Starting from the end of Eagle Court, Desert Springs, this walk takes you on a circuit in the dry land of Mount Johns district via the Sunset Hill and 12 Hour tracks, crossing a small stream (usually dry) along the way. Feel the sense of remoteness in the first half off the track as you take in the views of East Macdonnell Ranges to your right. You’ll get great views of Alice Springs on the way back, time your hike to watch the sun set behind the town. This can be a great regular track for mountain biking and running for people living nearby as it features wide even trails. The track is pretty exposed, so wear a hat and apply sunscreen to have a better experience. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn right onto Stephens Road and drive for another 1.9 km
Turn left onto The Links and drive for another 600 m
Turn left onto Hillside Garden and drive for another 210 m
Turn right onto Eagle Court and drive for another 65 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the end of Eagle Court, Desert Springs, head directly away from the road and take the last trail veering right. Cross the (possibly dry) creek and stay on the designated trail to continue along Sunset Hill Circuit(clockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 30 m continue straight, to head along Sunset Hill.
After another 40 m cross the ford.
After another 1.5 km (at the intersection of 12 Hour Track & Sunset Hill) continue straight.
After another 110 m veer left, to head along 12 Hour Track.
After another 130 m veer right.
After another 1.4 km turn right.
After another 1.5 km turn left.
After another 530 m continue straight.
After another 530 m turn right.
After another 420 m continue straight.
After another 205 m turn left.
After another 30 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Sunset Hill Circuit
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
6.4 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 2 h 45 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)