Evans Lookout to Junction Rock Hike (12km)

Evans Lookout to Junction Rock is a 12 kilometre, grade 4 circuit in Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales. Most hikers allow around 6.5 hours, although the time will vary depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery or cool off along the way. It is a walk that drops from the cliff tops into the heart of the Grose Valley before climbing back to the escarpment, offering a constant shift in perspective and terrain.

The walk begins at Evans Lookout car park, where an information sign marks the start of the descent. From the first steps down, the landscape opens to sweeping views across the Grose Valley. Sheer sandstone walls frame deep gorges and dense forest far below. A stone shelter and toilets sit near the lookout, making it a practical starting point before committing to the long descent.

Heading down past the sign for the Grand Canyon, the track quickly leaves the exposed cliff edge and moves onto a spur. Stone steps and well formed paths wind between boulders and through changing vegetation as you lose altitude. The forest begins to close in. Ferns cling to damp cliff walls and, in cooler months, colourful fungi appear along the shaded sections of track. The shift from open cliff top to sheltered gully is gradual but noticeable.

At the junctions, clear signposts guide you towards Neates Glen and the Grose Valley. The path drops into a narrow gully, crossing creeks and weaving beneath overhangs and between large sandstone blocks. In places, white arrows painted on the rock help you pick your way through Rodriguez Pass, where the track threads around and under boulders with the creek close by. It is a section that rewards careful footing and a steady pace.

Beauchamp Falls appears after a steady descent along the canyon wall. The falls are split by a central rock, with water from Greaves Creek spilling about 10 metres into a rocky base below. It is an inviting place to pause, particularly on a warm day when the cool air rising from the water offers some relief.

Beyond the falls, the track continues down valley. It moves through boulder fields and beneath rock overhangs where blocks of sandstone lie scattered across the ground. Several creek crossings keep things interesting, and the sound of running water becomes a constant companion. The route undulates along the hillside, occasionally flattening beside the creek flats before climbing again to avoid rougher terrain. Small clearings and informal campsites appear along the way, and signposts confirm you are on track towards Junction Rock.

Junction Rock sits at the meeting point of Govetts Leap Brook and Govetts Creek. The large rock in the middle of the water is clearly signposted and serves as a natural gathering point. In summer, many hikers stop here for lunch and a swim. The surrounding pools and shaded banks make it one of the more relaxing sections of the walk, though it is worth remembering you are only halfway.

The return journey follows the signs towards Govetts Leap. The track crosses the brook and begins a long, steady climb. Waterfalls line this section, with cascades dropping from the cliffs above and smaller falls tumbling over mossy ledges beside the track. There are sections of rock shelf and steep cut stairs that demand focus, especially after the earlier descent into the valley.

At the base of Govetts Leap Falls, the scale of the escarpment becomes clear. Water spills from Govetts Leap Brook over the cliff into the Grose Valley. The climb from here zigzags steeply upwards past a wall of rock draped in moss, ferns and grasses. A metal staircase threads through a narrow gap in the sandstone, adding a memorable touch to the ascent. Two lookouts along the way offer a chance to catch your breath and look back over the valley you have just walked through.

Reaching Govetts Leap Lookout brings you back to the cliff edge with broad views across the Grose Valley and towards Bridal Veil Falls. From here, the track follows the Cliff Top Walk towards Evans Lookout. This section undulates along the escarpment, crossing small creeks and passing Barrow Lookout, where a bench seat provides another opportunity to pause.

The final stretch dips into Haywards Gully on a boardwalk before climbing steadily back to Evans Lookout car park. After hours in the valley, the open cliff top feels expansive and bright. This hike offers a genuine sense of immersion in the Blue Mountains landscape, with constant variation in terrain, vegetation and views. It is demanding in parts, but for those prepared for a sustained descent and climb, it delivers a rewarding and memorable day out.