Summary:
Find tranquility among the red monoliths of the Olgas.

The first mile/1.6 km or so is an out and back section that takes you east through a wide gorge. The path includes a series of switchbacks to Karu Lookout, very hot when we walked it in June – the coldest month – and the busiest part of the trail. From the lookout, the path continues into a clearing of scrub and small trees to a junction marking the start of the loop.

Turn right (south) to follow the loop anti-clockwise, heading between two vast monoliths rising from the desert floor. You should soon find patches of welcome shade as you enter the narrow gorge. It is not long before you start to climb – and it’s hard work in the heat – as the trail bears left.

Heading east once again, the path enters another narrow gorge between two parallel monoliths. Climbing to the top, by the Karingana Lookout, the scene is magnificent. In the foreground, steep rock faces of the gorge walls frame the distant view of rounded domes, the red valley floor dotted with green scrub. The rocks of Kata Tjuta are weathered and, from a distance, look like the hides of giant animals sleeping in the desert heat. It is easy to see why they are so important to the Anangu people. Much of the area is associated with rituals that remain the exclusive knowledge of initiated men. No details of these ceremonies have been made public.

The trail now descends through the gorge and veers left across rock. This is roughly half way along the loop section of the hike. When we reached this point, there were no other hikers about, and you suddenly seem alone and lost in the outback. It is a strange sensation – one of exhilaration tempered by the realization that you could not survive for long out here by yourself.

The second half of the loop is through an open area of desert scrub, and far more exposed to the intense sun. But don’t rush. Depending on the time of day, enjoy the brightness of morning, the serenity of late afternoon, or the glow of the monoliths at sunset, as they turn deep red and the shadows grow long.

The trail bears left, heading back towards the huge domes, and soon the loop is completed. Turn right for the 1 mile spur back to the car park.

If you have some extra time, the Olga Gorge Trail is a 1.6 mile/2.6 km out and back trail through Olga Gorge, ending at a sheer cliff face and a rock pool. This trail is best early or late, as it can be busy in the middle of the day. The trail starts from Olga Gorge car park, clearly signed as you leave the Valley of the Winds spur road.

Directions: From Alice Springs, take the Stuart Hwy (Route 87) south for 228 km to Erldunda. Turn right onto the Lasseter Hwy (Route 4) and head west for 244 km to Yulara (Ayers Rock resort).

Trailhead: Valley of Winds car park. Continue on the road from Yulara towards Uluru (Ayers Rock). After 8 km, bear right on Kata-Tjuta Road for 42 km. At the end of the road, a short spur leads to the car park.

Length: 4.6 miles / 7.4 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 2.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow.

Features: Rock domes, gorges, desert.

Climate: Sunny year-round. Extremely hot in summer – daytime temperatures average 36°C in January. Much better hiking conditions in winter – July daytime temperatures average 19°C – but very cold at night and in the early morning.

Accommodation: Hotels, hostel, tent and RV sites at Yulara. Hotel reservations essential year-round.

Trail Notes: Trail is closed at Karu Lookout from 11am on days where forecast temperatures are 36°C or more. Carry water – emergency water is available towards the end of the loop.