The Grand Canyon Track in Blue Mountains National Park is a 6 km loop near Blackheath. Expect a steep descent, sandstone steps, a short tunnel carved into rock, cool rainforest gullies, and big views over the Grose Valley. Start early, check track alerts, and wear shoes with grip for the Blue Mountains Grand Canyon Walk. [Source: Grand Canyon track – NSW National Parks]
What is the Blue Mountains Grand Canyon Walk and where is it?
The Grand Canyon Track (sometimes called the Grand Canyon Walking Track) starts off Evans Lookout Road, just outside Blackheath. The loop drops from the rim down into the canyon carved by Greaves Creek, then climbs back up through eucalypt forest to finish near where you began.
Grade: Moderate to hard, mainly because of the steep steps and slippery rock after rain
Distance: around 6–6.5 km
Time: 3–4 hours at an easy pace
Start points and parking for the Blue Mountains Grand Canyon Walk
- Grand Canyon Car Park (main start) at the end of Evans Lookout Road
- Evans Lookout Car Park, just down the road and perfect for before/after views
- Neates Glen Car Park, small and usually full
Tip: walk anti-clockwise by starting from Grand Canyon Car Park and descend via Neates Glen. It’s easier on your legs, and you’ll finish with great views.
All of Evans Lookout Road and the car parks are now sealed, so 2WD vehicles are fine.
What the Blue Mountains Grand Canyon track is actually like
The descent is quick and you’ll drop from the open ridge into cool shade. The path zigzags down through rainforest, with hand-cut stone and timber steps everywhere.
In the middle section you’ll follow Greaves Creek through a narrow canyon. You’ll cross it a few times using stepping stones or small bridges. After rain, some sections get slippery, but you rarely need to wade through water. (Note that after heavy rainfall, NPWS occasionally closes the track due to flash flooding or rock instability.)
One of the walk’s highlights is a short sandstone tunnel only about 10–15 metres long cut through a rock overhang.
The climb out is steady but long. The rainforest gives way to drier eucalypt forest and open clifftop views. Take it slow and enjoy the change in scenery.
Highlights nearby
- Govetts Leap Lookout – incredible view into the Grose Valley
- Cliff Top Track / Cliff Top Trail – joins Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap
- Other good stops: Valley View Lookout, Point Pilcher Lookout, Walls Cave, and Pulpit Rock via Pulpit Walking Track
All are within a short drive of Blackheath.
Good to know (nature & history)
The track was first built in 1907 and later restored by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The old stonework you see along the way is part of that early construction.
Keep an eye (and ear) out for a lyrebird, they’re often heard before they’re seen. They’re typically most active during early morning (breeding season, June–August). Plus rosellas and yellow-tailed black cockatoos.
Gear and safety for the Blue Mountains Grand Canyon Walk
- Footwear: grippy hiking shoes or boots since the track is often damp
- Water: bring at least 2 litres per person (no drinking water on the trail)
- Food: snacks or lunch – there’s plenty of nice rest spots near the creek
- Navigation: use the NPWS app or map [Source: Grand Canyon track – NSW National Parks] . Mobile reception drops inside the canyon
- Weather: check the NPWS alerts page before you go
- First aid: a small kit with blister pads, bandages, tape
The sun hits hard once you’re back on the clifftop, so sunscreen and a hat are smart.
When to go
- Spring / Autumn: the best mix of temperature and daylight
- Summer: cool in the canyon, hot on the rim so be sure to start early
- Winter: quiet and crisp, but bring layers for the cold shade
Make a weekend of it: stay at Turon Gates
If you’d like a peaceful base outside the busy tourist spots, Turon Gates Mountain Retreat in Capertee is a solid option. It’s about 75–85 km from Blackheath (roughly 1 hour 20 minutes’ drive), so it’s not next door, but perfect for combining a Blue Mountains adventure with a country escape.
Turon Gates offers hand-built mountain and river log cabins, glamping tents, and camping along the Turon River. They have many dog-friendly accomodation options. It’s off-grid, and great for stargazing thanks to the dark skies. You can go horse riding, walk quiet trails, or just sit by the river.
Stay overnight there for the weekend, then drive through Blackheath on your way home on Sunday for the canyon walk. It’s a stunning, scenic drive.
Other tracks worth adding
If you’ve still got energy, the Blue Mountains National Park is packed with good walks:
- Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Echo Point Lookout, and the Three Sisters
- Federal Pass to Mount Solitary (longer day trip)
- Six Foot Track to Coxs River (multi-day classic)
- Rodriguez Pass Track to Beauchamp Falls or Gordon’s Falls at Leura
- Wentworth Falls and Charles Darwin Walk nearby
- Jenolan Caves if you’re into geology
Food, coffee & tours
Blackheath has plenty of good spots for a feed before or after:
- Visit Pomegranate Café for breakfast and decent coffee
- Checkout Vee’s Café for relaxed and simple vibes.
If you want more adventure, Eagle Rock Adventures runs guided canyoning and abseiling trips in the area so it could be good choice for you if you prefer having a guide handle the ropes and safety gear.
FAQs Blue Mountains Grand Canyon walk
How long is the Blue Mountains Grand Canyon walk and how difficult is it?
Around 6–6.5 km, taking 3–4 hours. It’s steep in parts but manageable for anyone with a moderate fitness level.
What is it and where is it?
A historic loop walk near Blackheath in Blue Mountains National Park, accessed via Evans Lookout Road.
What are the main highlights?
Sandstone walls, lush rainforest, a short tunnel, Greaves Creek, and wide views of the Grose Valley from Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap.
What safety precautions should hikers take?
Check the NPWS website for alerts, wear shoes with grip, carry water and food, and avoid going right after heavy rain when rocks get slick. Reception is limited in the canyon.
What flora and fauna might I see?
Tree ferns and coachwoods on the canyon floor; eucalypts up top. Lyrebirds, cockatoos and rosellas are common. Sometimes you’ll spot glow worms under overhangs.
When’s the best time to go?
All year works but spring and autumn are most comfortable.
Guided or self-guided?
Guided tours offer extra safety and gear; self-guided gives you freedom. Both are fine if you’re prepared.
Where can I find a map?
The NSW National Parks website has downloadable maps and an app version.
How to get there?
From Sydney, drive west along the Great Western Highway to Blackheath, then turn down Evans Lookout Road to the car parks for Grand Canyon, Neates Glen, or Evans Lookout.
Quick checklist
- Water and snacks
- Layers and sun protection
- First-aid kit
- Sturdy footwear
- Check weather/track alerts
- Tell someone your plan
The Greaves Creek water isn’t safe to drink without treatment, so bring your own.
A few extra notes
- The canyon walls block GPS, so your Garmin distance may jump around.
- For night sky fans, stargazing from higher lookouts or at Turon Gates is excellent on clear nights.
Bottom line:
The Grand Canyon Track is one of the best short hikes in the Blue Mountains – steep, shady, and full of variety. Go prepared, pace yourself, and enjoy the contrast between open clifftops and the cool, quiet canyon below.
