The Larapinta Trail
One of the world’s great desert treks — about 223 km in 12 sections along the West MacDonnell ridgelines, walked by most people one rewarding stage at a time.
The Larapinta Trail
The Larapinta Trail runs roughly 223 km in 12 sections along the rugged ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges, west of Alice Springs. It is one of the world’s great desert treks — a landscape of red quartzite ridges, hidden gorges and vast horizons. Very few walk the whole route end to end; most people do single sections, from a rewarding day walk to a multi-day stage. It is remote and rugged, so plan carefully or let a guide handle the logistics.
What to Know
~223 km, 12 Sections
A long-distance trek broken into 12 stages of varying length and difficulty.
Ridgelines & Gorges
Red quartzite ridges, hidden waterholes and enormous desert horizons.
Single Sections
Most people pick one stage — a day walk or a multi-day stretch — not the whole trail.
Cooler Months
The walking season is roughly April to September; summer is dangerously hot.
Walking Tips
- Pick a section to match your fitness and time — you need not walk it all
- Walk in the cooler months (about April to September); avoid summer heat
- Carry ample water, sun protection and proper footwear — this is remote country
- Consider a guided walk for transfers, food and camps — see Larapinta guided walks
- Read the full Larapinta Trail guide before you set out
Larapinta Trail — FAQ
What is the Larapinta Trail?
It is a world-class desert trek of around 223 km, divided into 12 sections, that follows the ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. It is regarded as one of Australia’s great long-distance walks.
Do you have to walk the whole thing?
No — most people walk single sections rather than the full end-to-end route. The trail is broken into 12 stages of varying length and difficulty, so you can pick a day walk or a multi-day stretch to suit your fitness and time.
How hard is the Larapinta Trail?
It ranges from moderate to hard. It is a remote, rugged desert walk with rocky terrain, big temperature swings and limited water, so preparation matters. The cooler months (roughly April to September) are the walking season.
Can you do it with a guide?
Yes — guided walks take care of the logistics, transfers, food and camps so you can focus on the walking. See our Larapinta guided walks, or read the full Larapinta Trail guide.
When is the best time to walk?
The cooler, drier months from about April to September. Summer is dangerously hot for walking. See the best time to visit.
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.
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