The Grand Canyon Walk in the Blue Mountains is one of the best day walks near Sydney, and it earns that reputation within minutes of leaving the car park. Starting from Neates Glen in Blackheath, this Grand Canyon Track loop drops through a fern-filled rainforest gully, slips under mossy sandstone overhangs, winds through a cool, narrow canyon, and finishes with a steep climb to the sweeping Grose Valley views at Evans Lookout. It is dramatic, varied and genuinely rewarding, making it a must-do for anyone exploring Blackheath and Blue Mountains National Park.

Getting to the Grand Canyon Track in Blackheath

The Grand Canyon Track is in Blackheath, about a two-hour drive west of Sydney. From the Great Western Highway in Blackheath, turn onto Evans Lookout Road and follow it to the car parks. There are three main places to leave your car: Neates Glen car park (the most common start for the classic loop, though it is small and fills quickly), the Grand Canyon car park (roughly halfway between the other two), and the Evans Lookout car park at the end of the road. If Neates Glen is full, the Grand Canyon car park is an easy alternative, as a short roadside path links all three.

Prefer to leave the car at home? Take the Blue Mountains train line from Sydney to Blackheath station (around two hours), then walk or catch a taxi to Neates Glen, roughly 4.8km from the station along Evans Lookout Road. Car-free hikers should allow extra time for this approach.

Grand Canyon Walk Overview: Distance, Time & Difficulty

The classic Grand Canyon loop runs from Neates Glen down through the canyon to Evans Lookout, then returns along Evans Lookout Road, covering roughly 6km in total (the official loop distance is 6.3km, though GPS apps record slightly different figures depending on where you park and which side trips you add). Allow 3 to 4 hours at a comfortable pace, longer if you stop for photos, a picnic or the Valley View lookout. Expect a hard-graded walk with a lot of stairs: the descent into Neates Glen and the final climb up to Evans Lookout are both steep, and the track is slippery after rain.
Below, you'll find the AllTrails map along with the essential details for the Grand Canyon circuit walk.

Essential Preparation for the Grand Canyon Track

The Grand Canyon Walk is short on distance but big on stairs, so a little preparation goes a long way:

• Check track alerts before you go: Blue Mountains National Park tracks are regularly closed or restricted after heavy rain, landslides or for maintenance. Check the NSW National Parks alerts for the Grand Canyon Track on the day, as closures and one-way arrangements (used during peak periods) can change how you walk the loop.
• Pack plenty of water: Carry around two litres per person. Water from creeks and waterfalls is not recommended for drinking.
• Wear grippy footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are best for slippery stone steps and creek crossings.
• Bring a torch or headlamp: The canyon is deeply shaded and can be dim, especially late in the day.
• Dress in layers: The canyon is noticeably cooler than the clifftop. A light rain jacket is a smart addition year-round.
• Start early: Weekends and school holidays are busy. Arriving early secures parking and gives you quieter canyon sections.

Begin your adventure at Neates Glen, where a set of stairs leads straight off the car park and into the bush.

Neates Glen: Descent Into the Rainforest

From the car park, the track descends via many stairs and zigzags into Neates Glen, a deep little valley with a creek running through it. With every switchback the forest changes: dry eucalypt gives way to dense ferns, dripping rock walls and a cool, damp rainforest atmosphere. You'll cross the creek high in the gully and pass a few mossy rock overhangs before a boardwalk bridge delivers you to the mouth of the canyon. Take your time here, as the steps are steep and can be slippery.

Entering the Grand Canyon

This is the moment the walk is famous for. As the gully narrows, the track passes through a natural rock tunnel and into the Grand Canyon itself. Sheer sandstone walls rise on both sides, blanketed in moss and ferns, and the light turns green and soft. Water trickles constantly, and in places the track follows stepping stones through the creek. It feels more like a lost world than a short bushwalk just outside a Blue Mountains town.

The Rotunda & Stepping Stones

Further along, you'll reach the Rotunda, a huge curved rock overhang that forms a natural amphitheatre. It's a great place to rest, snack and take photos before the canyon continues. Beyond it, the track crosses the creek on sandstone stepping stones and passes beneath more overhangs, where ferns drip from the ceiling and the air stays cool even on hot days.

Want a dip? Near the bottom of the gully, a short side trip up the canyon (around 200m) leads to a small swimming spot. Be prepared for wet feet, and always check conditions and water levels first.

Climbing to Evans Lookout

After the canyon opens out, follow the signs for Evans Lookout. The track begins to climb, weaving around boulders and rising up a series of rock steps through a pass in the cliff. This is the toughest part of the loop, but it is short and steady, and your effort is rewarded when the cliffs part and the whole Grose Valley opens up in front of you.

Evans Lookout: Grose Valley Views

Evans Lookout is the highlight of the Grand Canyon Walk and one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Blue Mountains. From the fenced lookout you can gaze over the vast Grose Valley, a deep wilderness of forest and golden sandstone cliff lines stretching to the horizon. There are toilets and a rock shelter nearby, making it an ideal spot to refuel. Don't miss the short stroll to Valley View lookout, which offers equally impressive views with fewer people.

Return to Neates Glen via Evans Lookout Road

To complete the loop, follow the footpath along Evans Lookout Road back towards the car parks. It's an easy, mostly flat stroll of roughly 1.5km, passing the Grand Canyon car park on the way to Neates Glen. After the steep stairs and canyon scrambling, it's a relaxed way to cool down and soak up the last views through the trees. If you parked at Evans Lookout or the Grand Canyon car park, you'll reach your car even sooner.

Extend Your Walk: Cliff Top Track to Govetts Leap

Still have energy? From Evans Lookout, the Cliff Top Track continues along the escarpment to Govetts Leap Lookout, roughly 3.2km one way, with more big valley views and a view of Govetts Leap Falls. Combined with the Grand Canyon loop, it makes a longer full-day Blackheath walk. Remember to factor in the return trip, and check current track alerts before planning a longer route.

Grand Canyon Walk FAQs

How long does the Grand Canyon Walk in the Blue Mountains take?
Most walkers complete the Grand Canyon loop in about 3 to 4 hours, including stops at the Rotunda and Evans Lookout.

Is the Grand Canyon Track hard?
It is graded as a hard walk. The distance is short, but there are many steep stairs and uneven rock steps, and it is slippery in wet weather. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Where do you park for the Grand Canyon Track?
There are car parks at Neates Glen, the Grand Canyon car park and Evans Lookout, all on Evans Lookout Road in Blackheath. Neates Glen is small and fills up quickly, so the other two are good alternatives.

Which direction should I walk the Grand Canyon loop?
Most people start at Neates Glen and finish at Evans Lookout, so the best views come at the end. The track is sometimes designated one-way during peak periods, so check signage and current alerts when you arrive.

Can you swim in the Grand Canyon in the Blue Mountains?
There is a small swimming spot a short walk up the canyon from the bottom of Neates Glen, though you will probably get wet feet reaching it. Conditions change with rainfall, so use caution.

Can you get to the Grand Canyon Walk by train from Sydney?
Yes. Take the Blue Mountains train line to Blackheath station, then walk (about 4.8km to Neates Glen) or take a taxi to the start of the track.

The Grand Canyon Walk is a Blue Mountains classic for good reason. In just a few hours you pass through rainforest, a mossy sandstone canyon, a dramatic rock pass and one of the region's great lookouts, all within easy reach of Sydney. Whether you're a seasoned bushwalker or planning your first Blue Mountains hike, this Blackheath loop delivers an unforgettable mix of adventure and scenery. Pair it with our other single-day Blue Mountains walks, including the Porter's Pass, Colliers Causeway & Centennial Glen Loop and the Narrow Neck Trail, for a full weekend of exploring.

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