Gros piton hike.

Gros piton hike But I doubt I’m far off. They generally open around 8am and the earlier you can go, the better. At 2619 Feet, Gros Piot is both taller and far less technically challenging than its sister piton. Discover the breathtaking beauty of St. hike up and 2 Hrs. Along the western coast of St. Each time we have visited, we hired a driver through our resort, then a local guide at the trail head. Explore the tunnels and caves at Anse . I also have scoliosis, and he has rheumatoid arthritis, so I expect we would both be sore. Hike along the trail at a relaxed, easy-going pace with stops at every quarter for rest and a moment to enjoy the spectacular views of the island. Bottled water and round-trip transportation from your Castries hotel are included. A guide leads the way along the easily accessed route while sharing information about the iconic peak and its twin, Petit Piton, which dominate the west coast of St. As both Gros Piton and Petit Piton trails are best hiked with a guide, your $90USD fee includes the guide and your entrance fees as well as water to keep you hydrated during the climb. Hike the UNESCO-listed twin Pitons in the company of a private guide on this hiking tour from Castries. It’s not easy, but it’s a very rewarding hike with exceptional panoramic views at the summit. Lucia, I wanted to do one adventurous hike. Lucia measuring 786 meters or 2619 feet high. Lucia’s Gros Piton doubles as a rite of passage. Where: Near the village of Fond Gens Libre. It takes about 2 hours to reach the summit and another 2 hours to desend back to the bottom. Going down, Anse des Cascades offers you landscaped and wooded areas, ideal for a picnic break. The hike is broken into quarters with the first two sections being flatter and the last two sections being much steeper. Ladera Petit Piton Hike vs Gros Piton excursion Nov 06, 2024; Anse Chastanet Shuttle Oct 19, 2024; Ladera Resort in September Jul 06, 2024; Soufriere Day Sail Jun 25, 2024; Anse Chastanet stay in July Jun 18, 2024; Is Hummingbird Beach Resort still open? May 30, 2024 For a breathtaking ,360 degree view of paradise,put on your comfortable walking shoes along with determination in your mind as you get to the top!!! With your guide leading the way, you’ll make the roughly 3. Gros Piton Hike. The trail begins in the quaint countryside village of Fond Gen Libres. Climb the Gros Piton, one of the most popular hiking routes in St Lucia. You will experience the hike as it was experienced centuries ago by those looking to escape slave owners, yet you will have the freedom of stopping to take in the historic significance of it After getting you tickets at the piton hike office, your guide takes you to a model of St Lucia Gros Piton where he/she explains to you what you will be experiencing on the private piton hike. There are tours that organize transport and your guide fee, making for a hassle-free climb. The hike was fantastic, and the views from the top were breathtaking. Whether you are in it for the hike or the breathtaking pictures, you won’t need a map to find these Soufriere gems. St. Totally worth it! Our driver was super professional, the guides were great, and the view from the top totally worth it! The hike up Gros Piton was moderate to hard, there are a lot of stepping stones and can be a bit slippery on way down if it has been raining (the rain did not last long and was a welcome cooler). While the hike is challenging in some parts, you can stop to admire the stunning views as you make your way to the summit. Get your heart rate pumping and reward yourself with stunning views of the Caribbean on this private hike to the top of Gros Piton. Hiking the Gros Piton is a great achievement and a must do. The trail, nestled in the lush landscape of the island’s southwest coast, offers a moderate to strenuous climb that can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to ascend, depending on your pace and skill level. To climb Gros Piton you must have a guide and pay a $50 per person fee to enter the park. Lucia's natural wonders. Lucia island. Feb 2024 • Couples. The trek to the summit of Gros Piton is called “a hike. I wanted to do a hike, so Gros Piton was the choice. Feb 1, 2020 · Hiking Gros Piton. org and the Forestry Department. Q: What does the view from Gros Piton look like? Feb 24, 2025 · A vast majority of visitors climb Gros Piton and not the more challenging Petit Piton. We will also be including short video clips of different areas where A hike to the summit of Gros Piton is an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, one that is not a trip for the faint-hearted or the unfit. Lucia with Feel Good Water Taxi & Tours! Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you hike Gros Piton in Soufriere, explore the stunning Pitons, and experience the best of St. Overview of hiking Saint Lucia’s Gros Piton: Time required: 3 – 6 hours round trip; Degree of Difficulty: 8 out of 10; Elevation: Approximately 2,600 feet (786 meters) Distance: Just under 3 miles (4. The hike to the summit of Gros Piton is one of St Lucia’s most sought after excursions. There is a sign for the Tet Paul Nature trail (not where you are going) and a smaller one that says Fond Gens Libre/Gros Piton Hike. Check it out to see another point of view! Oct 9, 2017 · Even though Gros Piton is the biggest of the two (2,619ft), it is easier to climb compared to Petit Piton (2,461ft). The Piton Mountains are a large part of the island’s history as well as its landscape, and throughout the hike you will gain an appreciation for both. Lucia; the town of Soufriere, then the old capital of St. If you've climbed Gros Piton, please share your age, fitness level, health limitations, and what the hike was like for you. Jan 30, 2025 · It’s nothing like the Gros Piton hike – which is basically like walking a stair stepper. The pitons are the iconic symbols of St. Attempt the challenging climb to Gros Piton's summit, which affords panoramic views of the entire island and the turquoise Caribbean Sea that lies beyond. Gros Piton hike on St. 5-mile trip up some 2,600 forested feet across three to four hours. The easy choice was hiking Gros Piton. We hike a few times a month at a more hilly park. Proud and friendly young persons from the village serve as guides. As such, a guide is mandatory for this climb. Tips for Hiking Gros Piton in St. But, To do this excursion, you have to be of reasonably good physical fitness. While many tourists hike up to the top of Gros Piton, only a small number venture the climb up Petit Piton. Visit the nature interpretation center at Fond Gens Libre to learn about the area's flora and fauna. May 27, 2013 · The feeling of accomplishment for summiting Gros Piton is a vacation memory worth making. With your guide leading the way, you’ll make the roughly 3. Lucia – Gros Piton Trail Description & Local Hiking Guides. Challenging summit hike to stunning views of the land and sea. Gros Piton Hike Reviews. Trek along the Gros Piton Nature Trail with a local guide during this full-day adventure on St Lucia. But while the St Lucia Gros Piton trail is challenging, every step along the way is worth it. 5 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on the hiker's fitness level and the Hiking Petit Piton without a highly experienced guide is never recommended. Anyone with reasonably good physical fitness can handle climbing Gros Piton. Go for footwear you’ll be comfortable in for the duration of the hike (no flip flops!). With two options, there is a Piton hike for most adventurers. Feb 3, 2024 · Discover how to hike the Gros Piton in St. Explore the scenic trails of one of St Lucia's famous Pitons which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lucia isn’t complete without conquering a Piton. Lucia Hiking on the iconic Gros Piton trail is a great uphill hike featuring a short, but steep & challenging climb with amazing views of the island & sea . You'll notice dramatic changes in the vegetation. ” However, There are a few sections of the mountain that is steep and requires you to do minimal We did the Petit Piton hike (did the Gros Piton a couple years ago) and it was a true adventure! Not for the faint of heart or weak of body, it was 5 hours of intense physical activity and hand over hand rope work/climbing. May 31, 2021 · Hike through the Pitons, towering nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, the majestic peak of Gros Piton, along with its twin peak Petit Piton, dominates the western coast of St Lucia. I recently had the chance to hike up Piton Gros with my mom. If you don’t want to hike Gros Piton, other tours incorporate viewpoints to see it, as well as the adjacent Petit Piton, and often include stops at local attractions, such as the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, Marigot Bay and Sulphur Springs. That might not be true, I just made that up. When you decide to climb Gros Piton, you will experience the literal definition of high adventure. A Gros Piton hike tour is the only way to see the island from this vantage point, and the experience you will have standing at the top makes it absolutely worthwhile. The climb is very rigorous. Climbing Saint Lucia Petit Piton and its sister, Gros Piton, make a great stop for guided tours. And it’s a true nature hike. 6 days ago · I did this Gros Piton “w/ extra credit” hike from my AirBnB in Soufriere. Skip the hassle of organizing transport on this half-day tour. Our Gros Piton mountain is nestled between two historic beauties of St. The road less traveled leads to the small village of Fond Gens Libre (FROM US $110) Life has its rewards, and you will find many of them on the Gros Piton Nature Trail. 4km) round trip On the island of St Lucia in the French West Indies is the mountain Gros Piton. It took us a little over an hour to hike up. Along the length of the Tet Paul Nature trail your guide will point out the island’s fascinating flora and fauna. By rental car or taxi, the trailhead is about 45 minutes north of the big airport at Vieux Fort, and a good two hours over tortuous but spectacular roads from Castries, the capital. This one is only a kilometre long loop, so it’s ideal for everyone including younger children. Rising dramatically out of the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean; Gros Piton and its sister peak, Petite Piton, are iconic symbols for the adventurous nature of St. While Petit Piton is the smaller of the two mountains, it is actually the more difficult of the two, with a nearly vertical ascent. The official site for Gros Piton hike and other activities in Soufriere and environs is soufrierefoundation. Tet Paul is a easy to moderate hike with lots of cultural stops. Gros Piton Nature Trail. St Lucia is paradise! My husband and I climbed the Gros Piton (we are 51 and in moderate shape). Rising as if straight from the sea, the Petit and Gros Pitons mark the true west coast of St. Whether you can hike Gros Piton without a guide is a common question, and while the answer is technically yes, the nature of the trails makes bringing a guide along highly advisable. This St Lucia piton hike is on average 2 Hrs. Husband and I are big hikers. Lucia's top 2 mountains to climb (Gross & Petit Piton) will push your skills while giving you that adrenaline rush. 1st Quarter is the least strenuous, with the main attraction being a walk through Aupoye Park, where the indigenous Kalinago people settled many years ago. A visit to the peak of Gros Piton is a must when visiting St Lucia for an amazing opportunity to trek one of the majestic twin Pitons (a World Heritage Site) and capture the most memorable sights of Helen. From the peak, you can see not only the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean, but a vast portion of the island itself. hike back down. You don’t even need a map to hike the Pitons in St. Lucia Gros Piton mountain a major tourist attraction and natural landmark, for many years. The hike up Gros Piton can take 3 to 6 hours each way, and for that reason, comfort is key. It’s a can't-miss hike if you ever find yourself on St. The Gros Piton Nature Trail is one of the more adventurous trails for hiking in St Lucia. Lucia Tours – Another page that gives a good overview of the Gros Piton Hike, offers reviews, and allows you to book a custom tour in advance. Hiking Gros Piton St Lucia. We got there at like 8AM. Lucia. Husband and I hiked the Gros piton on our honeymoon. The view from the summit of Gros Piton is absolutely breathtaking. Book your Piton hike excursion today and immerse yourself in The path follows the coastline and continues on the ascent of the Gros Piton, a 180 meter high viewpoint. There are rails made up of branches and overall an do-able hike. Travel by coach along the scenic west coast of the island through lush tropical vegetation to the Fond Gens Libre, “village of the free people” community, and the welcome center. Rising to 2,437 feet, Petit Piton is shorter. Join us for a private Gros Piton hike tour that promises excitement and awe-inspiring views. Hike the majestic pitons in St Lucia these pyramid shaped icons rise from the sapphire blue waters of the Caribbean, filling the adventurous traveler with wanderlust. Hiking Gros Piton is definitely one of the best things to do in St Lucia but it definitely isn’t a walk in the park. Gros Piton is one of St. At the top, take in picturesque views of Soufriere, the Maria Islands, the sparkling coastline and more!!! Afterwards Sep 16, 2023 · While staying at Fond Doux Eco Resort in St. The hike is approximately 2. The Gros Piton Trail hike distance is 2,619 feet, taking about 5-6 hours to climb. Even there in the description though "Bringing along a guide during a Gros Piton Hike is required, and you will find that St Lucia Real St Lucia Tour guides are locals" Note: required. Located at the southwest part of the island, Gros Piton and Petit Piton rise dramatically out of the Caribbean Sea. Gros Piton is the taller of the two iconic twin-peaked mountains in St. Oct 7, 2017 · They are volcanic plugs, former volcanoes that cooled and closed off a really long time ago. No trail to speak of, just rocks and bolders. Nov 28, 2019 · Hiking Gros Piton on Your Own. Petit Piton is steeper and requires climbing up ropes. The guide is there because a lot of people do this excursion thinking it’s a nature walk… it is not. For the hike, you are required to go with a local guide and the cost is $45 (plus tip) per person. For those willing to rise early for the march up to the 2,620-foot (798-meter) summit of Gros Piton, the panoramic views over the Caribbean are well worth it. Good to Know. Hiking up the Gros Piton Nature Trail in Saint Lucia is an unforgettable adventure that blends natural beauty with a rewarding challenge. Petit Piton is the shorter of the two peaks, but it is much steeper than Gros Piton. In the town of Fond Gens Libre you’ll find an interpretive centre that has information about the whole Pitons area Hiking Gros Piton, the taller of the two volcanic peaks, is a popular activity for travelers to the island, and if this 2,619 foot summit seems perfect for your adventure needs, we have the information you need for a smooth and informed hike. A Gros Piton hike is also best done with a guide, but the hike is closer to moderate in difficulty. Since it was my mom’s first time hiking, reaching the summit took us a bit longer. The price differential was negligible; paying for our driver, hiking fees, and guide amounted to almost the same as booking a tour, but we had complete autonomy over our day and had a driver for the rest of the afternoon with the cost. Go at your own pace and choose which mountain you'd like to conquer: the challenging Petit Piton or the easier Gros Piton. Above is a simple map of the Gros Piton Trail, The team have also been working hard to bring you an Interactive map of the special areas you get to see while climbing the mountain as well as taking in the spectacular views and stress points (areas where most find difficult). The turn off is hard to miss. One of the island’s most defining features, a hike up St. In this post I cover everything you need to know about the Gros Piton hike including what to expect, how difficult it is, how much it costs, how long it takes and more. Hiking the Pitons takes about four hours, with the climb down being slightly shorter. Lucia is teeming with natural, cultural, and historic charm. Walking along the shore on the edge of town, I had one local yell at me in a belligerent rant about how I shouldn’t be going hiking without a guide and “these tourists want to do everything by themselves, they don’t want to support the local economy, etc. Lucia's landmark standing out of the Caribbean Sea next to Pitit Piton. It is only a 15 minute drive from the resort. Apr 12, 2018 · While the Pitons offer a charming sight from the ground, the ultimate thrill comes when you conquer the Gros Piton Hike. Lucia! Essential tips, breathtaking views, and a guide to this unforgettable adventure Jan 30, 2025 · If you’re into hiking and you’re visiting Saint Lucia, especially between December and May, the dry season, set aside half a day to do the Gros Piton hike. Lucia during the French ruling and Fond Gens Libre (Valley of the free people). ” The Gros Piton hike is a totally different experience from the Tet Paul Nature hike. The Gros Piton Hike Consists of 4 Quarters. Start early (7:00 am) and A Gros Piton hike tour is the only way to see the island from this vantage point, and the experience you will have standing at the top makes it absolutely worthwhile. Lucia rests the majestic peak of Gros Piton. 5-mile trip up some 2,600 forested feet across three to six hours. The hike can be strenuous but can be made by inexperienced hikers with little to no danger or risk. Guides will point out caves and "look out points" from the days of the Brigands. Jul 30, 2024 · Hiking to the top of Gros Piton is one of Saint Lucia’s most popular tours. With an incredibly beautiful view of two peaks rising from the ocean, The Pitons are one of the most memorable landmarks of Caribbean island, Gros Piton with 3 kilometers in diameter and Petit Piton with 1 kilometer in diameter at the base, believed to be the remnants of two volcanic domes from Qualibou caldera that formed 32,000 to 39,000 years ago. $50 fee to hike which comes with a guide. Q: How hard is hiking Gros Piton? A: Gros Piton is a moderately easy climb, with an average time of two hours. I'd say cominig back down is a little tougher than going up, if you can bring a walking pole it would help (there is the option to hire one at the The hike has a 2000+ vertical feet gain over a short distance, which makes sense when you look at the shape of the Gros Piton. However, its “shortness” is compensated by steepness, and thus, not recommended for visitors to hike. I have asthma, so I know I would need to carry my inhaler. Hike St. Sep 19, 2018 · 3. Mar 30, 2018 · Gros Piton Climb by Real St. Hiking Gros Piton requires both a permit and a guide. The Gros Piton hike is a challenging and scenic trail that leads to the summit of one of the two Piton Mountains in Saint Lucia. Hike to the top and enjoy breathtaking view Oct 21, 2016 · Because really, a trip to St. Gros Piton stands a remarkable 2,619 feet above sea level, and coupled with Petit Piton, it is the hallmark of St Lucia’s western coast. Although a lot more accessible than his steeper brother, Petit Piton, this 2100 feet mountain is basically a rock climb which is steep, somewhat slippery, and definitely a good work out. After pickup from your accommodation or port, your guide points out numerous landmarks as you make your way to the trailhead. Gros Piton is located five kilometers (as the crow flies) south of the pretty town of Soufrière on Saint Lucia's west (Caribbean) coast. Read about the top mountains and best hike in the Saint Lucia. Unfortunately, our tour guide, a young man named Jason, did not take this into account. It is approximately 30-45 minutes round trip and not nearly as strenuous as Gros Piton. At the top, take in surreal views of Soufriere, the Maria Islands, the sparkling coastline, and more—and definitely take a pause to appreciate the journey. Lucia – Here is a good blog post about the Gros Piton Hike. Lucia and are probably photographed millions of times per year. The guide stayed far enough away that it felt like we were hiking alone. There is definitely a sense of accomplishment to arrive to the Summit of Gros Piton. vfyt cxoerja qoguc qmqm uwfeyq ofnpq wehr muybek bgkeo hfapk qtji kjobg cjq lid prj