Gros Piton St. Lucia Climb

Travelers visiting St Lucia are always fascinated by the island’s twin volcanic Peaks. Gros and Petit Piton, the two majestic spheres shoot over 2,500 feet above sea level and have become very popular for hikers seeking that adrenaline pumping experience. So why has mountain hiking in St. Lucia become so popular?  First of all Gros Piton and its twin sister Petit Piton are the only such attraction in the world, in other words “They are unique.”

Second, it most certainly is one of the best things to do in St. Lucia. When you arrive at the summit you will be fascinated looking out miles over the beautiful landscape of St. Lucia. I can assure you that a hiking exploration of St. Lucia’s Gros Piton Mountain is something almost every visitor should do.

Taking a hike up the Gros Piton Trail and bathing in the Piton falls or the Volcano mud pools is hiking at its best. Real St Lucia Tours will immerse you in the magnificence of the Gros Piton Mountain.

We pick our clients up at their comfortable locations and provide them with the choice of guided day hikes; our team of expert tour guides will introduce you to one of St. Lucia’s most thrilling landscapes.

St. Lucia’s Gros Piton is one of the most photographed attractions on the island. Located in the old French town of Soufriere the majestic peak shoots some 3,000 feet from the Caribbean Sea. Gros Piton’s grandeur is so noticeable that apart from its sister peak Petit Piton, Gros Piton dominates the western coast of the island. The town of Soufriere benefits significantly from the attention Gros Piton brings to the community, Gros Piton has recently received accolades from families who want to experience an island adventure of hiking the Gros Piton Trail. Thankfully, unlike its sister Petit Piton, Gros Piton is a government approved climbing site and despite it being taller than Petit Piton; it is a much easier climb.

Hiking up the Gros Piton trail will leave adventure travelers with wanderlust, and an adrenaline rush which has caused many to undertake the more daring climb of Petit Piton. Both Gros Piton and Petit Piton were the subject of a Hollywood film on the island in the early 90s “Creature”. Because of Gros Piton’s easy accessibility and readily available tour guides, Gros Piton still remains a challenging climb for seasoned and average rock climbers.

If you are a traveler on island thinking about taking the stupendous climb, either alone or with your family; it is recommended that you begin your ascent early in the morning ensuring you don’t spend the night up there. Just kidding you. The Gros Piton ascent can take anywhere between 3 to 5 hours one way and you must be sure to carry along some good hiking boots and plenty of water, at least 2 liters . another important factor when considering the climb is a good tour company which would provide you with the proper transportation to and from your climb, Islander Travel is of course our recommended touring company and has accompanied many groups, one being Akzo Nobel, up the peak.

Climbing Gear for Gros Piton Hike

(1) Water – Plenty of it, at least 2 liters

(2) Shoes - Proper Hiking boots “you don’t want your shoes failing on a mountain do you?”

(3) Expert Guide – Already Provided or call (758) 486-1561 to book

Back in the colonial days of the late 1700s, St. Lucia was used more for the growing of sugarcane and runaway slaves made Gros Piton their place of refuge, establishing a small town called Fond Gens Libre where many descendents of the runaway slaves or “freedom fighters” now serve as Gros Piton guides at the Interpretive center.

The inaccessibility of the Gros Piton Peak makes for an even more pleasurable adventure, not only do hikers have to endure the bumpy ride caused by pot holes on the old dirt road. You also get the chance to view St. Lucia’s prominent agricultural crops such as banana, cocoa, and coconut trees. Arrival at the Gros Piton Interpretive Center, hikers are graciously welcomed by tour guides and given an illustration of their hike with a model detailing the various highlights of the climb and a small history lesson of the Gros Piton trail and village. Here you can take images of the model showing your family back home what you have conquered. The fee for hiking up Gros Piton is USD$30.00 the money collected is used for preservation of the Gros Piton trail, paying the guides and contributes significantly to the surrounding community.

Climbing the Gros Piton trail is not like its sister Petit Piton where one begins the ascent over huge rocks and scary crevices, Gros Piton trail starts out relatively easy, ascending higher and steeper as the hike progresses. There are many attractions to take note while on the trail, The Tree Of life for one is going to be pointed out by your guide, the small cave’s which were used by the runaway slaves as hideouts, the breathtaking views of Soufriere and the Caribbean Sea will take your breath away.

For more information on booking your Gros Piton Trail Hike

OR BOOK DIRECTLY AT http://realstluciatours.com/Book_Your_Tour.html