Saturday, 14 May 2022

Baltzer Lookout (Hanging Rock) - Blue Mountains National Park

Baltzer Lookout 14-05-2022

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Route: Ridgewell Road, Burramoko Fire Trail, Burramoko Hill, Baltzer Lookout, Burramoko Head, Hanging Rock, Burramoko Fire Trail, Ridgewell Road

Date: 14/05/2022
From: Blackheath


Parking: Ridgewell Road
Start Point: Burramoko Fire Trail
Finish Point: Burramoko Fire Trail
Region: Blue Mountains - Grose Wilderness

Route length: 11.1km
Time taken: 03:50
Average speed: 5.0km/h
Ascent: 254m
Descent: 260m

Points of Interest: Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock

This is a very straightforward hike to one of the most incredible locations in the Blue Mountains National Park - Baltzer Lookout. It is straightforward as it only involves a 6km trek along a wide fire trail with minimal elevation gain. So, if you are looking for an all-day epic, this is perhaps not the hike for you. However, it is the perfect place to catch a sunrise or sunset, which is exactly what we did one early winter afternoon.

The parking area can be found a short distance along a dirt road, located off the Great Western Highway after it passes through Blackheath. We had no trouble getting our 2WD car along the road to the parking area. 
The Burramoko Trail
Entering the Grose Wilderness
The fire trail in question follows the spine of the Burramoko Ridge, all the way to its termination above Govetts Gorge. The ridge forms part of the Grose Wilderness, a large area that encompasses the Grose River and its surrounding canyons.
The Burramoko Trail
The trail is typically enclosed by trees along its length, however, there are a few openings to the west that provide a view over the rolling hills of the wilderness area. The trail crosses the low rise of Burramoko Hill (which stands at a lofty 1,024m) on its way to the lookout.
Rolling green hills of the Grose Wilderness
Australia's iconic gum trees
Unlike most Blue Mountains lookouts, Baltzer Lookout is entirely unfenced, so take care exploring the cliffs. There are several places to take in the view, the first being a flat rock platform that overlooks Bald Head though you can't see Hanging Rock from this spot.
Baltzer Lookout at the end of Burramoko Ridge
Grose Valley
The afternoon sun shines brightly on Bald Head
Rigby Hill
The platform continues a short distance north and tapers to a point on the lip of the cliffs. From here you will get the iconic view of Hanging Rock - the slender pillar of stone that juts out into the valley.
Baltzer Lookout
Burramoko Head
Grose Valley and Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock
You can climb down to Hanging Rock itself, which gets you up close and personal to the towering cliffs that line the valley. It's one the rare places where you'll be stood looking up at the cliffs rather than peering down from the top. If you are feeling brave, you can hop over the gap separating Hanging Rock from the cliffs and walk out to the end though I can't say I recommend it.
Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock and the cliffs beyond
Between Hanging Rock and Burramoko Head
We spent some time wandering around and snapping photos before climbing back up to the platform at Baltzer Lookout and settling in to watch the sun setting in the distance. 
Hanging Rock and Burramoko Head
The cliffs of Burramoko Head
Hanging Rock
A couple perched on the end of Hanging Rock
Grose Valley
Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock
With the light all but faded, we set off back along the fire trail towards the car park. We had anticipated hiking out in the dark so had come equipped with powerful head torches to light the route back. There is little chance of getting lost along the fire trail as there are no branches or deviations. 
Baltzer Lookout
Mount Banks and Bald Head
Panorama from Baltzer Lookout
Last of the sunlight
Returning to the Burramoko Trail
Head torches light the way
This is a rare hike that has a huge reward for very little effort and I can't recommend it highly enough.

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