Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle

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Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Golden Stairs & Glenraphael Drive (-33.7344207,150.2823585)
Mode	Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Great Western Highway, A32 Turn on to Bathurst Road, BMD then drive for 75 m Turn right onto Bathurst Road, BMD and drive for another 145 m Turn left onto Valley Road, BMD and drive for another 1.8 km Turn slight left onto Cliff Drive, BMD and drive for another 210 m At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Cliff Drive, BMD and drive for another 770 m Turn sharp right onto Glenraphael Drive and drive for another 990 m Keep left onto Glenraphael Drive and drive for another 870 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the Golden Stairs car park and information sign on Glenraphael Dr, the walk follows the 'Golden Stairs / To Federal Pass' sign along the narrow track. The track leads gently downhill past the black and yellow 'Warning - Sections of the Golden Stairs are unfenced and can be slippery when wet' sign, with the occasional glimpse out to Malaita Point and towards the Three Sisters. The walk soon heads down a few steep eroded sections of track and passes through a couple of switchbacks. The track then leads to a fenced rock platform signposted as 'Botting's L.O.'.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Golden Stairs & Glenraphael Drive Start heading along Golden Stairs (a walking track). Find the Golden Stairs Car Park at the start. After 35 m pass the sign (5 m on your left). After another 150 m find the "Botting's Lookout" (5 m on your left). Botting's Lookout Botting's Lookout offers great views over the Jamison Valley and the cliff line, including the Landslide, Malaita Point and the Golden Stairs. A plaque at the lookout states that the lookout was named after Walter Botting (1887-1985), a pioneer trail-maker of the Katoomba District.
	After another 500 m (at the intersection of Federal Pass & Golden Stairs) turn sharp right, to head along Federal Pass. After another 25 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 1.7 km come to the camp site (10 m on your right). Open fires are not allowed. After another 660 m find the "Miners Campsite" (10 m on your right). Miners Campsite This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass walking track about 2.2km south of the intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. There is short constructed stone wall left over from when there area was habited by miners. The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is no water or facilities.
	The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Northern Ruined Castle campsite to Intersection South of Ruined Castle. To take the alternate route turn left here. Details below. After another 155 m (at the intersection of Ruined Castle Track & Federal Pass) veer right, to head along Ruined Castle Track. After another 115 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left). After another 155 m come to the camp site (on your right).
	After another 440 m continue straight, to head along Ruined Castle Track. After another 70 m find the "The Ruined Castle" (15 m on your left). The Ruined Castle A formation jutting out of the Jamison Valley, the Ruined Castle has great views of the Jamison Valley from Katoomba to Leura. It is also possible to see Mt Solitary to the south-east. After another 15 m pass the "The Ruined Castle" (8 m on your left).
	The alternate route finishes here. Continue straight to rejoin the main route at the 4.3 km waypoint. Details below. After another 280 m (at the intersection of Mount Solitary Walking Track & Ruined Castle Track) turn right, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track. After another 25 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 740 m come to the camp site (6 m on your right). After another 255 m come to the camp site (on your right). After another 390 m come to the viewpoint (on your left). After another 70 m come to the viewpoint (on your left).
	Continue another 140 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 5.9 km to get back to the start.

An alternative route linking Northern Ruined Castle campsite to Intersection South of Ruined Castle.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 20 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 20 m find the "Northern Ruined Castle campsite" (on your left). Northern Ruined Castle campsite A short distance south east of the intersection with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns. There is no water nor any other facilities. After another 540 m pass the "Ruined Castle campsite" (10 m on your left). Then pass the picnic table (15 m on your left). Then pass the shelter (20 m on your left). After another 50 m find the "Ruined Castle mine campsite" (10 m on your left). Ruined Castle mine campsite This campsite is almost due east of Ruined Castle, just off the track that leads around the base of hill. The campsite is down a short but steep bank near the site of an old mine. The are a few campsites scattered along the flat area, mostly surrounded by some tall stringy barks. There are a few fire scars and some filtered valley views. A pleasant spot to stay. There was once a water spring nearby, but this is no longer reliable, you will need to carry in your own water.
	After another 340 m come to the end. A sign. At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After 20 m pass the sign (on your left).

After another 20 m find the "Northern Ruined Castle campsite" (on your left).

Northern Ruined Castle campsite

A short distance south east of the intersection with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns. There is no water nor any other facilities.

After another 540 m pass the "Ruined Castle campsite" (10 m on your left).

Then pass the picnic table (15 m on your left).

Then pass the shelter (20 m on your left).

After another 50 m find the "Ruined Castle mine campsite" (10 m on your left).

Ruined Castle mine campsite

This campsite is almost due east of Ruined Castle, just off the track that leads around the base of hill. The campsite is down a short but steep bank near the site of an old mine. The are a few campsites scattered along the flat area, mostly surrounded by some tall stringy barks. There are a few fire scars and some filtered valley views. A pleasant spot to stay. There was once a water spring nearby, but this is no longer reliable, you will need to carry in your own water.

After another 340 m come to the end.

A sign.

At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	11.9 km
Time	5 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient	Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage	No directional signs (5/6)
Infrastructure	No facilities provided (5/6)
Experience Required	High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
Weather	Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There are 7 on route, on average they are 1.6 km apart with the largest gap of 6.5 km.

Shelter: There is one 3.2 km (plus an extra 550 m along side route) from the start.

Toilet: There is one 3.4 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Camp site	2.4 km	[camp site]
Campsite	3.1 km	Miners Campsite
Campsite	3.2 km + 35 m	Northern Ruined Castle campsite
Shelter	3.2 km + 550 m	[shelter]
Campsite	3.2 km + 600 m	Ruined Castle mine campsite
Toilet	3.4 km	[toilet]
Camp site	3.5 km	[camp site]
Camp site	5.1 km	[camp site]
Camp site	5.3 km	[camp site]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Botting's Lookout
Botting's Lookout offers great views over the Jamison Valley and the cliff line, including the Landslide, Malaita Point and the Golden Stairs. A plaque at the lookout states that the lookout was named after Walter Botting (1887-1985), a pioneer trail-maker of the Katoomba District.

Miners Campsite
This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass walking track about 2.2km south of the intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. There is short constructed stone wall left over from when there area was habited by miners. The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is no water or facilities.

Northern Ruined Castle campsite
A short distance south east of the intersection with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns. There is no water nor any other facilities.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Thursday 5 December
  
  24°C
  Cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, becoming less likely later this evening. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe. Winds easterly 15 to 25 km/h.
  
  Friday 6 December
  
  16°C → 27°C
  Shower or two. Possible storm.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and early evening. The chance of a thunderstorm in the morning and afternoon. Winds east to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the middle of the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 13 and 18 with daytime temperatures reaching 25 to 30.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:30am to 5:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 12 [Extreme]
  
  Saturday 7 December
  
  19°C → 26°C
  Shower or two. Possible storm.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 5mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog in the early morning. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and early evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 15 and 19 with daytime temperatures reaching 27 to 32.
  
  Sunday 8 December
  
  18°C → 26°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 7mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 21 with daytime temperatures reaching 25 to 31.
  
  Monday 9 December
  
  9°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning. The chance of a thunderstorm in the north. Winds westerly 15 to 25 km/h shifting east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 21 with daytime temperatures reaching 26 to 32.
  
  Tuesday 10 December
  
  11°C → 25°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Wednesday 11 December
  
  14°C → 26°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 10mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
  The following areas are closed:
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Federal Pass is closed between Cooks Crossing (200m east of Furber Steps) and Giant Stairs due to a major rockfall. There's no access between Giant Stairs (below Three Sisters) and Scenic World Valley Stations or Furber Steps.
  
  Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  
  Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Gordon Falls picnic area and Elysian Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Detours will also be in place via Olympian Parade.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to multiple landslides. Access to Leura Forest and Jamison Valley is via Amphitheatre track.
  
  Ruined Castle, Golden Stairs, Solitary loop and Federal Pass, west of Scenic World are closed due to multiple landslides.
  
  Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  
  Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  
  Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
  
  Wentworth Falls and Woodford
  
  Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Undercliff track is closed between Fletchers lookout and Princes Rock lookout link track junction for track maintenance from Tuesday 19 November 2024. The track is expected to reopen on Friday 20 December 2024, depending on conditions.
  
  Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  
  Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to multiple landslides. No access to Roberts Pass and Vera Falls. Valley of the Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls.
  
  McMahons lookout and access road will be closed to vehicles, bikes and pedestrians beyond Erskine Range fire trail for roadworks until further notice.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road
  
  Evans Lookout Road will be closed beyond Grand Canyon carpark on Friday 6 December 2024 for maintenance works in the lookout precinct. There will be no vehicle access to Evans lookout during this time. Pedestrians can use the walking track to the lookout which begins at the Grand Canyon carpark toilets.
  
  Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. The Grose Valley can be accessed from Perrys Lookdown.
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes are specifically closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Safety alerts: Changed conditions due to forecast heavy rain
  Please be aware that creeks and rivers may become impassable, due to forecast heavy rainfall. Canyons will be hazardous.
  Extended rainfall increases the risk of road subsidence, landslides, rockfall and treefall. Incidents can occur without notice, but most commonly occur on steep slopes below cliff lines.
  Please consider weather when planning activities. Tracks and roads can be closed at short notice.
  
  Closed areas: Woodford - Oaks trail closed weekdays for flood repairs
  Woodford - Oaks trail will be closed on weekdays, from Monday 21 October to Friday 13 December 2024. Work is underway to repair flood damaged sections of the track. The track will remain open on weekends.
  Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle access is not permitted during the closure period.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Paterson Range fire trail closure
  Paterson Range fire trail in Blue Mountains National Park will be closed for maintenance to all visitors (pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and vehicles) from Tuesday 19 November to Friday 20 December 2024.
  Visitor access to Burralow Creek campground will remain open. Access will be via Burralow Road and Tabaraga Ridge fire trail at Kurrajong Heights, which is 4WD access only.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Fire bans: Park fire ban
  A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.
  However, the following campgrounds in Blue Mountains National Park are exempt:
  
  Galong Cabins
  
  Dunphys campground
  
  Murphys Glen
  
  Kedumba River campground
  
  Burralow Creek
  
  Euroka campgrounds
  
  During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:
  
  They're under direct control of an adult
  
  The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  
  There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)
  
  If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.
  
  Closed areas: Red Hands Cave walking track - Partial closure
  Red Hands Cave walking track (also known as Campfire Creek walking track) is partially closed until further notice to allow for extensive flood damage repairs.
  Repairs are underway to the Link track section which runs through the gully. The rest of the walking track to Red Hands Cave is open. Pedestrian access is available all the way from the Red Hands Cave carpark through to the causeway.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ongoing ground baiting program from Thursday 2 May 2024 to Monday 5 May 2025 in the following areas:
  
  Abercrombie River National Park
  
  Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  
  Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  
  Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  
  Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
  
  Gardens of Stone National Park
  
  Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  
  Turon National Park
  
  Marrangaroo National Park
  
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.
  
  Other planned events: Changed traffic conditions due to pine plantation harvest
  Forestry Corporation of NSW will commence harvest thinning of mid age pine plantation bounded by Coscgrove and Mount Werong Roads from late November 2024 to February 2025.
  Traffic control measures will be in place when necessary, and additional logging traffic should be expected.Please take care on the road, and drive to the conditions.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. Further information, please contact the Bathurst Forestry Corporation on 02 6331 2044.
  
  Safety alerts: Remote walking track conditions
  Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.
  In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.
  If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
  Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed
  Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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