Gros Piton - Hiking St Lucia Iconic Gem
The Saint Lucia Pitons are without a doubt the most iconic natural features in St Lucia. After all, they are even represented on the island’s flag.
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.
Hiking Gros Piton requires both a permit and a guide. While you can find both at the mountain’s information center, hiking with a guide from a tour company like Real St Lucia Tours can provide an even more exciting experience.
Your tour price includes the $35 admittance fee as well as pickup and drop-off at your hotel, villa, or resort.
You also get a friendly, local guide who is familiar with the hike and who is familiar with the flora and fauna along the way to help make your hike more exciting.
Along the ascent, adventurers will find everything from caves and other fun things to explore to a lush, majestic rain forest. Add to this the breathtaking view from the summit and it is easy to see why so many travelers have this hike on their bucket lists.
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.
Hiking Gros Piton requires both a permit and a guide. While you can find both at the mountain’s information center, hiking with a guide from a tour company like Real St Lucia Tours can provide an even more exciting experience.
Your tour price includes the $35 admittance fee as well as pickup and drop-off at your hotel, villa, or resort.
You also get a friendly, local guide who is familiar with the hike and who is familiar with the flora and fauna along the way to help make your hike more exciting.
Along the ascent, adventurers will find everything from caves and other fun things to explore to a lush, majestic rain forest. Add to this the breathtaking view from the summit and it is easy to see why so many travelers have this hike on their bucket lists.
Reaching Gros Piton
Gros Piton is located on the Caribbean (western) side of St Lucia, approximately five kilometers from the charming historic town of Soufriere.
It is about 45 minutes from UVF (Hewanorra International Airport) and two hours from Castries. You can reach the trail head in Fond Gens Libre via rental car or by taxi, or if you have booked with Real St Lucia Tours, your guide will pick you up and take you to the trail.
It is about 45 minutes from UVF (Hewanorra International Airport) and two hours from Castries. You can reach the trail head in Fond Gens Libre via rental car or by taxi, or if you have booked with Real St Lucia Tours, your guide will pick you up and take you to the trail.
When to Hike Gros Piton
While Gros Piton can be hiked throughout the year, peak hiking is during the island’s dry season, as the ground can become slippery when wet.
It is highly advised that all hike begin before 3 PM, as the round trip hike lasts about four hours. The ideal time to hike, however, is first thing in the morning before the sun reaches its peak and the temperature rises.
It is highly advised that all hike begin before 3 PM, as the round trip hike lasts about four hours. The ideal time to hike, however, is first thing in the morning before the sun reaches its peak and the temperature rises.
The Trail
When hiking Gros Piton in St Lucia, it is highly advisable to wear proper shoes with ample tread so that you can maintain your footing.
Sunscreen and bottled water are also important during the hike, and a camera is advised for the scenery along the way as well as the incredible view from the summit.
The trail itself is reached by walking down a pedestrian street in Fond Gens Libre on the Caribbean side of Gros Piton. After a bit of walking through pasture and forest, the path becomes significantly more vertical for approximately 1500 feet, with steps and ladders to help with the ascent.
Before reaching the top, you will reach a rocky ridge with stunning foliage, followed by a broad ridge that runs north to south and offers two directions.
To the right, you can reach the higher peak and see the south of the island in all its splendor, while turning left takes you to Gros Piton’s northern peak, which offers a breathtaking view of Petit Piton.
Sunscreen and bottled water are also important during the hike, and a camera is advised for the scenery along the way as well as the incredible view from the summit.
The trail itself is reached by walking down a pedestrian street in Fond Gens Libre on the Caribbean side of Gros Piton. After a bit of walking through pasture and forest, the path becomes significantly more vertical for approximately 1500 feet, with steps and ladders to help with the ascent.
Before reaching the top, you will reach a rocky ridge with stunning foliage, followed by a broad ridge that runs north to south and offers two directions.
To the right, you can reach the higher peak and see the south of the island in all its splendor, while turning left takes you to Gros Piton’s northern peak, which offers a breathtaking view of Petit Piton.
Camping and Lodging Near Gros Piton
While it is not allowed (or practical) to camp at Gros Piton, there are many accommodations nearby. From Fond Doux and La Haut plantations to Crystals and Downtown Hotel, it is easy to find lodging for most any budget.
Of course, if you are looking for the best in affordable Soufriere accommodations, luxury Airbnb villas such as Sargas, Saba, and Enclave are ideal, as are the affordable Airbnb Sapphire Apartments.
Of course, if you are looking for the best in affordable Soufriere accommodations, luxury Airbnb villas such as Sargas, Saba, and Enclave are ideal, as are the affordable Airbnb Sapphire Apartments.
The Geology of Gros Piton
The makeup of Gros Piton is fairly interesting. Because the Pitons are volcanic in nature, the mountain is made up of dacite, which is similar in makeup to basalt.
The rock is estimated to be some 260,000 years old which, while it sounds ancient to us, is actually fairly recent by geologic standards.
Gros Piton formed around a large caldera, which was centered where Sulphur Springs (another popular attraction and the world’s only known drive in volcano) is located.
While this area is considered to be volcanically active, there have only been small steam explosions and no eruptions in the past few centuries.
The rock is estimated to be some 260,000 years old which, while it sounds ancient to us, is actually fairly recent by geologic standards.
Gros Piton formed around a large caldera, which was centered where Sulphur Springs (another popular attraction and the world’s only known drive in volcano) is located.
While this area is considered to be volcanically active, there have only been small steam explosions and no eruptions in the past few centuries.
Gros Piton vs. Petit Piton- Which Hike to Choose
While Petit Piton might be smaller and therefore seem like an easier hike, it is actually much more difficult to traverse. Only Gros Piton hikes are sanctioned by the government of St Lucia.
While it is possible to scale Petit Piton, it is imperative to bring an experienced guide. For most travelers, Gros Piton is the more suitable hike.
While it is possible to scale Petit Piton, it is imperative to bring an experienced guide. For most travelers, Gros Piton is the more suitable hike.
​No St Lucia Vacation Is Complete Without a Gros Piton Hike
In short, hiking Gros Piton is one of the most exciting and rewarding excursions in Saint Lucia.
The mountain offers beautiful scenery and an interesting history throughout the summit, and the view from the top is unlike anything else on the island.
If you’re looking to make the most of your St Lucia vacation, you’d be hard-pressed to top the thrill of hiking Gros Piton.
The mountain offers beautiful scenery and an interesting history throughout the summit, and the view from the top is unlike anything else on the island.
If you’re looking to make the most of your St Lucia vacation, you’d be hard-pressed to top the thrill of hiking Gros Piton.
Other Great St. Lucia Hikes
Real St. Lucia Tours - Leaders of Saint Lucia Mount Expeditions
If hiking Gros Piton has left you wanting more or you are looking for a different kind of hike, St. Lucia still has plenty of options for you to choose from.
​The Tet Paul Nature Trail
The Tet Paul Nature Trail in Soufriere is one of the island’s most popular attractions, and this beautiful loop is suitable for most any adventurer.
Enbas Saut Rainforest Trail
Enbas Saut is another popular hike, with the beautiful rain forest trail leading straight to a stunning waterfall that is perfect for romance, photography, and more.
Pigeon Island National Park
Pigeon Island National Park also offers a hiking trail that takes you through some of the island’s history as well as beautiful scenery.
​Mount Gimie
Mount Gimie is a higher difficulty trail that offers a full day of hiking for those who choose to ascend the island’s highest peak.
