Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1344m
Min elevation: 680m
Total Ascent: 882m
Safety advice
This is a remote area trail. Help takes time to organise and arrive. Carry an PLB or satellite phone. Carry enough water and protect yourself from the sun.
Hike overview
The hike to the summit of Mount Sonder is a popular day walk for locals and visitors alike because of its easy access, spectacular 360 views and straight forward up and down mountain walk. Note that this is the entire Section 12 walk and one of the most enjoyable of the Larapinta Trail.
The Mount Sonder hike is an uphill one, and the climb along the Larapinta trail is about 15 kilometres long. The Larapinta Trail stretches from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. The section between Redbank Gorge and Mount Sonder takes around five hours to complete (up and down) and is considered by most to be a challenging albeit rewarding hike.
Starting at Redbank Gorge, the trail is easily accessible from the Redbank Gorge Day Use Area. On the Larapinta Trail, you will find the Hilltop Lookout, where you can have a good view of Mount Sonder. You can also stop by the Mount Sonder lookout on Namatjira Drive.
Tips
- The best time to walk the trail ( i.e. coolest weather) is between May and August.
- This is a remote area trail. Help takes time to organise and arrive
- Carry an PLB or satellite phone
- Carry enough water and protect yourself from the sun
- Temperatures can rise to the high forties in summer
Gallery
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Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1344 m
Min elevation: 680 m
Total climbing: 882 m
Total descent: -882 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: West MacDonnell National Park.
Mount Sonder is in the West MacDonnell National Park, Tjoritja. Access to Mount Sonder is via Redbank Gorge, 156km west of Alice Springs along Larapinta & Namatjira Drive, followed by 5km along the unsealed, high clearance track.
Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg
About the region
Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area on foot, swim in a waterhole, or pitch a tent for a longer stay. Take a dip in the cold waters of one the park's permanent water holes. The larger water holes include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.
There are numerous marked walking tracks ranging from leisurely to adventurous. The 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail stretches through the park and offers extended and overnight bushwalks for fit, experienced and well prepared walkers. The park encompasses an ancient landscape sculpted over time by climatic elements. It is also a refuge for rare and threatened plants as well as wildlife, including the uncommon bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon.
Features of the landscape are significant to the Arrernte people, including the Ochre Pits that have long been a quarry for important ochre pigments. There are plenty of places to camp in the park, with varied access and facilities. Camping fees apply and overnight visitors should bring their own water supplies. Commercial facilities are available at Glen Helen Resort.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near West MacDonnell National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.