Larapinta Trail

Larapinta Trail is a 223 km, 12-section long-distance desert walk through Australia’s Northern Territory, following the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges between Alice Springs and Mt Sonder. The route is split into named sections so you can tackle it end-to-end or as shorter point-to-point walks.

The trail traverses arid country with prominent gorges and rocky ridgelines, including well-known stops such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and Ormiston Gorge. Expect big day-to-day variation in terrain as the track moves between ridge and lower country.

The classic thru-hike duration is typically 12–16 days, divided across the 12 sections with shelters and trail logistics built around those section endpoints. For many hikers, the practical plan is to base each day on one full section length rather than free-mixing arbitrary distances.

Seasonal conditions matter: the usual hiking window is April to August when daytime temperatures are cooler, while the hotter months are avoided. Summer conditions can reach extreme heat, making heat risk and dehydration central concerns on the desert days.

Water and resupply are planned around the section system: the route includes monitored water tanks at trailheads during the hiking season, and there are structured options for food drops and transfers associated with the section schedule. Many walkers still need to carry more water on longer dry stretches.

The trail is built around an outdoor, remote experience in central Australia: it is known for isolation, limited communications, and the need to plan for self-sufficiency on route. Walkers should treat navigation and emergency preparedness as core skills for a long arid-zone trek.

Historically and culturally, the Larapinta Trail passes through Arrernte country and includes culturally significant sites along the route; some areas have access restrictions that hikers are expected to respect.

Section trailheads are accessible from Alice Springs by vehicle for many parts of the route, which is why day and multi-day segment options exist alongside the full through-walk.

More information: Official website, Wikipedia, Larapinta Trail NT (223 km) - Australian Hiker