Dry Canyon is one of the most accessible canyons in the Blue Mountains, yet few people even know of its existence! Getting in and out of the canyon doesn’t require any abseiling, and as the name suggests, there is no water in there, so you don’t require any special gear whatsoever. It’s basically a bushwalk with a twist.
You get to wander between the towering walls of the narrow slot canyon, which feels like entering another world. It’s the perfect introduction to the Blue Mountains canyons, and it will probably have you hooked. I know it did us.
Here’s our step by step guide to finding Dry Canyon (also known as Wolgan View Canyon).
Dry Canyon
The stats
Distance: 1.7km each way (3.4km return)
Elevation: 60m
Difficulty: Easy
In recent years the walk to Dry Canyon has become much more easy to navigate. It still isn’t signposted but the worn trail is easy to follow for the most part. Much of the debris that formerly sat across parts of the track has been cleared so it is easier than ever to visit.
There is one straightforward scramble to negotiate and a couple of sections where you need to climb down a few rocks, but other than that it’s an easy walk through.
Remember never to attempt entering a canyon if heavy rain has just occurred, or if rain is forecast, due to the risk of flash flooding.
Starting the trail
From the parking area (full driving details below) head over the metal barrier (it’s a low railing to stop you driving further in, you are allowed to walk in this area!) and begin heading along the obvious beaten down path.
The narrow path through the bush is very obvious and in great condition.
Almost immediately you’ll be wandering inbetween pagodas and it’s nice to see the bush is recovering nicely after being badly burnt in the fires of 2020.
After 200m along a well defined flat trail you’ll reach a clearing and the path curves right.
Follow the path for another 200m when you will arrive at a huge pagoda, with a crevice in it which is filled with small rocks (you can’t miss them).
Continuing through the bush
From this big pagoda the path continues to the left and it’s now nice and easy to spot (it was formerly very overgrown and hidden).
You’ll now continue along a well formed path which is still pretty much flat as you wind your way through pagoda studded bushland.
After approximately 920m (from the parking area) you will reach a bit of a rock face and the track continues to the right.
There is a minor amount of debris along this next section, but it’s not tricky to negotiate. The path takes you directly between some rock walls for the next 40m and at the end of the walls you want to make an immediate left.
This left is probably the only bit of the track which is still not very obvious.
You need to climb up the sloped rock to continue on the track. It’s a touch steep but it’s just a couple of steps and the rock is very grippy when dry.
Into the canyon
You will now pick up the worn trail again and you continue for 40m before it begins descending. It’s a rocky dirt track at first and then after 50m you will reach the rock scramble.
There used to be a rope here but it’s since been removed. However, it’s an easy scramble and a rope is definitely not needed. There are plenty of well spaced rocks to climb down and it’s just 3 to 4 steps and you’re at the bottom.
It’s the only scramble of the whole walk, so if you’re fine with this one, you won’t have any trouble in the canyon itself. Continue along the path for 100m and then you’ll be at the opening of the first constriction.
Even the section before you reach the canyon itself is stunning, with some gorgeous cliff walls and plenty of ferns - though it only gets better from here!
The first constriction
You’ll reach the start of the proper slot canyon just over 1.2km from the parking area and what a start! It really is an exquisite canyon and so special that you can reach it via an easy walk with no technical skills required. The huge tree ferns and damp moss along the canyon walls give it a real lost world vibe.
The path is sandy and the canyon walls tower over you. At points the opening in the walls is so small that almost all light is blocked out which creates such a mysterious atmosphere.
At the narrowest point is where you’ll find the most amazing swirly walls, don’t forget to look up any time there is an opening at the top. The rock formations are just beautiful.
The whole experience is fantastic and the only downside is that the first constriction is just 40m long. I wanted it to go on for so much longer!
You then have roughly another 250m to go before you reach the second constriction.
The path is again easy to follow, bearing left from the end of the first narrow slot and through a little section of bush. You need to duck under and over a couple of trees, but they are skinny and it’s easy to do so.
At the 1.5km mark you’ll reach a ferny wonderland and begin descending the dirt track into the second constriction. It’s simply spectacular, with a continuation of those Jurassic Park vibes from all the magnificent tree ferns.
The second constriction
The start of the second narrow slot is even more atmospheric than the first. The walls feel even narrower and you get to enjoy it for longer as it lasts for 100m.
It’s relatively dark as the walls are so high - it really is like another world in there and it’s completely silent but for the water droplets coming off the canyon walls. The walls are incredibly picturesque with patterns not dissimilar to those at the world-renowned Antelope Canyon in Arizona.
About 60m in you have to climb down a couple of rocks to get to the next section, but it’s very easy, even when wet, as it was for us.
Just over 40m later you’ll sadly pop out of the canyon into a wide open area.
There is a little track which takes you to a view over Wolgan Valley after a couple of minutes - although the view is heavily obscured by foliage so it’s not a must do. It’s also even more overgrown now than when we first walked this track, in stark contrast to the trail into the canyon.
Then all that’s left to do is to walk back through the canyon the way you came and savour it one last time.
As virtually the entire trail is flat, this is an easy adventure with a big pay off.
If you love Dry Canyon and want to try another easy walk-in canyon, then next on your list should be the spectacular River Caves Canyon.
Essential information about visiting Dry Canyon
Canyon safety
Although Dry Canyon generally lives up to its name, like other slot canyons, it can still experience flash flooding. Never enter the canyon if it has just rained heavily, or if rain is forecast.
We recommend bringing a PLB as there is no phone signal once you begin the track or along most of the road. We carry a GME and you can check this one out and many more on Amazon.
The access road
You have roughly 30km to drive along the Glow Worm Tunnel Road which is unsealed. The road at time of writing is in pretty good condition.
There are a few potholes and ruts to watch out for, but nothing that requires a 4WD.
Having said that, it is a dirt road so if there has been a lot of rain the conditions could change. If you’re worried it might be worth ringing the Lithgow Visitor Information Centre to see if they can give you an up to date road condition report.
Where to park for the Dry Canyon trailhead
Dry Canyon is located in Wollemi National Park, near Newnes. It is very close to the Glow Worm Tunnel and combining the two makes for a fabulous day trip. It takes around 3 hours to get there from Sydney.
There is a small ‘car park’ just off the Glow Worm Tunnel Road, with room for a few cars to park on either side of the road in the dedicated laybys.
The trail begins from the layby on the left side of the road. You can find the location by clicking here.
Facilities at the canyon
There are no facilities whatsoever here. Please carry out all rubbish with you. The nearest toilet is at the Glow Worm Tunnel car park, which is very close by.
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