Grand Canyon Walk in the Blue Mountains

Opened in 1907, the 6 km Grand Canyon Walk is one of the most iconic hikes in the Blue Mountains and in New South Wales.

This impressive walking track winds through a stunning landscape of lush rainforests, creek crossings, small waterfalls, towering cliff walls, and dramatic rock overhangs.

In this guide, we’ll explore the highlights of this spectacular walk, the best places to park, and share some practical tips for your adventure.

The Grand Canyon Walk is a loop, so you can start from multiple locations, with two car parks available on Evans Lookout Road in Blackheath:

1. Grand Canyon Carpark:
   Purpose-built parking area for visitors intending to do the Grand Canyon Walk. It has over 100 parking bays, toilets, and disabled & bus parking.
2. Evans Lookout Carpark:
   Small car park with marked parking bays and an accessible walking path to the lookout. This car park is primarily for visitors to Evans Lookout and should be treated as a fallback option if the main car park is full.

A third car park, Neates Glen, is the first one you will see along Evans Lookout Road. NSW National Parks has advised not using this car park because it’s a small council car park that overflows very quickly. This results in negative impacts on the residents who live there, as well as the roadside vegetation.

The map below shows the entire walk and the two car parks.

Though there are some steep sections, the walk is manageable for anyone with a reasonable fitness level, as long as you bring enough water. The most challenging part is the climb out of the canyon, which can be much harder than expected.

Parking at the Grand Canyon Carpark allows visitors to do the walking track in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. If you’re going in a clockwise direction, follow the walking trail to Evans Lookout, where you will see the Grand Canyon Walk signposted. If you prefer to go in an anti-clockwise direction, follow the trail southbound.

Let’s go through some of the highlights along this historic track, starting from the Evans Lookout, walking in a clockwise direction.

1. Evans Lookout

Evans Lookout is named after George Evans, a local solicitor who is believed to have discovered this spot in 1882. The lookout provides breathtaking views of the vast Grose Valley and beyond.

The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset on a clear day, when the impressive cliff walls are bathed in a distinctive orange glow.

Be sure to also take a quick stroll to the nearby Valley View lookout. It’s just a short walk from Evans Lookout, offering equally stunning views.

2. The Descent

From Evans Lookout, the walking track descends steeply into the canyon, leading towards Greaves Creek.

Keep in mind that this is a very steep descent, which is manageable if you start the walk from Evans Lookout. However, if you’re walking in an anti-clockwise direction, the steep climb back up to the lookout is very challenging.

Climbing out of the valley at the other end of the walk is also a tough task, so be sure to save some water (and ideally a snack) for that final climb, no matter which direction you choose.

3. The Canyon

As you continue along the main track, the Grand Canyon Walk enters a lush rainforest area, following Greaves Creek with several creek crossings and small waterfalls.

The scenery here is spectacular, giving you the sense of being on a true bushwalk, far removed from civilisation.

Within the canyon, the path is well-maintained and relatively easy to follow, but it’s important to stay mindful of your footing, as there are sections with rough and uneven surfaces.

With all the creek crossings and rocky overhangs, keeping focused on the trail is essential to avoid any unexpected injuries.

4. The Rotunda

If you’ve packed lunch or snacks, the Rotunda is an excellent spot to take a break and refuel.

You’ll easily recognise the Rotunda by its large rock overhang, shaped by the creek as it carved into the cliff. Beneath it, there’s even a small sandy “beach” where you can sit and relax for a while.

From the Rotunda, it’s about another half hour’s walk to exit the canyon at the Neates Glen car park on Evans Lookout Road.

5. The Ascent

The final steep climb out of the canyon follows a well-maintained, zig-zagging path. As you ascend, you’ll literally feel the climate shift from humid to dry.

Much like the descent or ascent on the other side of the track near Evans Lookout, this climb is challenging, so make sure you’re well-prepared.

Once you reach the Neates Glen parking area, follow the walking path back to either the Grand Canyon Carpark or the Evans Lookout Carpark, depending on where you parked.