Platteklip Gorge to Upper Cableway Station
The most direct and popular walking ascent of Table Mountain, climbing steeply through Platteklip Gorge.
Route overview
Climb the steep constructed stone path through Platteklip Gorge to the Upper Cableway Station.
Platteklip Gorge rises directly from Tafelberg Road through the mountain's front face. The path is built with stone steps and erosion controls, but the sustained ascent is physically demanding. Reaching the upper cable station does not solve the descent: weather can close the cableway without warning.
Trail facts
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Table Mountain north face, Cape Town
- Distance
- about 3 km ascent
- Typical duration
- about 1 to 3 hours ascent
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not specified
- Best season
- Stable daylight conditions; avoid extreme heat, strong wind, heavy rain and low cloud
- Trail type
- Point to point ascent; return or cableway descent requires a separate plan
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Check current SANParks access and cableway-related rules before departure.
Safety context
Carry enough water, sun protection and warm windproof clothing. Allow time and capability to walk down if the cableway is unavailable; never rely on the last service as the only safe return. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Severe heat, cold wind, cableway closure, dehydration, fatigue, darkness and rapid weather change.
Highlights
Direct Table Mountain ascent, Cape Town and Table Bay views, dramatic gorge and summit plateau access
Why find a buddy
Strong buddy value for pacing, heat monitoring and a shared fallback descent when the cableway closes.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.