The Blue Mountains: My Trail Running Playground

The Blue Mountains, located just west of Sydney, Australia, are a breathtaking region renowned for their stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site is characterised by its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and lush forests, which are home to an impressive array of flora and fauna. The area is named for the blue haze that often envelops the mountains, a phenomenon caused by the eucalyptus trees releasing oil particles into the atmosphere.

Welcome to the Blueys - our local trail running paradise!

Blue Mountains Australia

The Blue Mountains offer an extensive network of trails that cater to all levels of experience. The rugged terrain, combined with the stunning vistas, makes for an exhilarating running experience. Popular trails include the Six Foot Track, which stretches approximately 45 kilometers from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, and the more challenging Mount Solitary loop. Some of my other favourites are down Kedumba valley and up Mt Hay side.

Lockley Pylon is our family's favourite - and the kids love the ridge views of the valley.

Most of the trails wind through dense forests, across rocky outcrops, and alongside picturesque waterfalls. Bring your swimmers with you and enjoy a cold dip on one of the waterfall trails!

With hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained trails, hikers can choose from short, leisurely walks to multi-day treks that traverse the entire region. Iconic hikes include the scenic trails leading to the famous Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point. Many trails also feature breathtaking lookouts, where hikers can pause to take in panoramic views of the valleys and cliffs below.

Checkout Bluemtns_explore on Instagram for more information.

The diverse ecosystems found within the Blue Mountains, ranging from temperate rainforests to heathlands, provide hikers with the chance to observe unique wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species, making every hike a memorable adventure.

For those seeking adventure, rock climbing in the Blue Mountains offers an exhilarating experience, highlighting the area's remarkable sandstone cliffs and crags. The area is considered one of the premier climbing destinations in Australia, offering a wide variety of routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels.

Popular climbing spots, such as the iconic cliffs of Mount York and the famous climbing area at Shipley Upper, provide both sport and trad climbing opportunities. Climbers can challenge themselves on routes that range from beginner-friendly to advanced, each offering unique features and breathtaking views.

Some of them are family friendly and super fun for kids! (pics below, from Mount York)

Rock-climbing with my girls in the Blueys!

It's truly wonderful to have the Blue Mountains so near to Sydney, offering a breathtaking natural escape just a short drive away from the bustling city life. 40 minutes to Glenbrook, lower Blue Mountains trails, and some 90 minutes to Leura and beyond.

One of the most exciting events that take place in this beautiful area is the Ultra Trail Australia, a premier trail running race that attracts athletes from all over the globe. This demanding event highlights the remarkable landscape of the Blue Mountains, with participants navigating steep ascents, rocky paths, and breathtaking vistas that highlight the region's natural beauty (be prepared for over 900 stairs just before the finish line!)

The trails of Ultra Trail Australia are among my favourite for training. I've used them to get ready for my speed ascent on Aconcagua, particularly the 30% grade slopes of Kedumba Valley that extend for kilometres. Perry's Lookout was another steep location I used for training.