An initial gentle walk soon gives way to a steep climb that gains 700 m of elevation above Six Mile Creek. The Rockvale Track ends at the conservation area boundary, at around 1000 m above sea level.

From the end of the Rockvale Track it is possible to keep going along the Rock and Pillar Range North Track until Big Hut (a further 20 km or 6–8 hr one way).

The car park is signposted on SH87, about 22 km north of Middlemarch. To reach the marked track, turn left at the second stile and follow the markers to the conservation boundary.

Weather: The Rock and Pillar Conservation Area is very exposed and subject to extreme temperatures – hot and dry in summer, freezing cold and covered in snow in winter.

Avalanches: Avalanche terrain is classified as 'simple' at the northern end of the Rock and Pillar Range and on the tops, and 'complex' on the eastern faces. If you plan to be in this area in winter or spring be avalanche alert.