Best trails in Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Bordering Lesotho in Free State, Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a striking beauty. The park gets its name from the brilliant color created when the sun reflects off the enormous sandstone cliffs. Wildlife lovers flock to this park to see including wildebeests, blesboks, duikers, elands, springboks, and a myriad of birds. Like other South African parks, Golden Gate Highlands offers incredible flora, wildflowers, and unique plant types.
There are several campsites, cabins, and cottages. Please see park website for more information.
Pets are not allowed in the park.
Top trails
- (220)•Hard•6.0 miWodehouse Peak Trail is a fantastic loop including a peak, with constantly changing environments, and herds of game. Once you get to the top, it is a totally different world, and there are great views over the Drakensberg on the opposite side of the valley. You don’t need a permit for this hike, though you do need to pay the National Park entrance fee (or show Wild Card) at Glen Reenen or the Hotel reception. Take binoculars for checking out the game, which might be far away.
- (150)•Moderate•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrA short hike but the views never get tired. The green blanket of vegetation covering the hills and mountains ranges are a memorable sight. Walking along fresh streams, watching fresh water fall from hundreds of meters above the rock face is breathtaking. The trail is well marked with enough signage.
- (85)•Moderate•1.6 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrBeautiful trail, amazing views from the top and along the way. Well worth it. Brandwag Buttress which means ‘Sentinel’ in Afrikaans shows off with some seriously golden sunrise and sunset views, hence the name ‘Golden Gate’. The route is expertly laid out with a clearly marked path, as well as being supported by fixed chains along the way.
- (71)•Moderate•2.6 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThe hike up to Mushroom Rock is a fairly steep 2 km walk. The route starts behind the Cathedral Peak Hotel to the oddly shaped landmark. It takes in two landmarks and offers lovely views of the Little Berg and Escarpment wall, especially at sunrise. Lovely bridges to cross and a cave to climb through. Beautiful scenery.
- (58)•Moderate•1.5 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrHolkrans hike is an absolutely gorgeous short trail, especially with the late afternoon sun turning everything it touches to gold. The Holkrans hike starts from Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets. Hikers can park there even if they're not staying in the hotel. It’s 5 minutes drive from Glen Reenen Rest Camp.
- (44)•Moderate•1.3 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe route to Boskloof (Afrikaans for Bush Gorge) is a short, easy back-and-forth trail starting from the Glen Reenen Rest Camp. Most of the walk is along a gentle upward path through dense vegetation. Near the end of the trail – at the foot of a overhanging sandstone cliff – the route rises above the vegetation line and gives a view of the Glen Reenen Campsite. The ravine is incredible and definitely a picture perfect location.
- (16)•Moderate•1.3 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrBeautiful trail, amazing views from the top and along the way. Well worth it. Brandwag Buttress which means ‘Sentinel’ in Afrikaans shows off with some seriously golden sunrise and sunset views, hence the name ‘Golden Gate’. The route is expertly laid out with a clearly marked path, as well as being supported by fixed chains along the way.
- (8)•Hard•43.4 miNestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The Golden Gate National Park is located in the north eastern part of Free State and derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock. The area is famous for its captivating scenery.
- (5)•Moderate•0.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrA beautiful setting and stunning views, with the opportunity for some interesting hikes in the sandstone hills. This is a short hike up the ridge which overlooks the Eastern side of the slopes. Navigation along the route can be challenging as the trails are not well-signed, having the map downloaded ahead of time can help keep you on track.
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Golden Gate Highlands National Park charges a fee to enter.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Golden Gate Highlands National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Golden Gate Highlands National Park is Wodehouse Peak Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 220 reviews. This trail is 6.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,316 ft.
What is the longest trail in Golden Gate Highlands National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Golden Gate Highlands National Park is Monontsha - Golden gate. This trail is estimated to be 8.4 mi long.
How many trails are in Golden Gate Highlands National Park?
There are 10 trails in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 666 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Golden Gate Highlands National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Golden Gate Highlands National Park has you covered. Golden Gate Scenic Drive boasts the most elevation gain with 5,738 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Monontsha - Golden gate, which will get you 2,355 ft of elevation gain.
Are there running trails available in Golden Gate Highlands National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the most popular is Brandwag Buttress Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 85 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Golden Gate Highlands National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a scenic mountain peak view in Golden Gate Highlands National Park: Monontsha - Golden gate.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Golden Gate Highlands National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a scenic viewpoint in Golden Gate Highlands National Park: Monontsha - Golden gate.
