At 1,380 metres, Rwetyepme / Mt Sonder is the Larapinta Trail’s high point – and for many who walk with us, the emotional peak too. But its magic isn’t just in the summit. It’s in how – and when – you get there.

If you have the chance to end your Larapinta journey with a sunrise ascent, take it. It’s one of the most meaningful ways to farewell the trail.

This is a climb that’s achievable for most reasonably active walkers. There are no exposed edges or technical sections – just a pre-dawn start, a calm steady incline, and one of the most memorable mornings you’ll ever have.

You begin by headtorch light under a Milky Way sky. The cool desert air, the hush of early hours – it’s quiet, focused, and full of anticipation.

And thanks to our nearby Sonder abd Fearless Eco-Comfort Camps - the closest private camps to the trailhead - there’s no early transfer or long vehicle ride before you set off.

At the summit, your guide will likely offer a warm cuppa as you sit and take in the slow burn of first light. Below, the vast West MacDonnell landscape unfolds – and with it, the full stretch of trail you’ve spent the last six days walking.

It’s not just sunrise. It’s arrival.

Here’s why so many of our walkers tell us they wouldn’t want to summit Mt Sonder any other way.

1. Cooler conditions make the climb more enjoyable

A pre-dawn start means you’re walking during the coolest part of the day. For many, this makes the climb feel smoother, especially for those more used to mild or wintry climates.

“The early morning start was so worth it. Cool air, quiet trail, and the most stunning views from the summit of Mt Sonder.”

2. A gentle challenge – open to most

It may feel adventurous, but this is a walk designed to be achievable. There’s no technical terrain – just a consistent incline and the support of your guides to pace the experience for all abilities.

“I didn’t think I’d make it to the summit, but the guides made it achievable – standing at the top watching the sun come up was surreal.”

3. A chance to look back on where you’ve walked

By the time you reach the top, you’ve already completed more than 65km on foot. As the sun lifts over the desert, the light traces your journey – a rare moment of perspective.

“Climbing Mt Sonder at sunrise was the absolute highlight. Watching the light spill over the trail we’d just walked was unforgettable.”

4. The closest camp to the summit

We’ve positioned our Sonder Eco-Comfort Camp just minutes from the start of the summit track. No long drives, no early transfers. Just a steady walk from your tent to trail.

“Our guides were amazing and that sunrise climb on the last day was just perfect. Such a special way to end the walk.”

5. The end of the trail – and the start of what comes next

Whether you summit or stop partway, Mt Sonder is a powerful endpoint. It marks not just the close of a walk – but the beginning of new stories, memories, and friendships.

“The final climb up Mt Sonder was magical – still, silent, and then boom, the sun hits the ranges. A memory that will stay with me forever.”

If you’re planning to walk the Larapinta Trail, there’s no better way to complete it than with a dawn arrival atop Rwetyepme / Mt Sonder.