Larapinta Trail landscape

Photo by Allan Sharp on Unsplash

Larapinta Trail

~11 days · 142.8 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance142.8 mi
Days out11
Elevation gain28,199 ft
Gain / mile197 ft
High point4,439 ft
Difficulty index55/100

What the Larapinta Trail is known for

The 231 km Larapinta Trail traverses Tjoritja / the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder. Geometry follows OpenStreetMap relation 3066363 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); section distances and trail context are published by NT Parks.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Larapinta Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 6,371 ft to 14,121 ft over 142.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 50.4 mi · 35%
  • Downhill 44.3 mi · 31%
  • Flat 47.8 mi · 34%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Larapinta Trail?

55 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Larapinta Trail scores 55/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Larapinta Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Larapinta Trail in about 11 days (10 nights out) over its 142.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Larapinta Trail?

The Larapinta Trail climbs roughly 28,199 ft total — about 197 ft per mile, topping out near 4,439 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.

Plan the Larapinta Trail Plan Free →