How Hard Is Table Mountain Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Get to know this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Wrightwood, California. Generally considered a

moderately challenging route

, it takes an average of 2 h 35 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Is it easy to climb Table Mountain?

Hiking Table Mountain requires effort. All routes are strenuous, some technical and awkward in addition.

The easiest way is Platteklip Gorge – but it’s not easy: it’s still strenuous

. The other routes are either more strenuous or more technical with exposure to heights, or both.

How long does it take to go up and down Table Mountain?

Approximate time:

1.5 – 3 hours one way

, depending on fitness and how far you walk. View on a map.

What is the most difficult hike?

  • The Maze. …
  • South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail. …
  • Kalalau Trail. …
  • Mist Trail – Half Dome. …
  • Muir Snowfield Trail. …
  • Huckleberry Mountain. …
  • Barr Trail.

Is it free to climb Table Mountain?

Hiking the Table Mountain National Park is

mostly free with the exception of some areas where conservation fees are to be paid

like the Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Point or Boulders.

Why is there beach sand on top of Table Mountain?

The Skeleton Gorge Beach is an inadvertently man-made phenomenon which is

caused by the wind and water weathering the sandstone around the dams

. Its picturesque view and peaceful and tranquil scenery make the beach a perfect place for a snack or a lunch stop after hiking up the mountain.

Is hiking Table Mountain Safe?


There have been violent attacks on hikers and tourists on Table Mountain

. Take care in quieter areas of the Park, especially early in the morning or just before the park closes. ‘

How long is the walk up Table Mountain?

Our full-day hikes up Table Mountain take

about five hours

to complete and cover roughly five kilometres. These Table Mountain hikes show you a lot more of the mountain than half-day hikes and are often technically challenging.

How long does it take to climb Lion’s Head?

The hike takes roughly

1.5 to 2.5 hours

up and down, depending on your level of fitness and how long you spend on top. The main routes start from the parking area on Signal Hill Road.

How difficult is Skeleton Gorge?


Generally considered a challenging route

, it takes an average of 2 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Skeleton Gorge is the most popular hiking route up the east side of Table Mountain.

What is the easiest route up Table Mountain?


Kloof Corner

is by far the easiest hike on Table Mountain. It’s short, simple, and offers amazing views, especially considering how little you have to climb! It’s fantastic for sunsets, overlooking Lion’s Head and the whole of Table Bay.

Can you walk down Table Mountain?


It is much easier going up – if you take it at the right pace

. There are very difficult, highly graded, routes up the mountain which I would definiterly NOT recommend for a first timer. The major routes are much easier. The best route up or down is the Platteklip Gorge route.

What is the scariest hike in America?

  • Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. …
  • Barr Trail, Pikes Peak, Colorado. …
  • Jack Mountain, North Cascades National Park, Washington. …
  • Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire. …
  • Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska. …
  • The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah.

What is the deadliest hike in America?

America’s deadliest hike is

Mount Ranier

in Washington State. It has claimed over 400 deaths. Anything but a “walk in the park,” Mount Ranier features extreme and fast weather changes, avalanches, falling rocks, and an unpredictable volcano.

How hard is Barr Trail?

The Pikes Peak Barr Trail is

one of the most difficult hikes you will find in the Pikes Peak region

. It is an advanced level trail because of the 12+ mile distance to the Pikes Peak Summit and its 7,800 feet altitude gain.

How much does it cost to go to Table Mountain?

Ticket Type Time Return
Morning: Adults


8am – 1pm


R390
Morning: Kids (4 – 17 years) 8am – 1pm R190 Afternoon: Adults 1pm – until close R320 Afternoon: Kids (4 – 17 years) 1pm – until close R160

How difficult is India Venster?

In terms of physicality, India Venster is

the least strenuous Table Mountain route after Platteklip Gorge

(the easiest route to the summit). This does not mean the route is not strenuous, only that it is less strenuous than other popular routes like Kasteelspoort and Skeleton Gorge.

What time can you start hiking Table Mountain?

In the summer months, the best time is

before 6:30 am

. But, as you might expect, it is not quite as simple as that. There are numerous factors to consider to determine the ideal time to start a Table Mountain hike. In general, morning time is the best time to hike.

Can you swim on top of Table Mountain?

Did you know? The water in the dams is untreated and

no swimming is allowed

. Up until the 1880s all who lived in Cape Town were dependent on one stream of water (Disa River) that flowed off the mountain.

Why is Table Mountain so special?

Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa. It is also

the country’s most photographed attraction and its famous cable car took millions of people to its top

. Table Mountain has become the single most welcoming icon to not only our people, but travellers from all over the world.

Is Table Mountain a 7 wonder of the world?

Celebrations erupted at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront on Friday night as Table Mountain was provisionally named a New 7 Wonder of Nature following a three-year global race to choose the world’s seven most wonderful natural sites.

Can you hike Table Mountain alone?

Even though the Kirstenbosch and Table Mountain National Park security are constantly on patrol, and have apprehended culprits,

it is not advisable to walk alone or in small groups

. Also, do not carry large amounts of money or valuables with you.

Can I hike alone in Cape Town?

A party size of four is recommended and

if you’re travelling alone, hike with a guide like Hike Table Mountain, Table Mountain Treks and Tours or Mother City Hikers

. Don’t split up—rather take the pace of the slowest member.

Can you hike Table Mountain by yourself?


Never hike alone

. This is the number one rule on a hike up Table Mountain (or any other mountain). Fatalities can occur on hikes, so do not take the chance.

How many steps is Table Mountain?

A casual climb up Table Mountain will get you nearly to that daily goal at

7000 steps

, while Bhutan’s famed Snowman Trek will take 400,000 steps – but will take a little bit longer.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.