This is one of the classic circuit walks in the Blue Mountains, with great valley views, various attractive waterfalls, tall cliffs, rainforest and moody creeks.
You can sample some of the best of the upper Blue Mountains on this harder than average circuit walk near Blackheath. You get the usual grand valley and cliff views, but also numerous waterfalls, rainforest, and creek scenery. And you can combine the Rodriguez Pass with the Grand Canyon Circuit (as we did) to make a full and varied day of it.
The Grose Valley from Govetts leap Lookout, which is where we started. Grose Valley panorama from a little below Govetts Leap Lookout, on the Rodriguez Pass. Govetts Leap Govetts Leap (falls) on the right, and further right still, a hanging swamp. Dropping down the cliff line. Govetts Leap from below. A section of rainforest as we dropped down deeper into the Grose Valley. Sophia in front of one of many small waterfalls along the Rodriguez Pass. A birds nest fern. Lots of dark and moody sections of creek. On the valley floor by this stage. Very lush in places. At Junction Rock, looking up at cliffs lining the Grose Valley. Cliffs lining the Grose Valley.
A cascade as we climbed higher up towards the Grand Canyon. A cascade on Greaves Creek. A very atmospheric spot on the Rodriguez Pass. Maiden hair Ferns I think. Beauchamp Falls A cliff near Beauchamp Falls. Beauchamp Falls An injured yabby that was not very long for this world, but still photogenic. You get up close and personal with cliffs on this walk. Looking back as we climbed higher up the Rodriguez Pass.
Track Notes
You can start at Govetts Leap or Evans Lookout. From Govetts Leap descend steeply down into the Grose Valley as far as Junction Rock. Turn right along Govetts Creek, then along Greaves Creek. Climb towards the cliff line and visit Beauchamp Falls. From there you return via Evans Lookout, either going right onto the Grand Canyon Track (short) or left through the canyon itself (long, marked in red arrows). From Evans Lookout you return to Govetts Leap along the Cliff Top Track.
The NPWS has information on the Rodriguez Pass. Starting at Govetts Leap Lookout on the edge of Blackheath, we dropped steeply down the cliff face into the Grose Valley via the bottom of Govetts Leap itself (apparently the largest single drop waterfall in the Blue Mountains). Continuing on through mostly lush rainforest along Govetts Leap Brook (beware leeches in hot and wet weather!) we eventually reached Junction Rock. From there we set off towards the cliff line again, initially along Govetts Creek, then Greaves Creek, stopping to look at the attractive Beauchamp Falls on the way up (very short side trip – you should hear the falls). About 650 metres ascent and descent.
You can return to Govetts Leap Lookout directly via a small section of the Grand Canyon Circuit to Evans Lookout, then along the Cliff Top Track. But we went the long way around the rest of the Grand Canyon Circuit (marked by red arrows) to make it a full and varied day walk (6-7 hours with lunch and photos). (You can see my pictures and route notes of the Grand Canyon Circuit here).
