Australian Hiker

Best Time of the Year to Walk

Year Round

• This track can be impacted by snow so may not be accessible in mid winter if it has been snowing

Summits Walking Track Review

When you travel to any location you want to get the best views so one of the most popular tourist destinations is the highest peak in the area. In the case of the city of Orange in NSW, this summit is Mount Canobolas. Recently Gill and I were visiting friends and chose to do the Summits Walking Track which is a 2.2 km walk across the saddle connecting Mount Canobolas (Old Man Canobolas) to the smaller summit of Young Man Canobolas.

When you arrive at the summit and park your car, the walk starts down a short set of stairs not far from the toilet block. The walk is well sign posted from start to end but you do need to pay attention because there are a number of interconnecting walking tracks. Having said that, so long as you are paying attention your destination of Young Man Canobolas is obvious.

This track, which is natural trail, wanders through Eucalyptus forest. We started before 7:00am and were the only ones on this trail but by the time we returned to the car par, all the local fitness fanatics were ascending the summit; running, cycling  and also starting to hike this trail so it was getting busy. On the day we did this walk, the trail was a bit greasy so wear footwear with good traction. At 2.2 km this isn’t a long walk but it took us an hour return with the most difficult bit being the ascent up Young Man Canobolas where there is a combination of formed trail and rock hopping.

Once you reach the summit of Young Man Canobolas, make your way across the highest point and you will start to get views down into the valley below although the tree growth will impact on what you see. The only wildlife we saw on this trail was the typical birdlife throughout as well as the kangaroos near the trailhead. Weather-wise one thing worth noting is that during particularly cold winters this summit can be impacted by snowfall and the road to the summit may be closed.

Overall this was an enjoyable trail and one well worth doing if you’re passing through so keep this track in mind.

Signage on the way to the summit

Up the narrow road to the summit

Almost at the summit car park

Car park at the summit of Mount Canobolas

Toilet block at the summit of Mount Canobolas

Car park at the summit of Mount Canobolas

Due to the altuitude the trees at the summit of Mount Canobolas are mainly snowgums

Trig marker at the summit of Mount Canobolas

Interpretive signage at the summit of Mount Canobolas

Down the stairs to start the trail

And down we go

Kangaroos near the start of the trail at the summit of Mount Canobolas

Trail example of the Summits Walking Track in Orange

Trail signage on the Summits Walk in Orange

Interpretive signage on the trail

The sun coming up through the trees

Approaching the summit of Youg Man Canobolas

The trail is overgrown on Young Man Canobolas

Summit of Mount Conobolas looking from Young Man Conobolas on the way back

Heading back on the Summits Walking Track

Heading back

Approaching the summit of Mount Canobolas

Returning back to Mount Canobolas

Trail video

This short video contains photos and videos to show you the walk from start to finish

Getting There

Google Map from the centre of Orange to the trailhead which is a distance of approximately 18 km

Things to know

• Phone: Phone signal is good on this trail (Telstra), data signal is variable
• Water: Bring your own water
• Toilets: There are toilets at the summit of Mount Canobolas
• Trail: This walk is on formed trail
• Dogs: Dogs not allowed
• Camping: Camping allowed at the nearby Federal Falls Campground
• Other: 
  • This track may be impacted by snow and the summit road may be closed so check the weather conditions if you plan on visiting during winter
  • Did you know that National Parks are non smoking areas?

Disclaimer

This walk was undertaken by the team from Australian Hiker

Last updated

17/12/23

Shares

Related articles