Easy

Rigby Hill Track

Short climb to huge Grose Valley views from a quiet escarpment

Distance0.75 mi

Typical time1 hr

DifficultyEasy

PetsNot allowed

Overview

This is a short, high-reward out-and-back to a cliff‑top lookout over the Grose Valley. It’s about 0.75 miles total (1.2 km return) and typically takes around an hour including time at the top. The path climbs gently from Pierces Pass Picnic Area to Rigby Hill, delivering big views for minimal effort.

Trail Experience

Expect a well‑defined but unpaved bush track with uneven ground and some sandstone underfoot. After rain, sections can be slick. The finale is a dramatic, unfenced escarpment with sheer drops of more than 200 m—sensational panorama, zero guardrails. Views sweep across the Grose Valley, with direct sightlines to the opposing cliffs and Perrys Lookdown. You’ll pass typical Blue Mountains bush along the way—eucalypt forest and low shrubs—with seasonal wildflowers and lively birdlife.

Is It For You?

Difficulty sits in the easy-to-moderate band: short distance, gentle climb, but footing can be rough. It’s suitable for most walkers who are steady on uneven surfaces. Families do this, but strict supervision is essential near the edges. If you want maximum vista for minimal walking—and fewer crowds than the headline lookouts—this track punches above its weight.

Best Time to Hike

Autumn and spring bring the sweet spot of mild temps and blooming wildflowers. Winter offers crisp air and crystal-clear views, but wind can bite on the exposed rim—bring a layer. Summer gets hot; start early and carry water, as there’s little shade at the summit for lingering.

Practicalities & Tips

Start/finish at Pierces Pass Picnic Area (via Pierces Pass Road off Bells Line of Road). The access road is unsealed; 2WD is generally fine, but go slow and watch for potholes, especially after rain.
No facilities at the trailhead—no toilets, no water. Come prepared.
Dogs aren’t permitted, and the route isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
Give the cliffs respectful distance; there are no barriers.

Geology & Nearby Options

You’re walking atop Triassic sandstone—classic Blue Mountains escarpment country carved by the Grose River into a deep, rugged valley. If you want to stretch the day, pair this with nearby Walls Lookout for more cliff‑line vantage points, or tackle the far tougher Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest if you’re chasing a big descent into the valley.