Gros Piton Hike in St. Lucia: A Stunning Journey to the Sky

The Piton Mountains in St. Lucia are some of the most stunning sights in all of the Caribbean. Their cone-shaped, steep profiles and pointy peaks are truly awe-inspiring, and even a little spine-chilling. It is no surprise that these two volcanic plugs have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Rising abruptly from the Caribbean Sea towards the sky, these majestic formations are also the symbol of St. Lucia. They are depicted on the national flag as two triangles, representing the iconic peaks.

After visiting St. Lucia for Spring Break in 2017, we were so impressed with the beauty of this Caribbean island that we decided to go back a second time. There was still so much to explore and see, and we just weren’t quite ready to move on to a new destination.

On our second trip to St. Lucia, we discovered many wonderful new places, but we also visited a few of the already familiar spots. One of the things that we did for a second time was climb to the top of Gros Piton, the larger of the two volcanic plugs that are the symbol of St. Lucia.

Almost an Early Start

On the morning of our hike, we ate a solid breakfast, packed some bagels, and left our resort by 8:00 am. We got in our rental car, punched “Gros Piton Nature Trail” in Google Maps, and were on our way! By now, hubby was getting pretty good at driving on the left side of the road, so it was all going very smoothly. I know if I were the driver, we wouldn’t get very far before we would need a tow truck to pull us out of a ditch!

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TIP: If you plan on driving yourself, go to Google Maps and download an offline map of St. Lucia before you arrive on the island, or through a WiFi connection. This way, you won’t have to worry about international data charges.

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We followed our directions, and drove from the southeast to the southwest corner of the island. We passed through the villages of Laborie and Choiseul, then turned towards Gros Piton, which appeared absolutely gigantic at this point. The road became rougher and more narrow, and it lead us through other small villages with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the majestic mountain.

Fond Gens Libre

Following the crazy turns and obstacles of the narrow country roads, we eventually arrived near Fond Gens Libre, a tiny, picturesque village at the foot of Gros Piton. The name, translated from St. Lucian Creole French, means “Valley of the Free People.” This is where this entire journey to the sky begins.

We parked our rental car in a small area that seemed slightly less rough than the road ahead. It was a beautiful day filled with sunshine, and there were only small, puffy clouds floating in the sky.

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TIP: If you are planning on driving yourself, be sure to rent a vehicle that is high off the ground! Some of the roads on the island, and in particular around Gros Piton are not paved, and have deep potholes and large rocks! A low car is sure to bottom out.

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Margivin, Our Guide

As soon as we stepped out, a young man approached us and introduced himself as Margivin. He said he would be our guide for the hike. We gathered our gear and followed Margivin through the village and into the office where we paid our fees. It was $50 USD for adults and $25 USD for children.

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TIP: When paying in US cash, be sure to use newer, nice-looking bills that have no tears. Many businesses and attractions, including Gros Piton, will not accept bills that have even small tears.

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After we paid our fees, we made a quick stop at Gros Piton Nature Trail Interpretation Centre. There, we filled out some forms, and looked at the model they had created of the iconic peak.

When we were all set, Margivin led us through the rest of Fond Gens Libre village, a name which means “valley of the free people.” It looked just as I remembered it from the previous year…peaceful, clean, and filled with flowers, agave plants, and other lush tropical vegetation.

Rocky Introduction

After we walked for a short while, we came to what looked like the beginning of the Gros Piton trail. It was basically a steep pile of rocks that lead up into the lush tropical wilderness. I knew, however, that this was just the introduction, a little flavor of what was to come. The actual trail started a little further up after a gate that marked the official entrance to Ay Poye Park at the foot of Gros Piton.

Everyone got through the short rocky introduction without much trouble. We were full of energy and not yet sweating a drop! The kids seemed to enjoy the fact that there were so many rocks to climb and jump off of. Little that they knew, it would be the flat, even paths that they would be missing very soon!

We reached the gate to Ay Poye Park at 9:30 am. This, I felt, was a pretty good start, considering we had to drive for about an hour to get to Gros Piton.

As we continued walking, the kids quickly spotted a sign that advertised home made ice cream, but the pavilion near the sign was still closed. Perhaps this was something to look forward to after we come back down, having conquered the peak!

Gros Piton Hike

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TIP: This is a STRENUOUS hike that takes you up to the top of Gros Piton at approximately 2,600 feet. The trail is steep, made up of large rocks and tree roots. It is covered by thick, tropical vegetation, which provides plenty of shade, but is also a good breeding ground for mosquitoes. Plan about 4 to 5 hours to complete the hike. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water (3 liters per person), snacks, and bug spray!

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We started climbing, feeling fresh and confident with Margivin leading the way. The path was steep, and covered in rocks and roots, so it didn’t take hubby and me long before we worked up some sweat…a lot of sweat, actually! The kids also began showing the first signs of wear and tear. They quietly started sighing and I soon realized I would have to carry their backpacks along with mine if I wanted to minimize the whining that was about to ensue. Margivin was the only one who seemed completely unaffected. He didn’t have a drop of sweat on his shirt, and looked more like he was taking a leisurely stroll rather than hiking a steep volcanic plug in the Caribbean heat.

First Quarter Point

We continued advancing up the rocky trail until we finally arrived at the first quarter rest point. Judging by the beautiful view of the island and the Caribbean Sea below, we realized we had already climbed pretty high up.

After taking a little time to rest, enjoy the panorama, and rehydrate, we continued the quest towards the top. The kids were not quite as enthusiastic as when we first started, but they didn’t complain too much. After all, I had their backpacks, and all they had to carry was themselves.

Onto the Half Point

The trail from here on was more or less the same, steep, rocky, and covered in tropical vegetation. I kept noticing some interesting trees with reddish barks that looked like they were peeling. I asked Margivin what they were, and he replied with a grin that they called them “peeling tourist trees.” We all laughed, and then kept on moving. The first time hubby and I hiked Gros Piton, I noticed these trees as well, but never learned they were named after all of us white, sunburned, peeling folks. I thought it was hilarious!

We continued climbing, and I knew we were headed towards one of the most beautiful views of the hike. Before we got to enjoy it, however, we had to get through one of the toughest sections on the trail. It is a particularly steep area, with large rocks that really tested our mental and physical endurance. Slowly, we climbed up, the kids using their feet and hands!

The View

Finally, just as we were starting to feel quite discouraged, we saw the primitive, but welcoming benches at the half point rest stop. Beyond that was what many consider the best view of the entire hike – Petit Piton rising majestically from the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. It was here at the half point that we also saw Abigail, the lady who was our Gros Piton guide the previous year. After admiring the stunning panorama for awhile longer, and taking countless photos, it was time to continue the journey.

Third Quarter Point: A Giant Mango Tree

We waved goodbye to Abigail and kept on moving. The trail was more or less the same – steep and rocky but shady.

After walking for a few minutes, we noticed that a cute dog was catching up to us, also hiking up the trail. This immediately caught the kids’ attention, and they suddenly forgot they were getting tired. The dog seemed to be hiking with a group that was coming behind, so it stopped and waited for them from time to time. It did eventually catch up to us, and hiked along with our kids for some time.

Before long, we reached the next rest stop, the third quarter point. It was marked by a large mango tree, and a couple more rugged, handmade benches. This stop didn’t have a view other than the tropical vegetation all around, which by this point appeared even denser than before. It wasn’t long before we all noticed the buzzing of thirsty mosquitoes, so we decided to make it a short stop, and keep on climbing.

Final Stretch

As we got closer to the top, we heard the clear beats of a boombox. If my memory served me right, and it did, there was a small, improvised stand right before the top where they actually sell Piton beer, water, fruits, and other refreshments. Hubby and I had skipped on the beer the previous year, but this time around, we decided to indulge.

As we continued making our way up the rocky trail, the music got louder, and finally, we arrived to the refreshments stand right under the top. Hubby and I agreed to get a beer on the way down, once we had conquered the peak.

Two Viewpoints at the Top

Just as we were about to start climbing, Margivin stopped me and asked whether I was still interested in seeing Petit Piton. I had mentioned to him earlier that I had heard there was another viewpoint at the top, overlooking the other volcanic plug. So yes, I was most definitely interested, but for some reason Margivin did not want us taking the kids there. So, hubby offered to wait with them at the top where most people go, while Margivin and I checked out the view of Petit Piton.

Petit Piton Viewpoint

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TIP: If you want to see Petit Piton from the top of Gros Piton, tell your guide! For some reason, most Gros Piton guides take people to the island viewpoint, but don’t even mention the Petit Piton viewpoint.

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I followed Margivin along the same type of rocky trail that we had been climbing on this whole time. At one point, we came to a handmade ladder that helped us get over some larger rocks. Then, we walked for a few more minutes, and there we were!

As one would imagine, the view that opened up was absolutely spectacular! Petit Piton, the Caribbean Sea, and the surrounding hills were before us. We were the only ones there, the only ones that got to enjoy it! After taking some photos, we headed back to meet hubby and the kids, who were waiting for us at the other viewpoint, the one that most people see.

To this day, I cannot quite understand why many Gros Piton guides don’t take visitors to the Petit Piton viewpoint. In fact, they seem to keep it a secret, and don’t even mention it. The previous year, when hubby and I did the Gros Piton hike, no one informed us of this option. It is not so much further or harder to get to than the island viewpoint, and it is totally worth it!

Island Viewpoint, Where Most Tourists Go

Margivin and I made our way back to the refreshments stand, and then climbed up a short distance to the main island viewpoint. There, we met hubby and the kids who were finishing their bagels. Our daughters, Angie and Dani, were particularly excited to pet a couple of the local dogs that had also climbed up there. We had met one of them earlier on the trail.

I looked around for a bit, and took some more photos. This was the view hubby and I had seen the previous year, and it was a beautiful view indeed. Right in front of us was the southern shore of the island and the Caribbean Sea Off to the left, we could see Mt. Gimie, the highest peak in St. Lucia.

In the end, if I had to choose, I would have a hard time picking between this viewpoint and the one with Petit Piton. They are both unique and beautiful, and I think if you make the grueling hike to the top, you really should see them both!

Journey Back to the Ground

After a few more minutes of admiring the view, we started to make our way back down. Hubby and I picked up a bottle of Piton beer from the man at the refreshments stand, and for the kids, we got apples. We had to celebrate our accomplishment, so drinking a Piton beer near the top of Gros Piton sounded pretty cool!

The Guides are More Fit Than Any Gym Rat

It dawned on me that all the beers, drinks, and fruits didn’t have a way of getting here other than on someone’s back. As I suspected, the man who was selling them said he brought them himself. Frankly, I wasn’t at all surprised. Hubby at one point asked Margivin, our guide, what his fastest time was up and down the mountain. He responded 1 hour and 10 minutes, and our jaws just about dropped to the ground. The local people who climb these mountains are in such incredible physical shape, there is just no comparison!

Rocks and Shaky Legs

We continued balancing ourselves while descending down the steep rocky trail. Margivin was leading the way, and helping our younger daughter Dani on the larger rocks. Hubby and I were in the back, sipping our Piton beer, and we really enjoyed it while it lasted. When finished, we put our empty bottles in our backpacks, and tried to not allow the alcohol to slow us down.

The rest of the hike went pretty smoothly, especially considering our legs were by now “a little” tired and shaky. Angie, our older daughter, tripped on a rock and fell down at one point, and the crying was pretty dramatic at first. Luckily, there was a wee bit of overacting going on, and we found only a few light scrapes on her leg.

Ice Cream at the Finish Line

Slowly but surely, we made our way back down. Our spirits were truly lifted when we discovered that the ice cream and souvenir stand we saw earlier was now open. We all lined up and got some absolutely delicious, homemade ice cream. Our favorite flavors were chocolate, banana, and coconut, which tasted heavenly! After the ice cream, we had another short stretch of rocks to climb down, and then we were on flat ground for good.

Back to the Car

We walked through the village of Fond Gens Libre, and all the way back to our car accompanied by Margivin. It turned out he was the son of Mervin the Mountain Goat, the man who took me to the top of Petit Piton the previous year! We tipped Margivin generously for all his work and help along the way, and parted with him. The time was about 2:40 in the afternoon, which meant it had taken us a little over 5 hours to complete the Gros Piton hike. This was definitely slower than our 4 hours from the previous year, but that’s how it goes when you have your kiddos with you!

Full Monty Hubby

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TIP: Bring along an extra set of clothes in your backpack, including underclothes. It will make the ride back to the resort much dryer and more comfortable!

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We were all soaked from the hike, and as I sat in the car, I noticed hubby standing outside, stripped all the way down to his birthday suit, changing into dry clothes. I gaped at him, suddenly terrified of anyone watching, but he didn’t appear overly concerned. Thank goodness no one seemed to notice! Then, we were finally ready to go, and put another unforgettable adventure behind us!

Just Do It!

If you are in St. Lucia for a few days, and you like a challenge, definitely stop by the village of Fond Gens Libre, and hike the iconic Gros Piton! It will give you a great sense of accomplishment, and you will get to know the island so much better thanks to your local guide! You can even hire Margivin who will be happy to take you up there, and tell you everything you want to know about this incredible place. It will be a challenge that will probably give you a few sore muscles, but also an experience that you will cherish for many years to come!

This hike took place on March 18, 2018.

Additional Resources to Help Plan Your Gros Piton Hike

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• Gros Piton – This is an informative page about Gros Piton, which offers information about the hike, reviews, stories, and answers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Here, you can even arrange for your hike with pickup from your hotel, if you are not planning on driving yourself.
• Gros Piton Climb by Real St. 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.
• Tips for Hiking Gros Piton in St. Lucia – Here is a good blog post about the Gros Piton Hike. Check it out to see another point of view!
• Contact Margivin Thompson (our guide) for hikes to Gros Piton and/or Petit Piton
  Phone: +1 (758) 284-5069

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the photos in this post were taken by Vessy with a Nikon D5600 camera or an iPhone X. Please send us an e-mail (vessy@feelgoodandtravel.com) if you would like to use any of them. All images are subject to copyright laws.

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