Atlas › Blue Mountains NP - Grose
Butterbox Canyon
verified
ACA 4C
High flood risk
Mount Wilson, NSW
A Blue Mountains classic that pairs technical abseiling with a mandatory bolted exit climb, including the famous chockstone drop.
The exit climb (Ewbank 15) is the crux of the day for many parties: lead it or stay in the canyon. Bring 5 quickdraws and a competent leader. Water is swift through the chockstone section, take the gauge reading seriously.
Logistics
| Manager | NSW NPWS Blue Mountains NP |
|---|---|
| Permit | No permit required. |
| Distance | 0.5 mi |
| Elevation | ~591 ft net change |
| Time | ~6.5 hr (30 min approach, 3 hr descent, 3 hr exit) |
| Technical | 6 to 11 abseils, longest about 66 ft. Signature feature is a chockstone abseil landing on a wedged block. Exit includes a bolted Ewbank 15 lead climb requiring 5 quickdraws and trad climbing skills. Australian v4a3 IV. |
| Season | Nov-Mar |
| Flood risk | High. The narrow chute concentrates flow fast. Cross-check the Grose River gauge before committing. |
| Vehicle access | 2WD when dry, AWD or 4WD preferred after rain on the access dirt road |
| Crowd | High, regularly run by commercial groups, multiple parties common on weekends |
| Coordinates | -33.6301, 150.402 |