REVIEW: The Grand Canyon Hike in the Blue Mountains

I’m just going to say it now, I’m not a true hiker. I love the idea of hiking, talk about it all the time, but when push comes to shove, hiking and I just aren’t friends. I’ve had a few knee surgeries that have pushed my fitness into depths of despair, and have meant I’m mentally unprepared when it comes to copious amounts of stairs or sheer drops.

In saying all of this, you can’t visit the blue Mountains and NOT do a hike… it’d be criminal! After doing a lot of research on which hikes were best, we decided on the Grand Canyon hike in the Blue Mountains. We wanted a hike that was medium difficulty, a few hours and meant we’d have a hiking experience like no other.

The Grand Canyon hike is truly spectacular, and should be at the top of your Blue Mountains hiking list. It can last anywhere between 2-4 hours (depending on your fitness levels), and offers unparalleled views of the incredible flora and fauna of the mountains. It’s a 6km round-trip, and as it’s quite a big track you’re normally left alone to listen to the sounds of rushing waterfalls and native birds.

If you’re driving to the walk, I’d highly recommend parking in the Evan’s Lookout carpark. Ignore the signs for the Grand Canyon carpark, as it’ll be the worst mistake you ever make! The hike can start from either Evan’s Lookout OR the Grand Canyon carpark, but there is one difference - the steepness and stairs!

The entrance/exit to the path from Evan’s Lookout is CRAZY steep. There are far more stairs, and it truly feels like you’re walking into the depths of Mordor. While both climbs up and down are steep, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the people that had to go up the stairs to the Grand Canyon carpark.

The hike itself is very beautiful, and offers luscious green rainforest and towering caves everywhere you look. It is a very steep ascent and descent, but if I can do it with my crappy ol’ knees… you can too! The middle part of the hike (my favourite, ha!) was flat, and we crossed so many peaceful rivers and natural pools.

There are a few handrails in certain parts of the walk for the uncoordinated people (me), but it’s mostly slabs of rock as steps or walking on the natural ground. Watch your step, as it can be wet in some parts that are particularly deceiving.

All in all, I cannot recommend the Grand Canyon hike in the Blue Mountains enough. It took us 2.5 hours in total, and that involved lots of stopping for photos (and catching our breaths!). Make sure you park in the Evan’s Lookout carpark, and leave enough time during the day for the hike; I wouldn’t start it after 2pm (at the latest!). Good luck with it, and if you’ve done it let me know below in the comments!