Serpentine Gorge is a sacred site to Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who call it Ulpma.
The Dreaming Story of the Carpet Snake and this place is associated with an Eaglehawk ancestor, the full story of which can only be told to initiated Aboriginal men.
From Alice Springs, head west out of town on Larapinta Drive/Namatjira Drive (Red Centre Way) towards Glen Helen for 101km before turning right (signposted) and travelling 1.8km on a graded track to the car park.
From the car park, follow the well trodden path in towards the gorge. After 900m, take the stepped pathway to your right, that snakes its way up 65m to the lookout above the gorge and waterhole. Return by the same route.
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If you really want something special, then take the 1.5hr return climb onto the western ridge of the gorge (section 8 of the Larapinta Trail).
This is just one of a dozen or more walks that are accessible along the 130km stretch of Larapinta/Namatjira Drive from Alice Springs to Glen Helen. Recommendation is to spend two/three days completing all the walks by taking an overnighter at the Glen Helen pub.
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