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Best trails in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

Best trails in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

4.6(2,332 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#95 of 638 national parks

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West MacDonnell (Tjoritja) National Park is located west of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory on Arrerente land. It encompasses, as the name suggests, the West MacDonnell Ranges and also the popular Larapinta Trail, Ormiston Pound, the Ellery Creek Bighole, Glen Helen Gorge, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Mount Sonder, Serpentine Gorge, the Ochre Pits and Redbank Gorge. It is home to several species of flora and fauna and is a great place to hike, swim, camp and have a picnic or BBQ with your friends and family.

Top picks recommended by trailgoers

1
#1 - Pound Walk Loop via Ormiston Gorge
4.8(290)
•Moderate
•5.9 mi
•Est. 2h 34m
This trail is an easy trail located in West Macdonnell Ranges in Northern Territory. This loop walk starts at Ormiston Gorge car park before slowly climbing up and over the scenic hills near the gorge before heading down to the flat expanse of the Pound and returning along another section of the gorge. There are some sections where river crossings are necessary, so be prepared for cold water depending on the time of year; it can also be linked up with the ghost Gum Loop. Highlights of the...
2
#2 - Larapinta Trail: Section 12 Redbank Gorge to Mount Sonder
4.8(224)
•Hard
•9.4 mi
•Est. 5h 24m
This is section twelve of the Larapinta Trail - a challenging long-distance backpacking route located in West Macdonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory that is also incredibly rewarding. This route features an uphill walk the whole way to Mount Sonder. It is very rewarding with a spectacular view at the summit and again at the gorge. Expect it to be rocky and loose underfoot, you will be used to this as it's similar to other sections of the Larapinta Trail. You then head back down the way...
3
#3 - Ormiston Gorge and Ghost Gum Walk Loop
4.6(109)
•Moderate
•1.5 mi
•Est. 43m
This is a great moderate walk trail located in West Macdonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. This loop walk can be done in either direction, but generally, walkers return via the Ghost Gum Walk to go down the stairs rather than up. Follow the waterhole walk for a short distance from the car park (500m) and take a swim if it's warm, the water will surely cool you off! Continue up the gorge until turning left to take the Ghost Gum walk and catch the lookout point before dropping back down...
4
#4 - Simpsons Gap Waterhole
4.6(88)
•Moderate
•0.6 mi
•Est. 21m
One of many scenic gaps in the MacDonnell Ranges, Simpsons gap holds a prominent waterhole that is of great spiritual significance to the Aranda Aboriginal people. This short walk up the gap to the waterhole highlights the scenic natural landscape as well as unique wildlife such as the colony of black-footed rock wallabies that can be seen at dawn and dusk in the area. This trail is a short detour off of the world renowned Larapinta Trail near Alice Springs.
5
#5 - Larapinta Trail: Section 8 Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
4.8(102)
•Hard
•11.0 mi
•Est. 5h 14m
This is section eight of the challenging long-distance backpacking route located in West Macdonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory that is also incredibly rewarding. It starts climbing almost straight away up to the late that leads across to Counts Point high on the ridge. From this vantage point, there are stunning views across the park. It then heads back down to finish at Serpentine Chalet campsite, this adds a few more km's to the official section along with the section out to counts...
6
#6 - Larapinta Trail: Section 4 Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole
4.8(95)
•Hard
•10.5 mi
•Est. 5h 32m
This is section four of the challenging long-distance backpacking route located in West Macdonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory that is also incredibly rewarding. While relatively easy the section the saddle to the Bluff is rocky and difficult in sections. But it is worth it as it is considered to be one the most scenic sections of the trail with a wide variety of terrain and landscape to enjoy. The full Larapinta Trail extends from Alice Springs all the way to Mount Sonder. When...
7
#7 - Serpentine Gorge Walk
4.5(79)
•Moderate
•1.9 mi
•Est. 53m
This is a stunning easy walk trail located in West Macdonnell Ranges in Northern Territory and starting near Alice Springs. One of the numerous gorges in the Ranges. It actually contains two gorges formed the flowing creek that flows south and has cut through two ridges of Heavitree Quartzite creating the rock formations. It is the site of the Carpet Snake Dreaming and has special significance for the local culture. Access is without a 4WD can be difficult to negotiate in wet weather.
8
#8 - Redbank Gorge Walk
4.5(74)
•Moderate
•1.6 mi
•Est. 42m
This is a great moderate walk trail located in West Macdonnell Ranges in Northern Territory. A return walk starting at the carpark and following the creekbed out to Redbank Gorge. It starts off well defined although unmarked to start off with before hitting the section along the sandy creek bed. The soft sand and rocky sections can be tough going in the heat o take plenty of water. The access road is unsealed and can be difficult if not in a 4WD after rain. Picnic and BBQ facilities are...
9
#9 - Ellery Creek Walk and Dolomite Walk Circuit
4.3(88)
•Easy
•1.9 mi
•Est. 50m
This trail is an easy loop trail located in West Macdonnell Ranges in Northern Territory that combines Ellery Creek Walk and Dolomite Walk. Starting at Ellery Big Hole car park it passes through a timbered gully and through spinifex covered hills that were once part of an ancient inland sea along the way there is information explaining points of interest and the history of the area. After returning to the car park it heads up Ellery Creek Big Hole, which s one of the most popular swimming...
10
#10 - Larapinta Trail: Section 10 Ormiston Gorge to Finke River
4.7(68)
•Moderate
•5.6 mi
•Est. 2h 15m
This is section ten of the challenging long-distance backpacking route located in West Macdonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory that is also incredibly rewarding. This stage gives a bit of respite after a few tough ones but also undulating with nice scenery and views, especially the ones to Mount Sonder. The creek and river crossings only present any challenge after heavy rain. There are a few sidewalks at the trailhead Ormiston Gorge like the Ormiston Pound Walk if you want to make the...
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is Pound Walk Loop via Ormiston Gorge, which has a 4.8 star rating from 290 reviews. This trail is 5.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 836 ft.

What is the longest trail in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is Larapinta Trail. This trail is estimated to be 138.1 mi long.

How many trails are in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

There are 40 trails in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 2,332 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park has you covered. Larapinta Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 23,838 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Ormiston Pound to Mount Giles, which will get you 3,868 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 23 camping trails in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park and the most popular is Larapinta Trail: Section 12 Redbank Gorge to Mount Sonder with an average 4.8 star rating from 224 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 running trails in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park and the most popular is Larapinta Trail: Section 8 Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam with an average 4.8 star rating from 102 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park and the most popular is Simpsons Gap Cycle Path with an average 4.6 star rating from 46 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, including Larapinta Trail: Section 4 Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole, Simpsons Gap Cycle Path, Cassia Hill Walk, Ormiston Pound to Mount Giles, and Mount Gillen [CLOSED].

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park: Larapinta Trail: Section 9 Serpentine Chalet Dam to Ormiston Gorge.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with historical ruins in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park: Larapinta Trail: Section 8 Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with cliffs in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, including Larapinta Trail: Section 1 Telegraph Station to Simpson Gap and Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap via Larapinta Trail.

Are there any trails with springs in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with springs in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, including Larapinta Trail: Section 4 Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole and Larapinta Trail: Section 3 Jay Creek to Standley Chasm.

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