Mount Solitary

This day hike takes you on the Golden Stairs, past the Ruined Castle rock formation, and a rock scrabble up to Mount Solitary. Amazing views of the across Jamison's Valley and surrounding areas. Like all the guidebooks and signs say, this is for experienced bushwalkers and I would highly recommend not doing it solo due to the exposure during the scrabble up to Mount Solitary. If you feel like walking a little further, there are aboriginal cave paintings at Chinaman's Gap. Please be respectful and follow all instructions on the signs.

Lookouts

Picnic Facilities

Toilets

Scrambling or Climbing

Camping Permitted

Rainforest

950m

Maximum Elevation

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Getting there

Golden Stairs trailhead on the Narrow Neck Plateau Trail. Limited parking

Maps

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/australia/new-south-wales/the-ruined-castle-and-mount-solitary-via-the-golden-stairs?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

Route/Trail notes

Well marked track starting from the Golden Staircase then following the signs out to Mt Solitary with a possible side trip to Ruined Castle. There is mild scrambling involved in both Solitary and Ruined Castle but overall the most draining section is ascending the Golden Staircase again at the completion of the walk.

Permits/Costs

There is no cost

Other References

https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/mount-solitary-walking-track

Check this link to ensure track is open

GPS Tracks

No GPS available for this walk yet.

Comments

Really great walk, has a lot of variety, nice scrambling sections and great views (shame the day I did it had such lousy weather). The golden staircase was very enjoyable (moreso on the way down), and the walk out to the start of the ascent to Mt Solitary passed through a lot of really nice rainforest sections. Overall I would say the scrambling up Solitary is no harder and no more exposed than anything you would find on Mt Maroon. Great views along the way however no outlook up the very top. Ruined Castle is a well worth it detour on the way back or there. Climbing up one of the rock pillars will provide you with some amazing views. Just make sure you are okay with the exposure before you go up. Saw a Lyrebird and a friendly snake.
Vonsnrub on 26 Jan, 2022