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 Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Wednesday 23 Jul
  
  11°C
  Cloud clearing.
  30% chance of rain
  
  Slight chance of a shower this morning. Sunny afternoon. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending westerly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning.
  Fire Danger: Moderate
  UV Alert: Sun protection not recommended, UV Index predicted to reach 2 [Low]
  
  Thursday 24 Jul
  
  1°C → 11°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds westerly 15 to 25 km/h tending southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the early afternoon.
  
  Friday 25 Jul
  
  1°C → 12°C
  Becoming cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Mostly sunny morning. Slight chance of a shower in the evening. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then tending northerly during the evening.
  
  Saturday 26 Jul
  
  5°C → 12°C
  Showers easing.
  95% chance of rain
  3 → 10mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds northerly 20 to 30 km/h tending northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the afternoon.
  
  Sunday 27 Jul
  
  4°C → 9°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds northwesterly 30 to 35 km/h tending westerly 30 to 40 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 28 Jul
  
  5°C → 9°C
  Cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, most likely during the morning. Winds westerly 30 to 40 km/h decreasing to 25 to 30 km/h later.
  
  Tuesday 29 Jul
  
  2°C → 11°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely later in the day. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h tending northwesterly during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Narrow Neck - Glenraphael Drive closed due to landslide
  Narrow Neck trail
  
  Glenraphael Drive at Narrow Neck is closed to all vehicles until further notice. This road has been impacted by a landslide. Walkers and cyclists are permitted. Please follow directions of park signage and NPWS staff.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Fern Bower walking track closed
  Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit
  
  Fern Bower walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to multiple landslides. There's no access to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades via Fern Bower. Alternative access is via Amphitheatre track.
  
  For more information, call the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- 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
- Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Empress Canyon National Pass Wentworth Falls to McMahons Point Rodriguez Pass walking track Darwins walk Six Foot track Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway Govetts Leap descent Grand Cliff Top Walk: 2 days self guided Three Sisters walk Grand Cliff Top Walk Wentworth Pass loop walking track Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit Narrow Neck trail Pulpit Rock lookout Leura Cascades picnic area
  
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure repairs, upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
  
  The following tracks are closed:
  
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall hazards. (Visible bridge from Echo Point. Side route off Three Sisters Track and Giant Stairs.)
  
  Leura Cascades track (bottom section) is closed until the end of 2025 for track upgrade works. There is no access to Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Clifftop walk) between the top of Leura Cascades and the Amphitheatre junction. Short detour via Cliff Drive.
  
  Leura Cascades parking area and toilets are closed. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to landslides and associated repairs.
  
  Glenrapheal Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) is closed to vehicles near Cliff Drive due to a road subsidence. Walkers and cyclists permitted.
  
  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.
  
  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 elevated boardwalk repairs. There's no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  
  Valley of the Waters is closed below Sylvia Falls. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and part of the 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).
  
  Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be 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.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Link walking track temporary closure
  Red Hands Cave Red Hands Cave walking track - Blue Mountains National Park
  
  Link walking track is closed from Friday 9 May 2025 until further notice.
  
  This is to allow for ongoing track works. For your safety, please follow all signs and instructions of NPWS staff.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- 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.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Friday 2 May 2025 to Friday 1 May 2026 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.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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