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.
Standley Chasm to Hugh Gorge is a spectacular overnight hike traversing some of the best sections along the Larapinta Trail. This overnight option encompasses Section 4 & 5 starting at Standley Chasm and finishing at Hugh Gorge. The scenery along this walk is spectacular. Access to Hugh Gorge is by high clearance 4WD only.
Section 4 is one of the best sections along the entire trail. The views from Brinkley Bluff reinforces why the Larapinta Trail is one of the worlds most spectacular trails. The trek from Standley Chasm to Reveal Saddle is relatively good going. The tricky part starts from the saddle to the Bluff because the ground starts to become very rocky with a couple of false summits. The descent from Brinkley Bluff has been vastly improved with switchbacks after significant track work in 2016 and 2017. From Stuarts Pass its easy and smooth going.
Section 5 is definitely one of the most visually spectacular and best sections of the entire Larapinta Trail. The entire section offers great views, particularly between Linear Valley and Hugh Gorge. It is also one of the most difficult sections involving ridgetop walking, steep climbs, clambering over dry river beds and boulders, negotiating waterholes and snaking through thick vegetation and thick river debris in narrow gorge areas.
This hike is suitable for fit people with extensive previous bushwalking experience.
Werte - Welcome to Angkerle Atwatye.
Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, Standley Chasm is an icon of Central Australia, a cultural treasure amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges. Privately owned and operated by the Western Arrernte people, the traditional custodians welcome all respectful visitors to explore this beautiful and sacred piece of our culture.
Hugh Gorge
Hugh Gorge is a place of spectacular scenery, with the orange oxide wall of the gorge contrasting sharply with the bleached and water worn boulders of the watercourse.
Photo: Kattastroffee1976, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- 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
- Rivers
- Gorges
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- River Crossings
- Untreated Water
- Overnight Campsites
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Total distance: 32104 m
Max elevation: 1192 m
Min elevation: 695 m
Total climbing: 1784 m
Total descent: -1790 m
Every trail on this site has been personally mapped and refined to support Australia’s hiking community. While some info comes from land managers, each listing reflects significant personal work. Please don’t upload GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or any other platform. This is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg
Getting to the trailhead in West MacDonnell National Park.
Standley Chasm is a 40-minute drive west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Take Larapinta Drive until you see the turn off to the Chasm on the right.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Drinking Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
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.
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Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
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.
