Standley Chasm to Alice Springs
Plenty of variety as you follow a flower-filled valley before ducking north through a gap with a little scrambling to the beautiful Fish Hole and a series of pools. The terrain opens again past Jay Creek and the track is smoother and less rocky until you reach Spring Gap, another spectacular waterhole. You’ll have a little scrambling then the trail continues gently downhill along drainage lines to reach Mulga Camp.
Easy walking, wildflowers, sandy riverbeds with impermanent waterholes, plains, desert woodland and gaps with pretty waterholes.
The terrain has gradually become more undulating rather than steep, but the climb out of Simpson’s Gap over Hat Hill and the final flanks of the range will have you warmed up in no time! After offering grand views from the saddle, the trail contours along the flanks of the range and then hills and valleys, with wide southerly views much of the time.
Although it’s less rugged than the ranges further west, you start with a long and exhilarating climb out of camp and then along the edge of Euro Ridge with marvellous views the entire way. Once you descend, you gradually begin to see railways, roads and bridges, and to hear traffic. The last few kilometres into Telegraph Station offer new landforms and geology, with mica sparkling like glass everywhere you look. It’s a delightful way to ease out of a hike.
A demanding section with fun scrambles in gorges, plus high vast views from ridges