Jesus’ Goat Path

Map Cristo Rei and Goat Path Hike

This fantastic 3.4 mile hike begins in the parking lot at the base of Cristo Rei, just outside of Dili.  Take the sidewalk as if you are going to the Statue.  After the first flight of stairs there is a flat stretch of sidewalk that runs about 200 meters before the stairs begin in earnest.

The view along the peaks near Crisot Rei in Dil, Timor-Leste (East Timor).  You can just barely see the path to the top of the hills.

You will not be taking these stairs, but turning right just before you begin taking the long flights up.  (Climb the steep incline to the saddle between two high points.  Turn left, toward the statue and hike along the steep ridges until you reach the stairs at Cristo Rei.

Knife Ridge at Cristo Rei

Take the footpath down to Portuguese Beach until you reach the road.  Take the road until you reach the smaller beach and then begin the scramble up the hillside to the first peak.  There are several goat paths you can walk along, but you will have to leave the paths to make the scramble upwards.

The paths are narrow and precarious, but a fabulous experience.  Once you reach the first hilltop, you will find reliable paths that provide stunning views.

You will wander on and off goat paths as you climb each of the hills.  The last and highest hill has a goat path that moves along the northeast face.

Like many of the paths to this point, it is precipitous and requires a careful step.  Perfect for Hash House Harriers.

The path down is not plain to see from the top, but if you pick along carefully, you will find it and can move along the rolling hill tops until you find the remains of an old dirt road that leads back to the beach road.

One of the Goat Paths leading to Cristo Rei.

In truth, finding the way down will take a bit of patience, but you will be rewarded along the way and are sure to find the experience memorable.

The Trail Down From the Peaks Near Cristo Rei. Look closely.  Brian Pinkowski

Length of Hike: 3.4 miles

Estimated time: 2.5 hours  (1:20 for aggressive trail runners)

Brian Pinkowski

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