Standley Chasm to Hugh Gorge is a 32km, grade 5 return hike located in the West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory. The hike should take around 2-3 days to complete.
Warning
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
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
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1192 m
Min elevation: 695 m
Total climbing: 1784 m
Total descent: -1790 m
Trail features
- Gravel Path
- Rough Trail
- Well Marked Trail
- Undefined Trail
- Rivers
- Gorges
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- River Crossings
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Overnight Campsites
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
Trail location
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Getting there
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.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Drinking Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
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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.
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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.
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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.