Saddle Trail - The Pound is a 1km, grade 3 hike located in Mount Augustus National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 45 minutes to complete.
Warning
The risks from exposure and dehydration are significant in this area. During the hotter months (at least September €“ March) these risks are extreme. Temperatures often exceed 40°C. Due to recent deaths, this trail is now closed during Summer.
Hike overview
An easy one kilometre return walk, the Saddle Trail meanders gently upwaRoads for a short distance to a saddle where you get two views in different directions.
The stony path climbs gently to a cleft between two outcrops and is a good place for views. Located on the north west flank of Mount Augustus, the view to the west is over a natural basin known as The Pound. Early pastoralists took advantage of this geographical feature to hold cattle before undertaking the difficult 12 day journey to Meekatharra. Once at trails end you can get views towaRoads the north over Lyons River Valley.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 452 m
Min elevation: 420 m
Total climbing: 45 m
Total descent: -45 m
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Rising 715m above the surrounding alluvial plain, Mount Augustus is an inselberg, meaning €˜island mountain'. There are rocky creeks, gorges and open plains supporting a variety of vegetation and wildlife. Mount Augustus is known as Burringurrah to the local Wajarri Aboriginal people. The park was gazetted on 22 September 1989 and is made up of former parts of Mount Augustus and Cobra Stations.
During 1999-2000, the State purchased nearby pastoral leases Cobra and Waldburg and part leases of Mount Philip and Dalgety Downs with the aim of managing the whole area €“ including the national park €“ for conservation. The total area is now 607,603 hectares.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
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.