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.
Total distance: 13058 m
Max elevation: 963 m
Min elevation: 659 m
Total climbing: 983 m
Total descent: -984 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Blue Mountains National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Favourite
Blue Mountains National Park
Favourite
Blue Mountains National Park
Favourite
Blue Mountains National Park
Favourite
Blue Mountains National Park
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 will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
