The Grand Canyon walk (Blue Mountains)
The most spectacular and popular walk in the Blue Mountains is the Grand Canyon walk. The walk offers dramatic canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls. And this is by far one of my favourite walks in the Blue Mountains. I have done this look walk twice and both the times I have enjoyed this magical walk.
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When I first heard of the Grand Canyon, I was surprised as I always thought that the Grand Canyon was only in the USA. But when I discovered that Australia has its own Grand Canyon track (even though not as fancy as that of the USA), I was intrigued. A couple of years ago, my friends and I decided to do this track and see the natural beauty that everyone talked about ourselves. And honestly, we did not get disappointed. This walk is truly amazing and very pretty.
There are sections in the walk that feel very magical and mystical. The lush green plants and bushes provide a great sight between the rocks and the canyon. The walk has a long set of stairs to get down into the canyon. It then becomes flat for a bit and then has a steep climb with a flight of stairs.
Watch out for little light rainbows near the waterfalls.
History
The Grand Canyon walk was constructed and opened to public in the year 1907. Ever since this track has been attracting plenty of hikers all around the year.
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Best time to visit
The Grand Canyon look walk can be attempted all year round but it is best to avoid this hike during the rainy season. The path and the stairs become extremely slippery during the rains. And beware of the slush and the algae on the rocks.
Ensure to check where you keep your foot and have a strong grip on your foot. There are certain steps where one needs to hop and check out for the green moss.
How to get there?
- Public transport: There are frequent trains between Sydney Central and Blackheath. And the Evans lookout car park that is the starting point of the walk is about 4 kilometres from Blackheath station. All the details and up-to-date information of public transportation can be found on the Transport NSW website.
- Road – The Grand Canyon walk in the Blackheath area. The quickest and easiest way is to drive to the starting point which is either the Evans lookout or the Grand Canyon car park. The Grand Canyon car park is around 115 kilometres (2 hours drive) from Sydney.
Note: Some of the roads between Grand Canyon car park and Sydney are toll roads and are charged.
Details of the Grand Canyon loop walk
Important Information
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- Always wear sturdy and comfortable shoes.
- The stairs and the path can be very slippery.
- Carry an extra pair of socks. I accidentally jumped into the pool of water because of which I had to change my socks.
- Be careful of the edges and the cliffs.
- It is better to start from the Grand Canyon car park as it is relatively easier compared to starting from the Evans lookout car park.
- The canyon is very cool and can be chilly even during a warm day.
- The last section of the hike is the hardest as it is quite steep with lots of stairs.
- There are public toilets at the Evans lookout car park.
- Do not smoke in the national park as the national parks in NSW is a strictly no smoking area.
- Carry sufficient water and energy drinks.
- Carry your lunch so you can have at the lowest point of the hike and enjoy the cool canyon.
- The track is quite busy as it is one of the most famous walks in the Blue Mountains.
- The walk is popular among the families and one can see a lot of parents hiking this trail with their little children.
- Maintain silence and listen to the chirping of the birds.
- It is advisable to start and finish the hike before the afternoon as the path can get really dark after sunset.
Logistics
- Starting & finishing point: Evans lookout car park or Grand Canyon car park. Since this is a loop trail, the walk can be either stated at Evans lookout car park or the Grand Canyon car park. After attempting the hike on both these starting points, I suggest starting from the Grand Canyon car park.
- Total distance: Approx. 6.3 kilometres loop walk. If starting from the Blackheath train station, then the total distance is 15 kilometres return.
- Walk type: Loop.
- Time taken: 3 to 3.5 hours.
- Grade: Moderate (some of them are very steep sections and there are lots of stairs).
- Cost: Free.
- Elevation: 240 metres.
- Path: If started from Grand Canyon car park, then the path is Grand Canyon car park –> Neates Glen –> Grand Canyon –> Lizard Rock –> Evans lookout –> Evans lookout car park.
- Map: Refer WildWalks website.
Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Absolutely yes. I would definitely say that this hike is very safe for solo female travelers. There are so many people on the way that not for once you feel lonely or scared. So, there is always help at the Grand Canyon walk. And the path is very well defined that one cannot get lost in the Grand Canyon loop walk. But be careful at the edges and the slippery stairs.
Conclusion
As I mentioned earlier in the post, this hiking trail is definitely one of the favourites in the Blue mountains. I have enjoyed this hike both the times and I love the small and tiny waterfalls that we see along the way. It is definitely a great hiking trail during the summers as the trail is cooler and one can enjoy the sounds of nature at its best.
Also read
- Other walks in Blue Mountains
- Hiking in Australia
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