Is the summit trail on Mt. Rinjani slippery?

Yes, the summit trail on Mount Rinjani is slippery, but not in the way you might be thinking. It’s not slippery like wet mud or ice, though you might encounter both in certain conditions. It’s slippery because of loose volcanic scree, small rocks and gravel that shift under your feet with every step. This scree is the defining feature of the summit approach, and it’s what makes the climb so much harder than the angle alone would suggest. When you’re climbing in darkness with a headlamp, every foot placement requires concentration.

You can’t just march up the slope like a normal trail. You have to test each step, find stable footing, and accept that sometimes the ground will slide out from under you. Our guides at Lombok-Indonesia.org teach clients to dig their heels in slightly and use trekking poles for stability. They also set a pace that allows for careful foot placement rather than rushing. Going slowly and deliberately is faster in the long run than rushing and falling.

The scree is worst on the way up, but it’s also tricky on the descent. Coming down loose scree is actually easier in some ways because you can sort of surf-slide if you’re comfortable with it, but it takes practice and confidence. If you’re not experienced with scree descents, follow your guide’s instructions exactly. Trekking boots with good grip are essential here. Running shoes or sandals are completely inadequate for this section and significantly increase your risk of a painful slip or twisted ankle.