Larapinta Trail

The Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory of Australia spans 223 kilometres (139 mi) from east to west, starting from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder.

It follows the path of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the West MacDonnell National Park and includes many sacred sites of the Arrernte people.

Notable attractions along the trail include Finke River, Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Bighole, Serpentine Gorge, Ochre Pits, Ormiston Pound, Redbank Gorge, and Glen Helen Gorge.

The trail was conceived by Alan Ginns, a park planner with the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory. The original plan was for the trail to end at Mount Zeil, but it ended at Mount Sonder due to accessibility issues for rescue operations.

The trail is well-marked with kilometre posts and has twelve sections with published leaflets detailing the requirements and attractions of each section. Water is available along the trail, but it should be boiled or treated with water treatment tablets. No fires are allowed on the trail.

During the summer months, temperatures along the Larapinta Trail can exceed 45°C (113°F), making it preferable for visitors to undertake the walk during the milder winter season.