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.
This Serpentine Gorge to Mount Sonder walk includes lots of valley walking, steep mountain treks, great views and a balanced level of undulating terrain. The last big physical effort of the walk is Mount Sonder, which will reward you with spectacular 360 views of the area. Start at Serpentine Gorge and finish at Redbank Gorge. Serpentine Gorge to Mount Sonder walk traverses sections 8 to 12 of the Larapinta Trail.
Serpentine Gorge
Serpentine Gorge is a narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs.
Follow one of the many well-marked paths along the gorge through the cool shade of river red gums, or up to the lookout above the cliffs to survey views of the series of semi-permanent waterholes and the geology of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. In dry times, the waterholes in the surrounding area dry up, leaving Serpentine Gorge waterhole the only remaining waterhole in a large area. Birds will move in from the surrounding countryside and can easily be observed by sitting quietly by the edge of the waterhole.
The site of the Carpet Snake Dreaming, some areas in the Gorge and western cliffs have special significance to the Western Arrernte custodians. Serpentine Gorge is also the Trailhead for sections 7 and 8 of the Larapinta Trail, a 231-kilometre long distance walking trail through the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Mount Sonder
Mt Sonder is the highest point in the West MacDonnell Ranges. It marks the western end of the Larapinta Trail, a 231 kilometres walking trail that extends from Alice Springs.
Walk the challenging trail to the top of Mt Sonder, at 1,380 metres above sea level, for spectacular views across the ranges and the surrounding plains. The trail can be accessed from the Larapinta Trail or from Redbank Gorge car park. Look for local wildlife, including the Grey-headed honeyeater, the desert mouse and termite tunnels on spinifex.
Near the summit the vegetation changes and the round-leafed mallee and native pine become more prevalent on the high slopes and stony cliffs. Look for the wide range of birds of prey, such as the Wedge-tailed eagle and the Peregrine falcon and wood swallows circling the summit, riding the thermal updraughts.
Section 8 is great scenic walk with nice viewpoints along the high ground of the trail. Some parts of the section will require steep ascents and descents, but most of these are supported with well constructed rock steps and trail clearing. The views from Counts Point are magnificent. Easy vehicle access to Serpentine Gorge trailhead.
Section 9 is a long walk if you plan to do the whole section in one hit, with a number of rocky and loose ascents and descents, particularly from Waterfall Gorge to the Mt Giles Lookout. It is however, one of the most impressive and scenic sections along the trail. From Mt Giles Lookout onwards there are excellent 360 degree views, particularly impressive views of Mount Giles to the north and Mount Sonder to the west.
Section 10 is a pleasant day walk offering nice scenery and views. The best scenery along this section is at the start (Ormiston end) of the walk. It is also a windy and undulating walk from the gorge to Hilltop Lookout. From the lookout onwards the area flattens out a little. There are a number of creek and river crossings to complete, but these almost always dry. The views of Mount Sonder in the distance are great. Ormiston Gorge is magnificent and offers some nice side walks such as the Ormiston Pound Walk.
Section 11 is a relatively comfortable but long and scenic walk. From Hill Top Lookout to Rocky Bar Gap there are superb views of Mount Sonder. Sunrise views of Mount Sonder from the Hill Top Lookout are just breathtaking. The steep ascent and descent parts of the trail to Hill Top Lookout have been constructed ( in 2013) exceptionally well making the climbs easier on the knees and ankles.
Section 12 is an uphill walk the whole way to Mt Sonder. Expect a good physical workout even during the descent off the mountain. The trail is a rocky, loose and occasionally a disappearing track (from the Saddle onwards). The views from the summit are superb and well worth the effort of the climb. No camping at the Mount Sonder summit.
- 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
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Total distance: 91379 m
Max elevation: 1344 m
Min elevation: 637 m
Total climbing: 3412 m
Total descent: -3452 m
Getting to the trailhead: West MacDonnell National Park.
Access to Serpentine Gorge is by conventional two-wheel drive vehicles but can be difficult to negotiate in wet weather, as the last few kilometres is rough access track. This road is not suitable for buses and caravans.
Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg
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.
Looking for more walks in or near West MacDonnell National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
6 Reviews on “Serpentine Gorge to Mount Sonder Hike (92km)”
Great part of the World, and this remarkable Country!
Trevor Sutton totally agree. I lived there for a while, many years ago, and have been lucky enough to have been back a few times since. Stunning country.