7 big climbs in the Blue Mountains that will kill your quads

This blog was posted in the old hikezilla website

Hi, my name is William Chow, and I have an addiction. Not to chocolate, not to Netflix binges—my vice is big hills. There’s just something about the thought of a brutal climb during a hike that sends an adrenaline rush through my body. As soon as I know it’s coming, I down an energy gel like I’m in the Tour de France, and off I go.

For those who share my passion for vertical punishment, here’s a list of some epic climbs in the Blue Mountains that will challenge your legs—and maybe your sanity. (Fair warning: these are not for beginners!)

1. Katoomba: Mount Solitary walking track (From Keduma River to the log book)

Elevation Gain: 640m straight up

This climb is an absolute fun one. Starting from the Kedumba River, you’ll gain 640 meters in elevation before hitting the log book at the top of Mount Solitary. For the hardcore among us, the Mount Solitary Loop is the ultimate training run/hike, with a whopping 2200m of total elevation gain.

Mt Solitary in the background. From Katoomba, you descent deep into the valley before climbing 640m.

2. Grose Valley: Perry’s Track (from bottom to top)

Elevation Gain: 567m straight up

Starting at Perry’s Lookdown Campground (just a 10-minute drive from Blackheath), this track will have your legs crying as you tackle its relentless staircase. It’s well-maintained, which makes it perfect for anyone aiming for a PR. Speaking of which, the Strava record is 24 minutes..I’m sitting at 35 minutes. Go nuts!

3. Grose Valley: Shortridge Pass (from bottom to Lockley’s Pylon)

Elevation Gain: 575m straight up

This climb is not for the faint-hearted, especially on a hot, sunny day. There’s zero shade, and the path is mostly loose gravel. Start by descending Perry’s Track, cross the Blue Gum River, and prepare for one fun climb out of the valley.

Coming up towards Lockley Pylon from Blue Gum Forest via Shortridge Pass.

4. Grose Valley: Pierces Pass (from bottom to Pierces Pass Rd Carpark)

Elevation Gain: 491m straight up

This is considered the “easiest” way out of the Blue Gum Forest—but don’t be fooled. It’s still a 450m+ climb. If you’re looking for a gentler introduction to the Grose Valley climbs, this is your route.

5. Kanangra: Yellow Dog Ridge (Cox River to Mount Strongleg)

Elevation Gain: 583m straight up

Remote, overgrown, and steep—this one is as challenging as it gets. Part of the infamous K2K (Kanangra to Katoomba) hike, this section is an absolute mess. Pro tip: start early and watch your footing—it’s easy to lose the trail.

View going down towards Cox River

6. Katoomba: Yellow Dog Ridge (Cox River to Mount Yellow Dog)

Elevation Gain: 563m straight up

While it’s still remote, this section is much more navigable compared to the Kanangra side. If you’re tackling K2K in one day (yes, you can actually do this), you’ll find this climb relatively “easy.” Pro tip: Start from Kanangra to avoid ending the day slogging through Narrow Neck in the dark.

7. Grose Valley: Govetts Leap (Junction Rock to Govetts Leap Lookout)

Elevation Gain: 617m (gradual for 200m, then 400m straight up)

Currently closed, but when it’s open, this climb is a Grose Valley classic. It starts with a mild incline from Junction Rock to Trinity Falls before hitting a slick staircase to the Govetts Leap Lookout.

Why Do We Do This?

Because we’re slightly masochistic, obviously. But also, these climbs build endurance like nothing else. My personal go-to training hikes are within the Grose Valley—particularly the Perry’s Track to Shortridge Pass loop.

Bar chart comparing the 7 hills listed above and popular tourist ‘climbs’ in and around Sydney.

Fun Fact

Australia’s single highest elevated track is the Hannel Spur Track @ 1800m in Kosciousko NP. Going up to the summit and back down using Dead Horse Gap gives a total of 2200m elevation gain.