Skeleton Gorge Route : to do or not to do?

What is the Skeleton Gorge Route?

Let’s first clarify what constitutes the full Skeleton Gorge hiking experience. Skeleton Gorge itself is a ravine on Table Mountain, beginning on the Kirstenbosch side. From the head of this ravine, the route continues by following the Smuts Track to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on the mountain’s plateau. From there, you typically traverse the famous Table to the Upper Cableway Station.

For the purposes of this article, when we refer to ‘Skeleton Gorge hike,’ we include all three segments: the actual ravine, the Smuts Track, and the traverse across the summit. This is how many people assume the route name ‘Skeleton Gorge’ functions, as these segments are often combined to form a single route. Nothing wrong with that; one just needs to be aware of the distinction.

Rivalled only by Platteklip Gorge in renown, Skeleton Gorge ranks as one of the most popular routes up Table Mountain. While it has merit, it might not be the ideal route for everyone. To gain a clearer perspective, let’s delve into key aspects of the route and how they might determine your overall enjoyment.

How Long is the Skeleton Gorge Hike? Information About the Route

Skeleton Gorge is a strenuous route. Starting on the southeast slopes of the mountain and meandering across to the northwest corner, it covers approximately 7 km (4 miles) and gains around 1000 meters (3300 feet) in elevation. If your fitness is below average, you will likely find it very challenging. Even hikers of average fitness need to be prepared for a significant physical push. If you envision a leisurely walk without breaking much of a sweat, you’re in for a rude awakening.

Vegetation and Character

The first 1.5 hours of the route follow a beautiful, dense forested ravine. If you’re not a ‘forest person,’ or prefer continuous panoramic views from the outset, this initial segment might not be your favorite. However, if you appreciate forests—especially the chance to experience Table Mountain’s unique Afromontane Forest (reminiscent of the Amazon rainforest)—then you will thoroughly enjoy this part. Some find forests captivating, others claustrophobic or monotonous. If you lean towards the latter, remember that Table Mountain offers a veritable buffet of other routes to choose from.

Skeleton Gorge truly takes in all the floral zones on the mountain. By the time you reach the Upper Cableway Station, you will have been rewarded with diverse views in all directions. It also leads through some of the less-visited parts of the mountain and offers interesting asides like the Table Mountain dams.

What Type of Hiker Are You? Is Skeleton Gorge Your Best Fit?

If you’re a peak-bagger (obsessed with summitting and nothing else), or you prefer hikes under 3 hours, or you don’t care much for immersing yourself in nature, then Skeleton Gorge might fail to impress. Furthermore, the route offers little in the way of scrambling or significant exposure to heights (it scores low on the adventure scale for adrenaline junkies). So, if you’re seeking a ‘spicier’ route with more technical challenges, consider options like India Venster, Left Face ‘B’, Blind Gully, Kasteel’s Buttress, Kloof Corner, or Woody Buttress.

However, much like a best-selling novel, Skeleton Gorge has mass appeal. It ticks many boxes for what the majority of hikers want from a route. It’s a deservedly popular route that truly does justice to the beauty and diversity of Table Mountain. The route’s positives—full range of views across the plateau, all floral zones explored, and abundant nature—measure up well against the negatives (no views along the first section, strenuous, and somewhat monotonous along the middle stretches of the Smuts Track).

Do I Need a Guide to Hike Skeleton Gorge?

Not sure if Skeleton Gorge is the perfect fit for you? Allow us to match your interests and abilities with the ideal Table Mountain hike. We realize the importance of route selection for your overall experience and therefore make the effort to learn about you – your fitness level, hiking experience, preferences, interests, sense of adventure, and expectations – before suggesting a route. As the saying goes, different strokes for different folks, and we wholeheartedly subscribe to that when it comes to Table Mountain hiking. This personalized approach ensures you get the most out of your iconic Table Mountain adventure.