Rodriguez Pass walking track is a must for experienced bushwalkers looking for a heart-pumping day hike in the Blue Mountains.
Start at the famous Govetts Leap lookout and descend into the Grose Valley, past hanging swamps, to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. At 180m, it's the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Blue Mountains.
The walking track winds along Govetts Leap Brook for around 2km, until it meets Govetts Creek at Junction Rock. This is a great place to catch your breath, enjoy a scenic lunch, or take a dip in the creek. You might even spot crayfish. Take a moment to sit back and enjoy the abundant birdlife, including yellow robins, scrub wrens and thornbills, and the beauty of this remote part of the Blue Mountains.
From here, the track turns towards Evans lookout. This section involves some steep climbing, sandstone stairs, creek crossings and scrambling over boulders, before reaching Beauchamp Falls and the Grand Canyon. After climbing the historic stone stairs out of the canyon you'll be back up on the escarpment to enjoy unforgettable views from Evans lookout.
Loop back to Govetts Leap by taking the 3km Cliff Top walking track. You can also arrange a car shuffle between the 2 lookouts.
Rodriguez Pass walking track can be started from either Govetts Leap lookout or Evans lookout.
This long walking track is very steep and difficult, and has minimal signage. It's recommended for experienced hikers with good fitness and navigation skills.
Take care as there are exposed cliff edges, steep stairs and slippery creek crossings. Check the weather before you go as creeks can flood after heavy rain.
Visit Blue Mountains Heritage Centre at Govetts Leap before you set out. Pick up maps, route advice, fill in the free trip intention form and hire a PLB.
It's a good idea to take a topographic map, GPS and compass.
From Junction Rock you can extend your walk 3km to remote Acacia Flat campground and onto Blue Gum Forest.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
To Govetts Leap carpark. Rodriguez Pass walking track is in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park. To get there:From Sydney:Drive west on Great Western Highway to Blackheath.Turn right on to Govetts Leap Road and drive 3km, until you reach the end of the road.The walk starts to the left of Govetts Leap lookout.You can also drive to Evans lookout, at the end of Evans Lookout Road, if you plan to walk in the opposite direction. Park entry points Govetts Leap carpark See on map Road quality Sealed roads Vehicle access 2WD vehicles Weather restrictions All weather Parking Parking is available at Govetts Leap lookout or Evans lookout. Bus parking is available.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
Blue Mountains National Park
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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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
