The track conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterized by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m above sea level in less than a day!
Point Majority of trail is along mountain country
Point Most of the trail is rocky & rough
Point Trail is hard on feet ( and boots)
Point Track conditions vary. See right
Point There is limited shade and vegetation
Point Some sections reach 1,200m above sea level
Point There are also boring, undulating sections as well
 
Terrain- How rough is it..?
The ground is often distorted and covered with embedded and loose stones and rock of varying sizes. What this means to the walker is the potential for blisters, sprained ankles, and at times precarious walking. The legs and feet will get a good work out, particularly ones supporting heavy packs.
Point Have good fitting footwear
Point Strap weak ankles and knees
Point Watch your step - loose ground
Gradients-Is it all uphill?
This trail offers  a variety of gradients on both sides of the extremes in remote area bushwalking. There are steep climbs, narrow razorbacks and precarious gorges which will test your knees, footing and balance. There are sections which are flat and undulating and easy going and others which one must use both hands, arms, legs, feet (and common sense) to negotiate.
Going - How fast, slow....how long?
Most walkers can complete individual sections within the estimate time frame - usually 8-12 hours. Some End to End walkers complete the entire trek within 10-14 days, while others may take three weeks. Obviously heat, weight, group size and fitness will determine going but overall as a broad estimate, allocating a full days worth of walking per section is a good indicator of going.
Point Take into account sight seeing
Point Take into account fitness, heat, pack weight.
 
Obstacles- Will I get stuck crossing rivers?
There are few obstacles such as water crossings. In some parts of the trail there  may be some requirement to  make a wet crossing but this will largely depend on how much rain has fallen during the wetter season and how determined you are NOT to get wet - if you are the latter, you may have to clamber over precarious slopes to achieve this - a bit risky.
Point Very few obstacles crossings along the trail
Vegetation- Lots of flora....very little shade
Vegetation along almost all of the Larapinta Trail is low lying, sparse and open. Much of it is covered with spinifex and various trees and shrubs. At a practical level, do not expect too much shade ( or no shade at all in some places) or protection from the elements while on the trail. Only in low lying river beds, narrow gorges and along some small parts of the trail have thicker vegetation and growth.
Point Very little shade. Expect high exposure to sun
While most of the trail is on hard, rocky and mountainous terrain, track variation does occur. The geography, landscape and trail placement ensures walkers (and their feet and knees) get a variety of experiences along the 223km length. Six of the most likely variations can be seen below.
Open Valley
Closed Gorge
This a common sight in low lying valley areas - open country, limited shade, defined and well compacted track. Walking along this type of track is ideal. (See video below) Rough and rugged gorge country. This is steep, precarious and difficult walking. The track isn't clearly defined in these sections and can 'appear to disappear' (See video below)
High Ridge/ Hilltops
Flat Plain/ Low Lying
Another common view on hilltop sections. Often, the trail can evade you. This is looking directly towards the 'track'. In most cases, the general direction is quite obvious - up or down, left or right. Cliffs areas are usually on either side (see video below)
Parts of the trail like this offer relief from rocky and rough terrain. The track is well defined and usually meanders its way through reasonably vegetated areas. Its comfortable and relaxing walking. (See video below)
Dry River Beds and Creek Lines Razorback Ridges
There are sections which traverse over creek lines and long ( or across) river beds, many of which are dry. The creeks are often rocky and rough, while many of the rivers are sandy and quite pleasant to walk along. (See video below)
Razorbacks and other cliff edge sections are not very common, but they can be found along sections 4,5 and 6. Most are easy to negotiate but nevertheless do require caution.
 
High Ridge Hilltop Variation (below) Open Valley Variation (below)
Closed Gorge Variation (below) Dry River Bed and Creek Line Variation (below)
Flat Plain Low Lying Variation (below) Razorback Ridge Variations (coming soon)
 
 
Website Updated January 2012 | Site Developed, Managed and Owned by Explorers Australia