Hiked up the very steep 500 m gulley with a great view point at the end which was initially not visible due to cloud cover, but with a little patience the full view was revealed. The valley's first inhabitants grew crops at the mountain's base, along the Santa Cruz River. Tips: The Crest Trail is not a single linear feature but a main trail with various spurs and loops connected to it. It is a half hour walk to the edge of the Amphitheatre where the Tugela falls over its edge (provided it has rained). Mushroom Rock, Ribbon Falls, and Doreen Falls Loop, Drakensberg Grand Traverse (The Escarpment Route), Mahai Valley to Gudu Falls and return via The Crack, Cascades,Tiger Falls and Mudslide from Witsieshoek, Okhahlamba NU, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, Maluti A Phofung NU, Free State, South Africa, Mabhulesini B, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Share your local knowledge and experiences with visitors and tourists: Suggest a thing to do. SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German. You won't make it in an average rental car. Staying over at the top is also a nice time, but not for all. Sentinel Rising. To get to the Wallowa Lake trailhead … The third option that takes you to the top is by means of the Sentinel Trail. The road ('road' defined loosely) to the car-park is about 4 miles long, and is comprised of boulders, jagged rocks, and deep pot-holes It also seems to get occasional-but-consistent use from hikers and rock climbers seeking to get off the beaten path. Excellent trail! Once on this path way, you'll hike around the side of Sentinel with some breath taking views … Sentinel Peak is a great day trip, but if you can spend the night it will reward you will magnificent sunset and sunrise views! Getting up to summit is extre… Best place to hike in my opinion. Sitemap. The trail follows a well-traveled path to Horsethief Falls for a mile. The trail starts and ends in the sentinel peak car park. About 2.5 miles from the Wilderness boundary, the trail reaches Junction Saddle. The chain ladders will more than test your metal � if you are even slightly frightened of heights, then don't look down. The lodge nearby (witsieshoek) offers lifts to the car park for R100. The "A" can be seen from different sections of Tucson, Arizona and stands out most from downtown. The 20-30 foot+ summit block at the top of Sentinel Peak, as seen from the northwest. Sentinel Peak technical climb & Amphitheatre camping - 3 days A rewarding three day two night wilderness camping adventure climbing two summit’s on the Northern Drakensberg escarpment. You basically freestyle your way around the final unnamed peak to a saddle underneath Sentinel Peak. Find and book hotels and accommodation in South Africa. The 7.5 mile (12 km) roundtrip hike begins from the Sentinel Peak Car Park just up the smooth dirt road past the sign for the Witsiehoek Mountain Lodge. Description Sentinel Peak, also known as “A” Mountain, is a prominent landmark, hiking trail, park and sunset-watching destination in the Tucson Mountains on the west side of Downtown Tucson. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Downed logs common along trail since fire. The trail leads up the Mont-aux-Sources plateau, one of the highest mountain ranges of the Drakensberg. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Lightning struck the rocks in front of us as we were heading back, the Baboons were out too that day. Contact Us. Sentinel Peak lies in the middle of a ridge line that connects it to Peak 10930 and Pyramid Point. Trail hike: Sentinel Peak is located near Johnsondale, California. Welcome to our site! rough. This trail will take you to the summit of the second highest mountain in the Pikes Peak region next to Pikes Peak … The difference: a drive … Luckily the weather was good and we didn't get pounded by the wind. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. The initial walk (the trail is self-guided and well marked but if you are in the least inexperienced, best to do this with a guide) is on a good, but steep, path that skirts in a series of zig zags (pause at the top to take in the views) to the base of the Sentinel where you reach the chain ladders. We ended up doing the hike the day after we had backpacked into Panamint City for a three night stay, on June 1, 2009. (About 5 hours return) Via two chain ladders you can can gain easy access to the summit. Pretty cool hike. The trail is split into three parts, the initial climb, the scramble or the chain ladder and then the plateau at the top. A closer look at the upper southwest side; the trail continues west and eventually climbs the north side. The road goes all the way to the car park at the trailhead. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. The reason for the A being painted on the mountain was because of the celebration in 1915 when the Arizona football team won over Pamona college 7-6. Probably the most nail-biting aspect of this hike is the off-road-drive to the Sentinel Peak parking lot. WhereStart and finish at the Sentinel Peak car park, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, OvernightStay nearby in Mont-aux-Sources, in KwaZulu Natal. Adjacent to the northern reaches of the of the Royal Natal National Park, Rugged Glen Nature Reserve is part of the Drakensberg uKhahlamba Park, ... A little west of the twin villages of Himeville and Underberg, on the border with Lesotho, lies the southernmost part of the Drakensberg and the ... Cobham is situated in the Southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, and is approximately 150 km from Pietermaritzburg. Worth every effort. Start: Sentinel car park (almost 3 000 metres above sea level) The Sentinel Peak trail in the Drakensberg is also known as the 'chain ladders' hike. This is definitely not the case, as the Sentinel Peak hike turns into an all-day affair (in a good way). Steep in some places and very close to edges. References The Travel Manuel is a trusted travel blog run by real travellers. Absolutely stunning. Stroll through the meadow, being sure to stay right at the junction. The waterfall is rain based. Send us feedback if this is your service/activity. Head straight up that ridge and follow it all the way on the pretty well worn track. Sentinel Peak is a 7.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Bonjaneni, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa that features a river and is rated as moderate. SA-Venues.com � 1999-2020. Subscribe for the latest special offers and travel inspiration. This 12km hiking trail starts and ends at the Sentinel Peak parking lot. Please note, business details can change. Spectacular views and amazing hike. well worth it...just call them to confirm the still offer the service. About Lauren M. Meet The Travel Manuel. Amazing amazing hike - as good as it gets! they will also pick you up on the way back. Locate… Sentinel Point Trail is a 6.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Florissant, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Sentinel Peak is best reached via the ridge south of Polaris Pass. It is also possible to hike the Sentinel Peak as a day hike. Pyramid Point, The Sentinel, Peak 10930 As Seen From Imp Peak We took the gully route and it was very doable for someone with a bit of hiking experience and decent footwear (no Nike free runs please). Dominated by Hodgs... FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Mont-aux-Sources Accommodation, When would you like to stay? Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans. Climbed the chain ladders up to the top and continued on to the falls. The name "Tucson" is derived from the O'odham Cuk Ṣon [tʃʊk ʂɔːn], meaning " [at the] base of the black [hill]". Tiring hike, but it was worth it. The trail sign indicates that there is a trail leading to Sentinel Peak, but I found no sign of it on the ground. There was no water at the top so we had to take some up. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. The initial trail is fairly easy for the most part and follows a well trodden path. Many delightful... Fort Durnford was built out of local sandstone in a strong rectangular shape with thick, high walls and a couple of prominant towers. The Sentinel Peak forms part of a multi-day hike that traverses the length of the Amphitheatre. From the Wallowa Lake trailhead either the West Fork trail (1820) or the East Fork trail (1804) will get you there. Filed Under: Africa, Featured, Travel Tagged With: africa, ampitheatre backpackers, drakensberg, hike, Sentinel Peak, south africa. If you’re afraid of heights maybe this ones not for you. One should not venture up the mountain without being prepared (food, water, clothes and even a tent, in case a storm arises). Sentinel Point is a difficult, lightly trafficked 7.7 mile loop hike between Divide and Cripple Creek, CO. Caution: It is a VERY rugged road! Lightning, rain and thunder rolled in and we had to book it back down as fast as we could. At the end of this section you'll begin to zig zag up and onto the side of Sentinel Peak. Sentinel Point can be seen off to the right. Hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports from Sentinel Peak (10,170 ft) in Colorado The trail is easy to follow at first but … loved it. This res... Start: Sentinel car parkFinish: Cathedral Peak HotelDuration: 100 km, 5 � 6 daysFitness: difficultOur tip: It is best to do this hike with the pr... Ploughman�s Kop is a mountain in the shape of a head on the left arm of The Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal Park, which is in turn part of the Uk... Start: Mahai camp site, Drakensberg, KwaZulu NatalFinish: Mahai camp siteDuration: 8 km, roughly 5 hoursFitness: moderate to difficult Our tip: t... Where: All Out Adventures, northern DrakensbergLevel: routes for all levels of MTB junkiesType of route: 100 km of mountain bike trails, mainly s... Start: there are numerous entrances, but Witsieshoek is one of themFinish: Royal Natal National ParkDuration: 25 - 30 km over three daysFitness: ... Drakensberg accommodation is always special because it promises a place to stay in some of South Africa�s most spectacular countryside. Every day, hundreds of people walk, bike and drive on Sentinel Peak Road, which climbs and … Choose dates. Restrooms at trailhead. Just west of downtown, Sentinel Peak is a natural landmark designated "A" Mountain by University of Arizona students. Our tip: if you suffer from vertigo, the vertical ascent up the cliff face might be a challenge. The Sentinel Peak Hike – the trail As one of the best hikes on the Drakensberg, the Sentinel Peak Hike has spectacular views along the entire walk. We went up and down the gully route, which is quite a scramble, but is safe and well marked. Just picking a good time of year and season to go is recommended. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision. Please let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies.Note, we do not have additional information or rates. The Sentinel Peak and Chain Ladder Hike is about 12kms in total, and is one of the most memorable hikes anyone could ever take on. And, we'll send you a R200 voucher to use on your next booking. If you don't have a decent 4x4 with good tire clearance, get yourself a lift from the witsiehoek lodge (150 ZAR). This southeast fork of the Crest Trail #270 goes to Sentinel Peak. Planning to do it again but not soon, Great hike and the weather was perfect, Climbed the chain ladders and went to Tugela falls. It is in Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest. * Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. This saddle is very scenic, and makes a nice rest spot. Sungubala Eco Camp lies in the heart of the pristine Drakensberg wilderness, directly below Hlolela and Sungubala (2000m), just north of the Roya... Nestled in the midst of the picturesque Northern Drakensberg Mountains and conveniently located mid-way between Durban and Johannesburg. Plenty of these views on the hike: Sentinel Peak from the ridge below. Not super steep, only a few loose rocks. All Rights Reserved. There are three primary routes to Polaris Pass. So, so beautiful and green in Summer. Sentinel Peak Resources Appoints Executive Vice President, Los Angeles Basin Operations Denver, CO – October 12, 2016 – Sentinel Peak Resources is pleased to announce the addition of George Paspalof as the Executive Vice President, LA Basin Operations. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The prominence of the peak tempts hikers with a decent trail leading to the panoramic rock viewpoint. 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Come, or you can now either head back down the way on the top so had... Cruz River witsieshoek ) offers lifts to the top of Sentinel Peak each week in the summer in South.... Being paved for the latest special offers and travel inspiration this 12km hiking trail starts ends... The world definitely not the case, as seen from the ridge below a shorter approach visitors and:! Creek, CO end of this hike to any single living person that is to..., not driving Distances way back the establishment should driving distance be a shorter approach and well.. As the crow flies '', not driving Distances to start the walk from the Taylor or... Heights, then do n't look down hike at the same time number... 98104 ( 206 ) 625-1367, the Baboons were out too that day 's first grew! This trail but must be kept on leash R200 voucher to use this trail but be... Being sure to stay right at the upper southwest side ; the trail continues and! Two chain ladders might be a challenge for those who do n't contact,! The northwest must be kept on leash, City or region State, to the! Peak forms part of a ridge line that connects it to see amazing. End of this section you 'll begin to zig zag up and down the way.! It in an average rental car amazing hike - as good as it gets Monument and Sequoia National Monument Sequoia! Let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies.Note, do. '' mountain by University of Arizona students the Amphitheatre one of the Sentinel Peak just call them to the... To any single living sentinel peak trail that is able to use on your next booking difference: a across...