Golden Gate Highlands National Park Hiking Trails
Golden Gate Highlands National Park Hiking Trails

Golden Gate Highlands National Park Hiking Trails

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located in the Free State of South Africa. It is a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. 

Renowned for its breathtaking sandstone cliffs that glow golden in the sunlight. The park offers a variety of trails that showcase its unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. The view of the Maluti mountains in the background creates the perfect surroundings. 

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Hike information

Golden Gate Highlands National Park spans over 340 square kilometres and is named after the brilliant golden hues of its sandstone cliffs, especially striking at sunset.  These rock formations, coupled with rolling grasslands, deep valleys, and clear streams, create a stunning backdrop for any hiking adventure.

You’ll need to purchase a permit to hike these trails. Luckily, a permit is valid for the whole day and you can combine as many trails as you want. The permit also allows you to drive the many loops within the National Park. 

The permit is R60 per person (2022) and is payable at the information centre located at the (📍) Total Garage which is situated at the Glen Reenen Camp and Chalets. 

You’ll also receive a map of all the trails.

golden-gate-national-park

Popular Hikes at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park

There are so many beautiful trails to choose from, but my favourite one had to be the Echo Ravine trail. Most of the trails start across the information centre where you then cross the river bridge and make your way to the first sign indicating the different hiking trails. 

You will also see that the trails are clearly marked.

garden-route-national-park-signs
garden-route-national-park-signs

Here is a list of all the trails at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park:

Muschroom Rock Trail

After crossing the bridge, you continue straight until the trail splits up in two. Continue to the right, to make your way to the Mushroom Rock.

This is a favourite for its unique geological formations and relatively short and easy path. The trail leads to the iconic Mushroom Rock, a fascinating sandstone formation resembling a mushroom. It is red in colour and stands tall among the other mountains. There are multiple ‘dripping walls’ where the water drips from the top after a good rainy day.  You’ll also see some spectacular views of the valley below.

The trail is suitable for families and those looking for a shorter, yet rewarding hike. 

  • Duration – 4 km for a round trip
  • Difficulty – Easy
  • Duration – Around 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Elevation gain – 359 m
golden-gate-national-park-mushroom-rock
golden-gate-national-park-mushroom-rock
golden-gate-national-park-mushroom-rock

Echo Ravine Trail

In my opinion, this is the most beautiful trail in the park and once you get to the end of the trail, you’ll understand why! The Echo Ravine Trail is a scenic route that takes you through a beautiful ravine with towering cliffs on either side. This trail is moderately challenging, mainly due to the slippery rocks during the rainy season. There are some rocky sections and uneven terrain. As you hike, you’ll enjoy the sound of trickling streams and the chance to explore unique rock formations and caves. 

At the start of the trail, you’ll get to a section where the road splits into two, here you continue to the left and walk through the forestry trail that’ll lead to a dead end at the Ravine.

  • Distance – 2 km for a round trip
  • Difficulty – Moderate
  • Duration – 45 minutes to an hour 
  • Elevation gain – 170 m
golden-gate-national-park-echo-ravine
golden-gate-national-park-echo-ravine

Brandwag Buttress Trail

One of the most iconic trails in the park is the Brandwag Buttress Trail. It leads hikers to the top of the prominent Brandwag Buttress rock formation. Brandwag means ‘Sentinel’ in Afrikaans and here you have some great views of the golden sunrise and sunset.

This loop trail is relatively short but steep, offering panoramic views of the park and the surrounding mountains. The climb is well worth the effort to the summit.

There is a chain to assist you as you continue up the mountain. You start the trail at the Glen Reenen camp and end at the Golden Gate Hotel, or vice versa.

  • Distance – 2 km  for a round trip
  • Difficulty – Moderate
  • Duration – 1 hour
  • Elevation gain – 170 m

Wodehouse Peak Trail

For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Wodehouse Peak Trail is an excellent choice. The trail takes you to one of the highest points in the park, offering expansive views of the Golden Gate Highlands. The hike involves steep ascents and descents, so it’s recommended for more experienced hikers. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of flora and possibly spot some of the park’s larger mammals.

The trail starts to the left, and then around the mountain. Here you start your ascend up the mountain. It is recommended that you start the trail early in the morning as the trail has little shade.

  • Duration –  9 km
  • Difficulty – Moderate to difficult
  • Duration –  4 hours
  • Elevation gain – 694 m
garden-route-national-park
garden-route-national-park

Cathedral Cave Trail

The Cathedral Cave Trail is a hidden gem within Golden Gate Highlands National Park. This trail takes hikers through beautiful grassland and rocky terrain to reach the stunning Cathedral Cave, a massive sandstone overhang that creates a natural amphitheatre. 

This trail can only be done by a guide and should be booked in advance. You can book at the information centre or give them a call (058 255 1000) at least two days in advance. 

A minimum of 5 people is required and you’ll have to pay an additional fee (R150pp in 2022). The trail is only open from December to October.

Remember your swimming costume as there is a spot to take a dip when you get to the cave. 

  • Distance – 3 km
  • Difficulty – Easy
  • Duration – 4 hours

Boskloof Trail

The Boskloof Trail is a scenic hike that takes you through lush valleys and along clear streams.  The trail is moderately challenging with some uneven terrain and gentle ascents. As you hike, you’ll enjoy the tranquil sound of the running water and the vibrant greenery of the kloof (ravine).

  • Distance – 2 km
  • Difficulty – Easy to moderate
  • Duration – 1 hour
  • Elevation gain – 139 m

Holkrans Trail

The Holkrans Trail is ideal for families and hikers of all skill levels. This trail leads to the Holkrans Cave, an impressive sandstone formation that offers a natural shelter. The trail is relatively short and easy, making it accessible for children and casual hikers. 

This loop trail starts at the Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets and is ideal for hiking in the late afternoon when everything turns golden with the afternoon sun.

  • Distance – 2 km
  • Difficulty – Easy
  • Duration – 1 hour
  • Elevation gain – 144 m

Rhebok Trail

The Rhebok Hiking Trail is for the adventurous and well-prepared hiker. This two-day trail offers an immersive experience in the park’s wilderness, covering diverse terrains leading to the very top of Brandwag Buttress. Overnight huts provide basic accommodation, allowing hikers to rest and enjoy the star-filled skies. This trail is a fantastic way to experience the park’s remote and untouched beauty.

Booking in advance is essential and a maximum of 18 people are allowed. 

The trail starts with a steep climb where you’ll see the sandstone cliff formations along the way. You make your way along a little stream, also forming part of the Boskloof trail. Then you’ll spend the night at the Ribbok Hut which has bunk beds, a kitchen area, an outside braai and an ablution block. On the first day you’ll hike a total of 14.2 km which will take around 6 and a half hours to complete.

The second day will take around 8 hours (13.8 km) to complete so it is best to start early. Walk along the Ribbokspruit and the stopover provides spectacular views of Lesotho. The descent follows past a rocky ridge and it is possible to experience high winds. You’ll pass all the previously mentioned trails throughout this trail.

  • Distance – 28 km 
  • Difficulty – Difficult
  • Duration – 2 days (1 night)

Check out the trail map HERE!

garden-route-national-park
garden-route-national-park

Combine Trails

We had quite a busy day before, hiking the Amphitheater trail in the Drakensberg and were planning on doing a hike at the Clarens Nature Reserve the following day. So we could not get to all the trails but still opted for the favourite ones.

We started to the right with the Mushroom Rock trail and then continued with the Echo Ravine trail and ended with the Brandwag Buttress Trail. This took us about two and a half hours and I think we got to see the best of the park.

However, if you do have the time, I would suggest doing some of the other trails as well.

READ MORE:

Amphitheater Trail in the Drakensberg

Hiking Trails at the Clarens Nature Reserve

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MAGGIE KOORTZEN
MAGGIE KOORTZEN
2 years ago

It’s so beautiful, all the footage! And also to see my children out in the world, doing what they love.
Mme

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Mariska Koortzen
Mariska Koortzen
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Reply to  MAGGIE KOORTZEN
2 years ago

Yay! So bly Mme geniet dit.

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