Larapinta Trail (Section 6)
~2 days · 24.9 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Larapinta Trail (Section 6) is known for
Section 6 of the Larapinta Trail crosses a remote stretch of the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) in Australia's Red Centre, running between Ellery Creek and Serpentine Gorge west of Alice Springs. The route follows quartzite ridgelines and dry desert riverbeds, with the Larapinta as a whole being a point-to-point trail of about 223 km. It is known for exposed ridge walking, big desert vistas, and access to permanent waterholes at the gorges.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,211 ft to 2,881 ft over 24.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 4.7 mi · 19%
- Downhill 5.2 mi · 21%
- Flat 15.0 mi · 60%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Larapinta Trail (Section 6)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Larapinta Trail (Section 6) scores 12/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best walked in the cooler, drier months from about April to September; summer is dangerously hot in central Australia.
Permits: Overnight walkers register with the Northern Territory Parks trail-registration and camping system for the Larapinta Trail within the West MacDonnell (Tjoritja) National Park.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Larapinta Trail (Section 6) take?
Most backpackers hike the Larapinta Trail (Section 6) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 24.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Larapinta Trail (Section 6)?
The Larapinta Trail (Section 6) climbs roughly 1,965 ft total — about 79 ft per mile, topping out near 2,887 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Larapinta Trail (Section 6)?
Best walked in the cooler, drier months from about April to September; summer is dangerously hot in central Australia.
Do you need a permit for the Larapinta Trail (Section 6)?
Overnight walkers register with the Northern Territory Parks trail-registration and camping system for the Larapinta Trail within the West MacDonnell (Tjoritja) National Park.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.