Due to the ever-changing nature of the track and access points, check current conditions before you set off on your adventure. Track closures, hazards, and even parking availability can be subject to change.
This challenging day hike takes you to the summit of Mount Solitary in the heart of Blue Mountains National Park. Get ready for scenic mountain views, historic remnants, and a good dose of adventure.
Your journey begins at the Golden Stairs Car Park. Be prepared for some significant climbs – this walk is much more challenging than your average stroll along the Katoomba cliff tops. But the rewards are well worth the effort!
From there, you'll descend deep into the Jamison Valley, entering a cool and lush rainforest teeming with towering coachwood and sassafras trees. Keep your eyes peeled for lyrebirds flitting through the undergrowth. The track itself follows an historic mining route, with remnants of embankments, cuttings, and even tumbled ruins of miners' cottages hinting at the area's past.
The first stop is Botting's Lookout, perched atop the impressive Ruined Castle rock formation. Here, you'll be treated to breathtaking views stretching all the way to Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. A steep scramble with some rock-hopping past large boulders leads you to the top of Ruined Castle. Take a moment to soak in the unsurpassed views of Jamison Valley and Cedar Creek Valley before continuing your hike.
The Challenge: Korowal Knife Edge and the Summit
The next section is undeniably the toughest. You'll traverse challenging terrain and get your heart pumping with a hike up Korowal Knife Edge, a rough and unformed track along the western ridge of Mount Solitary. Once you reach the summit of Mount Solitary, you've reached the halfway point of your hike. From here, it's time to turn around and retrace your steps.
Extending Your Adventure: Overnight Camping
If you're looking to extend your adventure, campsites are available near the summit. However, remember that there's no water source on the mountain, so be sure to carry plenty of supplies.
- It's a good idea to fill in the free trip intention form and hire a PLB when planning your hike.
- Bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS
- Toilets and picnic facilities are located at Katoomba Falls picnic area on Cliff Drive.
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 13058 m
Max elevation: 963 m
Min elevation: 659 m
Total climbing: 983 m
Total descent: -984 m
Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.
The main starting point for this challenging 8.5km hike is the Golden Stairs carpark, located off Glenraphael Drive near Narrow Neck. To get there, turn off the Great Western Highway at Katoomba and follow signs to Scenic World. Continue along Cliff Drive and turn left onto Glenraphael Drive. Follow this unsealed road for about 2km until you reach the carpark.
For a longer and more challenging option, you can start your hike at Katoomba Kiosk, near Scenic World. Follow the Federal Pass and Mount Solitary walking track which eventually connects to Ruined Castle walking track.
Closest towns to this walk: Blackheath, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford
Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, home of the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba. Discover iconic lookouts and waterfalls, historic walking tracks, mountain biking, Aboriginal culture, adventure sports, and camping - right on Sydney's doorstep.
Katoomba area is the heart of Blue Mountains National Park. This popular day trip from Sydney is home of the iconic Three Sisters. It's packed with heritage walks, world-class views and waterfalls, including Wentworth Falls.
The dazzling natural beauty of Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls has drawn visitors for over 100 years. Echo Point is a Blue Mountains favourite. Marvel at the famous views of the Three Sisters rock formation, Mount Solitary, and the dramatic sandstone cliffs towering above the Jamison Valley.
From family-friendly strolls to challenging descents into World Heritage-listed wilderness, Katoomba area is a walker's paradise. Take in ever changing views along Prince Henry Cliff walk which boasts over 20 lookouts and 3 waterfalls between Katoomba and Leura. Swap cliff top for cool rainforest on the short Round walking track. It's easily combined with a Scenic World ride (fees apply). The historic Giant Stairway will test your legs as it zig zags down the cliff face to meet the heart-pumping Federal Pass.
Looking for more walks in or near Blue Mountains National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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