Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme)
Rwetyepme
The fourth-highest peak in the Northern Territory and the end of the Larapinta Trail. Climbing for sunrise over the West MacDonnell Ranges is the classic high-country hike of the Red Centre.
Mount Sonder (Arrernte: Rwetyepme) stands about 1,380 m high in Tjoritja (West MacDonnell) National Park, roughly 130 km west of Alice Springs. It marks the end of the 12th section of the 223 km Larapinta Trail. From the Redbank Gorge car park, the round trip is about 16 km and takes 7 to 9 hours. The route climbs along an exposed ridge with no shade. Most people set off around 3 a.m. to reach the summit for sunrise, when the first light turns the layered ridges purple-red, with views over Ormiston Gorge and Mount Giles. The climb is free. Bring a headlamp and 3 to 4 liters of water. The last few kilometers of access road are gravel, which ordinary cars can drive slowly. Avoid visiting in summer heat or during the wet season, when roads close.
Opening hours
Open all day (early-morning start recommended)
Nearby sights
- Glen Helen Gorge
- Ormiston Gorge
- Ochre Pits
- Serpentine Gorge
- Ellery Creek Big Hole
- Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye)
- Simpsons Gap
- Alice Springs Desert Park