Grand Canyon Track: Best Walk In The Blue Mountains

The Grand Canyon Track is one of the most spectacular hikes in the Blue Mountains, and after spending 2 months up there, it quickly became one of our favourites.

The trail is so lush, with trickling creeks and dramatic sandstone cliffs, feels like you’re hiking to The Shire!

But because it’s so popular, some people underestimate it a bit.

It doesn’t sound too wild on paper (it’s only 6.3 km) but there are lots of stairs, some steep sections, and the climb back out can really humble you, especially if you weren’t expecting it.

So in this guide, we’re sharing the 7 things we reckon you should know before heading out, plus a quick step-by-step of the route so you know exactly what to expect once you start.

How To Hike The Grand Canyon Track

This is easily one of the most spectacular hikes in NSW! It combines lush rainforest and dramatic sandstone cliffs, you’ll feel like you’re in a parallel dimension, it’s epic.

Here are a few things you’ll want to know before doing it, though:

1) Track logistics

Here’s the gist of the trail:

• Length: 6.3 km, loop.

• Time: 3-4 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos (hint, a lot!).

• Opening times: 8 AM to 5 PM.

• Difficulty: Moderate. Expect a few steep climbs and plenty of stairs. A decent fitness level helps, but it’s nothing too extreme.

This loop is doable with older kids, but younger ones might get tired fast and struggle with the stairs. Sadly, it’s not dog-friendly.

You can tackle the loop clockwise or anti-clockwise, and honestly, there’s no wrong way to do it. Both routes involve descending into the canyon and climbing back out.

But if you want to save the epic views at Evans Lookout for last, go anti-clockwise!

3) Parking info

Parking at Evans Lookout is free. There’s a designated car park right near the trackhead, but it can get busy, especially on weekends or during school holidays.

If the main car park is full, there’s a parking spot further down the road, in Evans Lookout. Regardless, it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to snag a good spot.

6) Best time to do this hike

Spring is a favourite, thanks to perfect weather and blooming wildflowers. It might get crowded though, so get there early!

Autumn is just as good, with mild days and stunning autumn colours. Winter is great and is usually the less crowded season, but pack extra layers.

We don’t recommend doing this hike in Summer unless you’re heading there early.

It’s true that it’s cooler in the canyon than up top, but the last half of the hike is a steep incline that can be hard to tackle with the heat. Plus, the humidity of the forest can be suffocating for some.

Also, fire bans are a risk during summer, so always check conditions before you go.

7) Nearby attractions

If you’ve still got energy after the hike, there’s plenty more to see nearby!

For another epic lookout, head over to Govetts Leap, just a short drive away. It’s equally stunning and perfect for a quick photo stop.

And if you’re after a post-hike treat, Blackheath has some great cafés where you can refuel with coffee and maybe a nice slice of cake.

Grand Canyon track breakdown (step-by-step)

If you do the hike clockwise, it will kick off at Evans Lookout, where you’ll catch a sweeping view of the Grose Valley before heading down.

Once you’re ready, you’ll start descending down into the canyon:

Descending into the canyon

The first section of the trail takes you down a series of stone steps carved into the side of the canyon, and the vibe shifts dramatically.

One moment you’re in open bushland, and the next you’re surrounded by the luscious native vegetation in the cool, shady rainforest!

The descent is steep in places, so take it slow if you need to.

Walking through the canyon

Once you hit the canyon floor, the well-shaded track meanders through lush, mossy rainforest with towering sandstone walls on either side. It’s absolutely stunning.

There are plenty of standout moments along the way. You’ll walk through a narrow tunnel and across stone bridges that feel straight out of an adventure movie!

The flora here is just as impressive as the scenery. There are lots of cycads and tree ferns that look like they belong in Jurassic Park!

Climbing back up

The climb out of the canyon is steep, we’re not going to lie. You’ll think “why did I do this?” quite a few times, but the views are SO worth it.

Plus, remember that you can stop as many times as you need to!

If you opted for the anti-clockwise route, you’ll finish at Evans Lookout. It’s the perfect excuse to take another breather and soak in those epic views one last time.

Top Tips

The Grand Canyon Track is a well-maintained and clearly marked loop, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost.

But the terrain can be tricky in parts – it’s uneven, with plenty of stone stairs, narrow sections, and rocky patches that can get slippery, especially after rain. Good shoes with solid grip are a must!

The canyon can flood after rain, so please always check the alerts before heading there.

FAQs