Boiling Lake

de fr

This hike must be done with a guide, which is mandatory under the country's regulations.

A beautiful hike to Boiling Lake, the second largest boiling lake in the world (after the one in New Zealand). This hike is located in the Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The demanding hike takes you through a beautiful tropical forest and a sulphuric valley called Vallée de la Désolation, with nearby boiling hot springs and streams before arriving at Boiling Lake. These landscapes bear witness to incredible volcanic activity.

Details

n°92868548
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.26 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,398 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,392 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,133 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,857 ft
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Photos

the Valley of Desolation
Virgin forest along the route
The Valley of Desolation
The steam plumes in the distance indicate the location of Boiling Lake

Description of the walk

(S): Departure from the Titou Gorge car park, opposite the restaurant. Get there by car/taxi.

Set off accompanied by your local guide. You will venture deep into the rainforest.

(1): Arrival at the summit of Morne Nicholls; beautiful panorama of the hills, the Roseau Valley and the smoke rising from Boiling Lake. Start of the descent.

(2): Crossing the sulphur pit. Be careful of the bubbling hot spots and streams of water, which can be very hot.

(3): Viewpoint at Boiling Lake

(E): Return via the same route to (S).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,864 ft - Restaurant and toilets
  2. 1 : mi 2.06 - alt. 3,117 ft - Summit of Morne Nicholls, halfway point
  3. 2 : mi 2.4 - alt. 2,625 ft - Desolation Valley
  4. 3 : mi 3.14 - alt. 2,559 ft - Viewpoint over Boiling Lake
  5. S/E : mi 6.26 - alt. 1,860 ft - Return to the starting point.

Notes

REGULATIONS:

-It is compulsory to hire a guide. Several signs (three) remind visitors of the regulations. Too many unfortunate events have occurred. There is no helicopter for evacuation (you would have to call one from Guadeloupe). The guide will help you discover plants and berries and learn about the customs of the locals along the way. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Arrange for a guide before the hike to ensure a prompt departure. It is also possible to find one on site from the Titou Gorge car park (a young person will arrange for a guide to meet you there, with a minimum wait of half an hour). The price of a guide decreases depending on the number of people.

-Departure no later than 10:30 a.m. (sign also on site)

ENTRANCE TICKET TO TROIS PITONS NATIONAL PARK: to be paid before going to the starting point. 5USD for the day

-To purchase online, click here.

-Purchase at authorised centres:

  • at the visitor centres of the sites (e.g. Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls)

  • at the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division office in Roseau

SCHEDULE: Be on site no later than 8 a.m. to have plenty of time to enjoy the hike. The sun will not be too high.

EQUIPMENT: Good walking shoes, sun protection, raincoat (it rains often), at least 2 litres of water per person, lunch.

PLEASE NOTE: A cable car project (the largest in the world) is under construction. In the future, the site will be much more touristy with a restaurant. The cabins and cables will spoil the landscape and the atmosphere (noise).

Worth a visit

-The rainforest during the hike (added value of the guide, songs of endemic birds)

-The views of the surrounding hills and the Roseau Valley

-A sulphur spring, fumaroles and boiling points (Valley of Desolation)

-Streams and small waterfalls along the way (hot streams, coloured rocks, mineral-rich water)

-Boiling Lake

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
David025
David025

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 13, 2023
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I went on this hike back when a guide wasn’t required, but in February there were enough people on the trail to find my way easily and see the natural hot springs frequented by hikers with guides!
It’s as much an experience as it is a hike, as the surroundings are truly unique, with virgin forest, panoramic views and streams of water of varying temperatures to cross; and when you’re descending or climbing out of the Valley of Desolation, you have to use your hands and be careful not to slip...

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