you will walk closer to 250km.

The Larapinta Trail snakes its way through the West MacDonnell Ranges, a timeless sentinel standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Australian Outback. As you embark on this epic journey, you'll be transported to a realm where time seems to stand still, where the whispers of the ancient past mingle with the rugged beauty of the present. The Larapinta Trail is a journey of both physical and spiritual challenge. The unforgiving terrain will test your limits, but the rewards are immense. As you conquer each obstacle, you'll discover a newfound strength and resilience within yourself. And as you immerse yourself in the beauty of the Outback, you'll experience a sense of peace and tranquility that is unmatched by anything else in the world.

Along the way, you'll encounter a diverse range of landscapes that will leave you breathless. From the towering peaks of Mount Sonder to the lush oasis of Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Larapinta Trail showcases the very best of Australia's natural beauty.

Challenge yourself to hike the whole trail or tackle one of its 12 sections, all of which vary in difficulty and length. Each section can be reached by four-wheel drive, so you can join or leave the trail at any of the Tailheads. One of the best trek options of the Larapinta Trail is the End to End (E2E) full traverse of all 12 sections. Walkers get to experience the full variety of landscapes, challenges and rewards of the Larapinta Trail. It is a challenging and rewarding long distance trek which requires a high level of fitness, experience and preparation. It is one of Australia’s best long distance treks which can be completed comfortably over a 15-16 day period, but the duration will vary based on your level of fitness and time constraints.

The Trail walk encompasses some of the key attractions of the ranges including Simpsons Gap, and the permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. It weaves past some of the world's most ancient metamorphic and igneous rock and nearly 600 species of rare flora.

The Trail also links in with other walking tracks within the West MacDonnell National Park, allowing side trips to explore more of the Park.

Along the way you camp under the stars. Most camp sites have picnic tables and tent sites. All Trailheads have a water supply and some have free gas barbecues. Fully guided tours are available, otherwise set off on your own ensuring you're well equipped and have notified the relevant authorities. The Larapinta Trail is a journey that will stay with you long after you've completed it. The memories you create along the way will be etched in your mind forever. So if you're looking for an adventure that will challenge you both physically and spiritually, the Larapinta Trail is the perfect choice for you.

Here's a generic End to End (E2E) Itinerary

How you plan to complete your End to End will be an individual or group choice which will be influenced by you and/or your groups time constraints, resources, fitness, experience levels, and what decisions you make on the day. Note: Alternative day/night finish points detailed below may extend the time (days) more than is shown. Abbreviations: THD: Trailhead CMP: Campsite ALT: Alternative

Day One - Section 1
Telegraph Station THD to Simpsons Gap THD (Alternate Finish: Wallaby Gap CMP or Hat Hill Saddle)

Day Two - Section 2
Simpsons Gap THD to Mulga Camp CMP (Alternate Finish: Jay Creek THD)

Day Three - Section 3 (via Alt High Route)
Jay Creek THD to Standley Chasm THD (Alternate Finish: Millers Flat CMP)

Day Four - Section 4
Standley Chasm THD to Brinkley Bluff CMP (Alternate Finish: Stuart's Pass CMP)

Day Five - Section 4
Brinkley Bluff CMP to Birthday Waterhole THD

Day Six - Section 5
Birthday Waterhole THD to Fringe Lily Creek CMP (Alternate Finish: Hugh Gorge Junction CMP)

Day Seven - Section 5
Fringe Lily Creek CMP to Hugh Gorge THD (Alternate Finish: Hugh Gorge Junction CMP)

Day Eight - Section 6
Hugh Gorge THD to Rocky Gully CMP (Alternate Finish: Ghost Gum Flat)

Day Nine - Section 6
Rocky Gully CMP to Ellery Creek THD

Day Ten - Section 7
Ellery Creek THD to Serpentine Gorge THD

Day Eleven - Section 8
Serpentine Gorge THD to Serpentine Chalet Dam THD (Alternate Finish: Counts Point CMP)

Day Twelve - Section 9
Serpentine Chalet Dam THD to MT Giles Lookout CMP (Alternate Finish: Waterfall Gorge CMP)

Day Thirteen - Section 9
MT Giles Lookout CMP to Ormiston Gorge THD

Day Fourteen - Sections 10 & 11
Ormiston Gorge THD to Hill Top Lookout CMP (Alternate Finish: Finke River THD)

Day Fifteen - Section 11
Hill Top Lookout CMP to Rocky Bar Gap CMP

Day Sixteen - Section 11
Rocky Bar Gap CMP to Redbank Gorge THD

Day Seventeen - Section 12
Redbank Gorge CMP - Mt Sonder to Redbank Gorge THD