Horse Track to Junction Rock

Horse Track to Junction Rock is a steep out-and-back from Evans Lookout through the Grose Valley to a cascade and rock-pool finish. The direct mapped route is about 3.9 km each way (7.8 km / 4.84 mi return), including the short Grand Canyon Track connector and the riverside approach. It drops roughly 580 m, then climbs the same height on the way back. Allow about 4–5 hours with a stop; the longer 9.5 km version includes extra wandering to swimming holes.

Follow the Grand Canyon Track from the lookout to the Horse Track junction, then continue straight onto Horse Track. Long flights of stairs carry the descent past a gravel section and through a rockfall-warning zone. The track later narrows through bush, with a slope falling away beside parts of the tread. The warning area includes mixed even and uneven steps, so keep moving through it and stay on the marked line.

The track eases toward the valley and crosses the creek on stepping stones before ending at a signed junction. In ordinary flow the crossing is short; if the water is high, do not assume the stones are safe. From the junction, turn left for the mostly level riverside walk to Junction Rock, about 1–1.25 km each way. The creekside path winds through blue gums, with occasional breaks toward the surrounding mountains. For a shorter outing, turn around at the end of Horse Track for about 6.4 km return.

At the sign, a rock platform looks over cascades, with small pools among smooth rock shelves nearby. Pool depth changes: low water can leave them shallow, with rocks just below the surface, so a swim is never guaranteed. Continuing toward Acacia Flat makes this a different, longer walk; this route turns back at Junction Rock.

Start at Evans Lookout car park off Evans Lookout Road. The lot is small; Grand Canyon car park is the next alternative. Toilets are available at Evans Lookout, with none along the trail. The return climb is stair-heavy, and some sections are narrow and exposed. Pets are not permitted in Blue Mountains National Park; certified assistance animals are allowed under park policy.