Little Lion to Big Lion
A Mountain Slayers Hike
Hiking Extreme
- Distance
- 21 km
- Ascent
- 1.9 km
- Descent
- 1.8 km
- Duration
- 7-8 hrs
- Low Point
- 134 m
- High Point
- 1 km
- Gradient
- 27˚
This is a popular hiking route which is generally considered to be extreme. It's remote, it features extreme exposure and is typically done in March, April, May, August, September and October. From a low point of 134 m to the maximum altitude of 1 km, the route covers 21 km, 1929 vertical metres of ascent and 1766 vertical metres of descent.
Description
Connect the Lions... Little Lion's Head in Houtbay to Lion's Head in Cape Town.
Difficulty
Extreme
Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".
Extreme Exposure
Some trail sections are extremely exposed where falling will almost certainly result in serious injury or death.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.
Best time to visit
Features
- Picturesque
- Summit Hike
- Water features