The Pinnacle: The Walk That Sets the Tone for Your Whole Trip
The Pinnacle is the walk guests do on their first morning. Short, close to town, and completely unforgettable β it sets the tone for everything that follows.
At just 3 kilometres return, it climbs from the Grand Canyon trailhead through a narrow gorge before emerging on open sandstone with views over Halls Gap and the valley floor. The path weaves between boulders and through crevices. Parts of it feel like a puzzle you’re solving with your body.
The Climb
The trail gains about 250 metres in elevation. It’s not a stroll β there are chains and ladders in sections to help with the steeper rock faces. But it’s well within reach for anyone with reasonable fitness and closed-toe shoes.
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours return. More if the light is good at the top, which it usually is.
At the Summit
The views from the Pinnacle are 360 degrees β Halls Gap below, the Wonderland Range stretching west, Mount Difficult to the north. In the early morning, the valley is still in shadow and the ranges above are lit gold. It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop mid-sentence.
Good to Know
Start early, especially on weekends β the trail gets busy. Wear proper shoes. Bring water. The car park on Grampians Road fills fast; arriving before 8am gives you the best chance of a quiet walk.
If you only do one walk in Gariwerd, make it this one. Most guests end up doing it twice.
