Grand Canyon Walk in the Blue Mountains

Opened to the public in 1907, the 6 km Grand Canyon Walk was the first of its kind in the Blue Mountains. Since then, it has attracted thousands of hiking enthusiasts each year.

Widely regarded as one of the most impressive walking tracks in the region, the Grand Canyon Walk winds through a stunning landscape of lush rainforests, featuring creek crossings, small waterfalls, towering cliff walls, and dramatic rock overhangs.

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

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

The two parking areas on Evans Lookout Rd are (from west to east):

1. Grand Canyon Carpark (map location)
2. Evans Lookout Carpark (map location)

These parking areas are marked with P1 and P2 on the following map:

1. Grand Canyon Carpark

The Grand Canyon Carpark is a purpose-built parking area for visitors intending to do the Grand Canyon Walk.

This car park has recently been upgraded and is quite large with over 100 parking bays, toilets, and disabled & bus parking.

The Grand Canyon Carpark is the best and easiest location to park your car safely for the day.

2. Evans Lookout Carpark

Should the Grand Canyon Carpark be at capacity, the second option is the Evans Lookout Carpark, next to the Evans Lookout.

This (much smaller) car park has also recently been upgraded, with marked parking bays and a new, wheel-friendly walking path to the lookout.
This car park is designed for visitors to Evans Lookout and should be treated as a fallback option if the main car park is full.

Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise?

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 can continue the main walking track. If you prefer to go in an anti-clockwise direction, follow the trail southbound.

If you end up parking your car at the Evans Lookout Carpark, it makes sense to do the Grand Canyon Walk in a clockwise direction.

This parking area is the first one you will see along Evans Lookout Road.
NSW National Parks has advised against using this car park because this is 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, which has been driven over, trampled and littered.

Stretching just over 6 km, the Grand Canyon Walk offers a true bushwalking adventure. The cooler temperatures in the valley make it a comfortable choice, even during the warmer summer months.

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 take longer than expected.

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 tackle the Grand Canyon Walk in an anti-clockwise direction, the steep climb back up to the lookout can be quite 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 the climb out of the canyon, no matter which direction you choose.

3. Beauchamp Falls (Optional)

While not officially part of the Grand Canyon Walk, it’s worth considering a side trip to Beauchamp Falls, a 10-metre-high waterfall on Greaves Creek.

To reach Beauchamp Falls, you’ll need to follow a short section of the Rodriguez Pass, which is signposted at one of the creek crossings.

Although the path to Beauchamp Falls is brief, it’s very challenging, with steep sections and large boulders to navigate. It’s best suited for those who are well-prepared and consider themselves experienced bushwalkers.

The Rodriguez Pass itself is a long and demanding bushwalk through the valley, eventually connecting with Govetts Leap further north.

Note that this side trip may be closed due to recent bad weather events. Always check the NSW National Parks website before undertaking any challenging hikes, and respect any closures you may encounter.

4. Grand 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.