Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen)

Download & Print Map and Notes

8 hrs 30 mins

18.2 km Circuit

1254 m

Hard track
This circuit starts in Blackheath and heads down into the Grand Canyon and Rodriguez Pass. The track goes through a wide variety of ecosystems and changing views along the way. An interesting part of this walk is the change in mood of the cliffs that surround the Grose Valley as the light conditions change throughout the day.

Maps for the Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen) walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
Katoomba 1:25 000 Map Series 89301S KATOOMBA NSW-89301S
Mount Wilson 1:25 000 Map Series 89301N MOUNT WILSON NSW-89301N
Katoomba 1:100 000 Map Series 8930 KATOOMBA 8930

Cross sectional view of the Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen)

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

Length 18.2 km
Time 8 hrs 30 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 6km is very steep. Whilst another 2.8km is flat with no steps and the remaining 2.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 5km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 3.2km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 1.1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 6km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (4.1km) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 9km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 17km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 850m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 6km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (5km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen) walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen) walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen) walk starts and ends at the Blackheath Station (gps: -33.633876, 150.2844)
Your transport options to Blackheath Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Train. (get details)



Fire Danger

Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

 


Short URL = http://wild.tl/bstjrlgcapg


Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂