Mount Trio

Guide updated 26 Aug 2026 · verify live track status with Explore Parks WA / DBCA

Short steep hike: 3.5 km return, about 400 m of climbing, lots of steps, around two hours. Endemic mountain bells are a feature in season. Quieter than Bluff Knoll. Not a lookout ramble. Not walked.

Decision summary

Best for: A shorter western peak with mountain bells in season — still steps, still weather
Skip if: Skip if you needed a lookout-only day, or if steps are already a problem at the first flight.
Time needed: Allow about 2 hours return
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted anywhere in Stirling Range National Park. 1080 baiting is ongoing — poisonous to humans, dogs and cats.
Kids: Steep and stepped. Fit, willing kids with an adult who will turn around — not a pram walk.
Entry / booking catch: Standard WA vehicle park entry applies (confirm live on Explore Parks WA / park-entry-fees). Planning figures re-checked 26 Aug 2026 against the official table last updated 20 Aug 2026: standard vehicle ≤12 occupants $17 / concession $10; motorcycle $10; large vehicle >12 occupants $8 per person / concession $3.50. Walk-in / cycle-in typically pay no vehicle fee. Pay at the Stirling Range Entry Station on Bluff Knoll Road off Chester Pass Road, with a camping booking, or via a Parks Pass. Passes cover entry only, not camping. This site does not sell passes.
Today’s alerts: Check Explore Parks WA / DBCA alerts (not this page)

Not walked — planning from Explore Parks WA / Trails WA public pages 2026-08-26.

Do not pair: Do not add Toolbrunup after Trio on a first western-peaks afternoon.

Turnaround: Out-and-back. Reverse at any point. The picnic area is the easy exit.

Treating “easiest peak” as easy
No water on a hot stepped climb

Short, steep, stepped climb — ~400 m ascent. Easier than Toolbrunup, still a mountain
Allow about 2 hours return
3.5 km return · ~400 m ascent
Effort: moderate
Best for: A shorter western peak with mountain bells in season — still steps, still weather

Distance, grade, time, vehicle rules and open/closed status change — always verify with Explore Parks WA / DBCA (exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au) and alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au before you go.

Official DBCA info (verify status)

Coyanarup peak, Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia — Mount Trio — Coyanarup
Loomhigh223555 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where you start

Mount Trio trailhead / picnic

Access via Formby Road South / Mount Trio Road off Chester Pass Road to a picnic area among trees. Short unsealed approach. 2WD dry; confirm after rain.

How to get there

From Chester Pass Road take the signed Mount Trio access (Formby Road South / Mount Trio Road). No public transport.
Pay or display vehicle entry as for the park. No dogs. Offline map.

How to do it (step by step)

Expect lots of steps and a steep pinch. Out-and-back. Stay on the marked track for dieback control.
Summit plateau and rocky spires — give yourself time for the reverse, not only the top.
Wildflower season (roughly October–December) is why many people pick this peak. The steps do not get shorter in spring.

Short, steep, still a peak

Explore Parks / Trails WA: 3.5 km return, about 400 m ascent, lots of steps, around two hours. Mountain bells in season. This is the usual “we still want a summit but not Toolbrunup” western peak. It is not the Drive lookouts. Not walked.

Stay on track. Clean boots. Reverse before anyone is cooked. Confirm live on Explore Parks WA / alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on Explore Parks WA / DBCA before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google Maps Get directions

Extra tips

Better first western peak than Toolbrunup if you wanted steps not scramble.
Do not stack Trio and Hassell and Magog because they look close on the map.

Often paired with Mount Hassell— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Western peaks

Nearby stays (optional)

After the walk plan is solid: Albany or Mount Barker beds if you still need them. Kit searches live on the gear hub. Official Park Stay camping, park fees and government bookings are never affiliated. Guided tours live on the Tours hub.

Nearby stays

Albany (primary) · Mount Barker · Porongurup

Hotels & stays in AlbanyPrimary last-town base — fuel, food, medical; ~1–1.5 hrs to Bluff Knoll
Mount Barker accommodationCloser inland staging than Albany for a dawn start
Porongurup staysSouthern neighbour range — useful on a two-park loop, not a Bluff Knoll dawn default
Cranbrook accommodationNorthern approach town on Chester Pass Road

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