Gros piton hike That might not be true, I just made that up. The Gros Piton Trail hike distance is 2,619 feet, taking about 5-6 hours to climb. Our Gros Piton mountain is nestled between two historic beauties of St. For the hike, you are required to go with a local guide and the cost is $45 (plus tip) per person. 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. We hike a few times a month at a more hilly park. Feb 3, 2024 · Discover how to hike the Gros Piton in St. 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. Hike the UNESCO-listed twin Pitons in the company of a private guide on this hiking tour from Castries. Nov 28, 2019 · Hiking Gros Piton on Your Own. Join us for a private Gros Piton hike tour that promises excitement and awe-inspiring views. 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). You'll notice dramatic changes in the vegetation. 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. With two options, there is a Piton hike for most adventurers. 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. 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. Petit Piton is the shorter of the two peaks, but it is much steeper than Gros Piton. Feb 1, 2020 · Hiking Gros Piton. 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. ” The Gros Piton hike is a totally different experience from the Tet Paul Nature hike. The hike is approximately 2. Bottled water and round-trip transportation from your Castries hotel are included. 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. Lucia's landmark standing out of the Caribbean Sea next to Pitit Piton. Lucia – Here is a good blog post about the Gros Piton Hike. Since it was my mom’s first time hiking, reaching the summit took us a bit longer. The guide stayed far enough away that it felt like we were hiking alone. Jan 30, 2025 · It’s nothing like the Gros Piton hike – which is basically like walking a stair stepper. 4km) round trip On the island of St Lucia in the French West Indies is the mountain Gros Piton. Sep 19, 2018 · 3. Trek along the Gros Piton Nature Trail with a local guide during this full-day adventure on St Lucia. Gros Piton Hike Reviews. Skip the hassle of organizing transport on this half-day tour. 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. 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. Lucia is teeming with natural, cultural, and historic charm. If you've climbed Gros Piton, please share your age, fitness level, health limitations, and what the hike was like for you. 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 . Husband and I are big hikers. $50 fee to hike which comes with a guide. Lucia rests the majestic peak of Gros Piton. org and the Forestry Department. Lucia's top 2 mountains to climb (Gross & Petit Piton) will push your skills while giving you that adrenaline rush. It’s not easy, but it’s a very rewarding hike with exceptional panoramic views at the summit. 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. One of the island’s most defining features, a hike up St. But, To do this excursion, you have to be of reasonably good physical fitness. Lucia's natural wonders. The trail begins in the quaint countryside village of Fond Gen Libres. Hiking Gros Piton St Lucia. 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. Hiking up the Gros Piton Nature Trail in Saint Lucia is an unforgettable adventure that blends natural beauty with a rewarding challenge. Proud and friendly young persons from the village serve as guides. Tet Paul is a easy to moderate hike with lots of cultural stops. Guides will point out caves and "look out points" from the days of the Brigands. This one is only a kilometre long loop, so it’s ideal for everyone including younger children. 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). Gros Piton is one of St. The climb is very rigorous. 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. Lucia and are probably photographed millions of times per year. Tips for Hiking Gros Piton in St. Feb 2024 • Couples. 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. Gros Piton is the taller of the two iconic twin-peaked mountains in St. Petit Piton is steeper and requires climbing up ropes. But I doubt I’m far off. hike up and 2 Hrs. It takes about 2 hours to reach the summit and another 2 hours to desend back to the bottom. The view from the summit of Gros Piton is absolutely breathtaking. There is definitely a sense of accomplishment to arrive to the Summit of Gros Piton. Gros Piton is located five kilometers (as the crow flies) south of the pretty town of Soufrière on Saint Lucia's west (Caribbean) coast. 5-mile trip up some 2,600 forested feet across three to four hours. 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’s Gros Piton doubles as a rite of passage. 6 days ago · I did this Gros Piton “w/ extra credit” hike from my AirBnB in Soufriere. Gros Piton Hike. Lucia Gros Piton mountain a major tourist attraction and natural landmark, for many years. Rising to 2,437 feet, Petit Piton is shorter. 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. Visit the nature interpretation center at Fond Gens Libre to learn about the area's flora and fauna. The trek to the summit of Gros Piton is called “a hike. Climbing Saint Lucia Petit Piton and its sister, Gros Piton, make a great stop for guided tours. Q: How hard is hiking Gros Piton? A: Gros Piton is a moderately easy climb, with an average time of two hours. hike back down. Climb the Gros Piton, one of the most popular hiking routes in St Lucia. Lucia. Oct 7, 2017 · They are volcanic plugs, former volcanoes that cooled and closed off a really long time ago. The easy choice was hiking Gros Piton. When you decide to climb Gros Piton, you will experience the literal definition of high adventure. 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. There are tours that organize transport and your guide fee, making for a hassle-free climb. May 27, 2013 · The feeling of accomplishment for summiting Gros Piton is a vacation memory worth making. Where: Near the village of Fond Gens Libre. After pickup from your accommodation or port, your guide points out numerous landmarks as you make your way to the trailhead. 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. The guide is there because a lot of people do this excursion thinking it’s a nature walk… it is not. The hike was fantastic, and the views from the top were breathtaking. The hike to the summit of Gros Piton is one of St Lucia’s most sought after excursions. But while the St Lucia Gros Piton trail is challenging, every step along the way is worth it. ” 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. 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. Hiking the Gros Piton is a great achievement and a must do. Hike St. As such, a guide is mandatory for this climb. The official site for Gros Piton hike and other activities in Soufriere and environs is soufrierefoundation. From the peak, you can see not only the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean, but a vast portion of the island itself. 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. 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. Mar 30, 2018 · Gros Piton Climb by Real St. Lucia, I wanted to do one adventurous hike. I recently had the chance to hike up Piton Gros with my mom. Get your heart rate pumping and reward yourself with stunning views of the Caribbean on this private hike to the top of Gros Piton. While the hike is challenging in some parts, you can stop to admire the stunning views as you make your way to the summit. Rising as if straight from the sea, the Petit and Gros Pitons mark the true west coast of St. I also have scoliosis, and he has rheumatoid arthritis, so I expect we would both be sore. 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. 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. Hiking the Pitons takes about four hours, with the climb down being slightly shorter. We got there at like 8AM. However, its “shortness” is compensated by steepness, and thus, not recommended for visitors to hike. Go for footwear you’ll be comfortable in for the duration of the hike (no flip flops!). It’s a can't-miss hike if you ever find yourself on St. Discover the breathtaking beauty 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. 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. Read about the top mountains and best hike in the Saint Lucia. Challenging summit hike to stunning views of the land and sea. St Lucia is paradise! My husband and I climbed the Gros Piton (we are 51 and in moderate shape). While many tourists hike up to the top of Gros Piton, only a small number venture the climb up Petit Piton. No trail to speak of, just rocks and bolders. Jul 30, 2024 · Hiking to the top of Gros Piton is one of Saint Lucia’s most popular tours. Lucia – Gros Piton Trail Description & Local Hiking Guides. 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. It is only a 15 minute drive from the resort. 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. Husband and I hiked the Gros piton on our honeymoon. The hike up Gros Piton can take 3 to 6 hours each way, and for that reason, comfort is key. The Gros Piton Nature Trail is one of the more adventurous trails for hiking in St Lucia. 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. This St Lucia piton hike is on average 2 Hrs. To climb Gros Piton you must have a guide and pay a $50 per person fee to enter the park. The pitons are the iconic symbols of St. Along the western coast of St. A Gros Piton hike is also best done with a guide, but the hike is closer to moderate in difficulty. Go at your own pace and choose which mountain you'd like to conquer: the challenging Petit Piton or the easier Gros Piton. 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. Lucia during the French ruling and Fond Gens Libre (Valley of the free people). Anyone with reasonably good physical fitness can handle climbing Gros Piton. 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. 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). Lucia island. At 2619 Feet, Gros Piot is both taller and far less technically challenging than its sister piton. Good to Know. 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. 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. Gros Piton hike on St. 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. There are rails made up of branches and overall an do-able hike. 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. 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. Apr 12, 2018 · While the Pitons offer a charming sight from the ground, the ultimate thrill comes when you conquer the Gros Piton Hike. 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. Lucia; the town of Soufriere, then the old capital of St. The hike can be strenuous but can be made by inexperienced hikers with little to no danger or risk. Unfortunately, our tour guide, a young man named Jason, did not take this into account. 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. Gros Piton Nature Trail. The hike is broken into quarters with the first two sections being flatter and the last two sections being much steeper. 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. 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. I have asthma, so I know I would need to carry my inhaler. It took us a little over an hour to hike up. I wanted to do a hike, so Gros Piton was the choice. Hike to the top and enjoy breathtaking view Oct 21, 2016 · Because really, a trip to 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. Located at the southwest part of the island, Gros Piton and Petit Piton rise dramatically out of the Caribbean Sea. Along the length of the Tet Paul Nature trail your guide will point out the island’s fascinating flora and fauna. Going down, Anse des Cascades offers you landscaped and wooded areas, ideal for a picnic break. Hiking Gros Piton requires both a permit and a guide. Each time we have visited, we hired a driver through our resort, then a local guide at the trail head. You don’t even need a map to hike the Pitons in St. Whether you are in it for the hike or the breathtaking pictures, you won’t need a map to find these Soufriere gems. 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. The Gros Piton Hike Consists of 4 Quarters. The turn off is hard to miss. Lucia measuring 786 meters or 2619 feet high. Explore the tunnels and caves at Anse . And it’s a true nature hike. St. 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. They generally open around 8am and the earlier you can go, the better. 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 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. 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. 5-mile trip up some 2,600 forested feet across three to six hours. With your guide leading the way, you’ll make the roughly 3. 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. It is approximately 30-45 minutes round trip and not nearly as strenuous as Gros Piton. ycoj yljilsk qtutv jgzoec jfri euypnlby rrixs fiizi hwz prrz pfasmx wlzjk eqsx ciejyix sxrwpa