The Larapinta Trail Guide
A world-class desert trek — roughly 223 km in 12 sections along the West MacDonnell ridgelines. Here is what the trail is, how it breaks up, and how to plan your walk.
The Larapinta Trail Guide
The Larapinta Trail is a world-class desert trek — roughly 223 km in 12 sections, following the rocky ridgelines and hidden gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. Few walkers tackle the whole thing; most choose a section or two for the big views, the waterholes and the sheer scale of the country. This guide covers what the trail is, how it’s broken up, and how to plan a walk that suits you.
You don’t have to walk all 223 km — a single well-chosen section delivers the Larapinta at its best.
What the Trail Is
~223 km, 12 Sections
A long-distance route along the West MacDonnell ridgelines, broken into 12 stages.
Single Sections
Most people walk one or two sections as day or overnight walks, not the full trail.
Gorges & Ridgelines
Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge, with high ridge views between them.
Towards Mount Sonder
The western sections build to Mount Sonder, one of the range’s great high points.
Planning Your Walk
- Walk in the cooler months (April–September) — summer is dangerously hot
- Start early and carry plenty of water; there is little shade on the ridgelines
- Pick a section to match your fitness — some are easy, others take a full hard day
- It’s remote — plan transport between trailheads and tell someone your plans
- Want it handled? See our Larapinta guided walks
The Larapinta Trail — FAQ
How long is the Larapinta Trail?
The Larapinta Trail runs about 223 km in 12 sections along the West MacDonnell ridgelines, from the Telegraph Station near Alice Springs west towards Mount Sonder. See the trail overview.
Do you have to walk the whole trail?
No — most people walk single sections as day or overnight walks, choosing highlights like Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek or Ormiston Gorge, rather than tackling all 12 sections end to end.
When is the best time to walk it?
The cooler months from April to September are the walking season; summer is dangerously hot for a desert trek. Start early, and always carry plenty of water.
How hard is the Larapinta Trail?
It ranges from easy to very challenging. Some sections are gentle valley walks; others climb rocky ridgelines and take a full day. It is a remote desert trail, so prepare carefully or walk with a guide.
Can I walk it with a guide?
Yes — guided walks handle the transport, camps and logistics so you can simply walk. See our Larapinta guided walks, tailored and quoted per enquiry.
Alice Springs, Planned Around You
The MacDonnell Ranges and their gorges and waterholes, the Desert Park and the Telegraph Station, and the road south to Uluru — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry