Grand Canyon Blue Mountains
View from Evans Lookout
The Blue Mountains has so many beautiful trails for walkers of all levels. The Grand Canyon Walk, with its lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking views is among the most popular.
We did this walk recently as a way of testing our fitness before we went to Japan to walk the Kumano Kodo Trail. The steep ups and downs did test about every leg muscle, but it was worth the effort.
Getting to the Grand Canyon Walk
The Grand Canyon Walk is in Blackheath in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountain’s National Park, about two hours out of Sydney.
To access the Grand Canyon Walk from the town of Blackheath, turn off the Great Western Highway into Evans Lookout Road. Follow the road until you reach the Grand Canyon carpark and then take the trail to Evans Lookout. The walk starts from here.
The walk is a loop and can be done in either direction though the clockwise route is more popular. This is the route we took.
The Trail
The walk is well-maintained and well marked so you’re unlikely to get lost. It begins with a steep descent into the canyon before meandering through lush rainforest along Greaves Creek. The climb out of the canyon is moderately challenging although arguably more so if you do the walk in an anti-clockwise direction.
Good hiking shoes or boots are recommended and while walking poles could come in handy, they’re by no means necessary. There are handrails and rock ledges to hold onto on most of the steep runs.
As this is a National Park there are no toilets, nor are there bubblers so be sure to pack a bottle of water. You might also need sunscreen, though there’s quite a bit of shade, and an extra layer if the weather’s cool and you plan to stop a while down in the rainforest.
The trail is best walked in fine weather and you’ll need to take care after heavy rain as the creek is prone to flooding. Check here for flood and fire warnings that may result in temporary closures.
Highlights
Evans Lookout where the walk begins, has fabulous views of the immense Grose Valley and beyond. The views from the Valley View Lookout nearby are also worth seeing.
Valley View Lookout
Down in the valley the rainforest is magical. The air is cool and the forest lush. Ancient ferns sprout from mossy rocks and mini waterfalls trickle into pools along the various creek crossings. Be prepared to get a little wet taking the path under a much larger waterfall which spills over the trail.
Beyond this waterfall is a small tunnel where you’ll be plunged into darkness, though only for a few seconds. The tunnel was formed some time ago when a falling rock wedged itself in alongside another. Other rocks along the path have large and sometimes low overhangs so watch your head!
The Blue Mountains region is home to a variety of wildlife, including many protected species. If you’re lucky you might see a wallaby or water dragon, a lyrebird or black cockatoo, or one of many other native birds that live and forage here. Watch out too for snakes, although most will scramble long before you see them.
To finish the walk
Emerging from the bush after ascending from the canyon, you’ll come to the Neates Glen parking area. From here take the (fairly boring) roadway walk back to your car.
All told, the walk takes about three hours allowing time for short stops along the way. It’s worth taking time though to stop a while to enjoy the majesty and magic on this very pretty trail.