Grand Canyon: Descent into Middle Earth

Official USOS hike!!

Some hikes earn their name by sheer size; others, by atmosphere. The Grand Canyon Track in the Blue Mountains is a little of both - an unforgettable journey into a lush, sandstone-walled chasm carved over millions of years. This is perhaps my favourite hike close to Sydney. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve done it, and it is certainly a USOS recommended trail.

Starting near Blackheath, this loop walk offers a complete immersion into a world of mossy rock walls, trickling waterfalls, and cool fern gullies – all just minutes from the exposed clifftops the Blue Mountains are known for.

Keep an eye on that tree line...

The trail at a glance

• Distance – About 6.3 km (loop)

• Time – 2.5 to 3.5 hours at an easy to moderate pace

• Grade – Moderate; steep stair sections at the start and end, but otherwise a well-maintained track

• Time of year – Spring and autumn for comfortable temps; winter for moody mist; summer for cool respite in the canyon shade

I'm not going in there...

A descent into another world

The track begins at Evans Lookout or the Grand Canyon car park. Almost immediately, you start descending - winding down sandstone steps and into the shaded heart of the canyon. The change in atmosphere is instant: dry eucalypt forest gives way to dripping moss, towering tree ferns, and the sound of water echoing off stone walls.

Light filters in thin beams through the narrow canyon, catching in the mist from tiny cascades. You pass beneath rock overhangs, alongside clear pools, and through stretches where the walls rise steeply on either side, shutting out the wider world. It’s simply magical. Like landing in a Tolkien fantasy novel without

Gully bashing Grand Canyon style

Highlights along the way

• Creek Crossings – Gentle, shallow streams criss-cross the path, offering a cool splash on warm days.

• Sandstone Overhangs – Natural rock shelters dripping with water in wetter months.

• Waterfalls – Seasonal falls tumble into moss-lined pools, perfect for a moment’s pause.

• Fern-Lined Passageways – Sections of the track feel almost Jurassic, with ancient tree ferns arching overhead.

Climbing back to the light

The loop eventually turns upward, climbing back toward Evans Lookout. Here, the canopy opens and the big Blue Mountains views return—deep valleys stretching toward the horizon, the air scented with eucalyptus.

Tips for the best experience

• Start early – The canyon is most magical in soft morning light and quieter before the day hikers arrive.

• Wear good shoes – The track can be slippery after rain; sturdy grip is essential.

• Layer up – It’s noticeably cooler in the canyon than on the clifftops.

• Carry water & snacks – No facilities on the track itself.

Why It’s worth it

The Grand Canyon Track isn’t about summits or sweeping alpine ridges—it’s about stepping into a hidden world. Every twist of the trail feels like a discovery, every echo of water a reminder of the forces that shaped this landscape.

If you’re exploring the Blue Mountains and want a hike that blends natural drama with an easy-to-reach location, this one’s a must. It’s the kind of walk where you emerge blinking into the sunlight, wondering how such a place can be so close to the everyday.

Rating: 🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒 we're going there - 5 /5 backpacks! As such a frequent hiker to this location I have loved how it has changed over the weeks / months / years, and always take the opportunity to trek here whenever I can.