Gros Piton
The Pitons, St Lucia’s two volcanic mountains, are certainly some of the island’s best features, and a Gros Piton hike is an experience unlike any other.
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.
From the peak, you can see not only the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean, but a vast portion of the island itself.
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. When you decide to climb Gros Piton, you will experience the literal definition of high adventure. While it is possible to climb both Gros Piton and Petit Piton, only the former is legally sanctioned by the government of St Lucia. Petit Piton is much steeper and more dangerous, while Gros Piton offers safe hiking and a much more astonishing view. The ascent can be a bit steep in some parts, but the hike is not too difficult for most travelers.
The town of Fond Gens Libre is where you will find the interpretive center and where you will obtain a guide to help you make the trip.
From the peak of your Gros Piton hike, you can see Soufriere, Vieux Fort, and the island of Saint Vincent, while below you is a view of Choiseul and the Maria Islands. You can see the different colors of the rooftops in the local fishing villages and the islands many coconut groves, all blending together seamlessly.
The island is no longer an assortment of towns, villages, and natural landscapes, but instead is a singular space with a beauty that has neither a starting nor a stopping point. Click here to view the Map of The Gros Piton Trail.