Furber Stairs to Mount Solitary

Hiking trails & Routes

Australia

New South Wales

Furber Stairs to Mount Solitary

Hard

4.8

(13)

165

hikers

Furber Stairs to Mount Solitary

06:21

18.7km

770m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 9, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that may be dangerous

Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

After 7.22 km for 46 m

After 8.96 km for 953 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

216 m

Witches Leap

Highlight • Waterfall

Witches Leap is a lovely waterfall tucked below the cliffs of Katoomba near Juliet’s Balcony. The falls drop into the rainforest-filled gorge below, with sandstone cliffs rising around the valley and views opening toward the Katoomba escarpment. It’s a quieter viewpoint along this section of the walk, giving you a chance to look down into the gorge before continuing along the cliff edge.

Tip by

690 m

Furber Steps

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Furber Steps drops steeply down the escarpment towards the Jamison Valley, with sections of stone steps, metal stairs and track cut close against the sandstone cliffs. You’ll pass beneath large overhangs and get changing views across to Katoomba Falls as you descend. The way down is straightforward enough, but remember you’ll need to regain all that height if you’re returning the same way.

Tip by

6.95 km

View of Ruined Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

From this break in the trees, bushwalkers can get a great viewpoint of Ruined Castle and the Blue Mountains. Continue heading south to the base of Ruined Castle.

Tip by

7.20 km

Ruined Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Ruined Castle is not actually a man-made castle, but a series of sandstone pillars formed by erosion that look like a castle in ruins. The views here are fantastic, and only experienced climbers should attempt to climb the pillars.

Tip by

8.92 km

Rocky outcrops and view of Mount Solitary

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

A rocky path over a ridge and there are a number of outcrops to clamber over. Good hiking shoes and plenty of water and food are needed.

Tip by

9.37 km

Mount Solitary Ridge Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

This informal lookout sits along the western side of Mount Solitary, where the view opens up across the forested Jamison Valley, with rugged sandstone cliffs and layered escarpments stretching toward Katoomba. The expansive scenery is worth taking a moment to pause and appreciate the scale of your surroundings before continuing down the mountain.

Tip by

18.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.1 km

2.32 km

2.13 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

16.9 km

993 m

542 m

195 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Friday 23 October

24°C

12°C

80 %

Additional weather tips

There’s a fairly high chance of rain. Consider packing a waterproof jacket.

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

December 18, 2023,Blue Mountains: Ruined Castle and Mount Solitary ( AUSTRALIA NSW)

We parked at the Golden Stairs Carpark. Only a very few parking spots are available here.
The walk starts right here with the stairs going down approx 250m. This is a reminder that these will be uphill on the way back ;-)
Eucalyptus forest walk on reasonably good trail as far as the turn off for Ruined Castle. This is …