A gruelling 4-hour climb over log steps or very slippery boulders leading to the Refuge de la Caverne Dufour.
This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Tour des Trois Cirques - Piton des Neiges à la Réunion
Country:
France
City:
Cilaos (97413) 
Take bus 63 from Cilaos to the Bloc stop.
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(S) Turn left onto the GRR1 path, which shares the route with the GRR2, marked in red and white. Follow a steep, sustained climb to reach the Petit Matarum plateau, where there are shelters.
(1) Continue along theGR® and, via a climb that remains just as steep, reach the pass and the junction with the Piton des Neiges trail.
(2) Head down the short descent opposite to reach the Refuge de la Caverne Dufour, today’s stop (E)
No water, slippery terrain in wet weather, steep slopes and high steps throughout the route. Bring water (no water at the refuge, except in bottles), mountain gear (hat, gloves, three-layer clothing and rainwear, walking poles, mid-cut boots). Sleeping bag for the refuge.
On a clear day, enjoy the view of Cilaos and Piton des Neiges.
Overall rating : 4.3 / 5
Date of your route : Oct 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes
Very difficult but achievable
Friendly refuge
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Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Oct 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes
A beautiful, physically demanding climb. What a sight to see the sun rise at 3,000 metres! The lodge gave us a warm welcome, despite the dry toilets being completely unkempt!!! So hikers had to relieve themselves in the surrounding countryside... what a shame! The descent is long, and walking poles really help take the strain off your knees.
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Overall rating : 4.3 / 5
Date of your route : Sep 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes
A very beautiful hike. You need good knees and walking sticks, though. I highly recommend it! I set off at night (2.5 hours) and reached the summit of Piton des Neiges in time for sunrise. The descent seems very long and hard on the joints.
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Overall rating : 4.7 / 5
Date of your route : Jul 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes
Good trail that climbs well. Arrived at the Dufour refuge in foggy conditions. The Piton des Neiges the next day in rain and wind. No luck.
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It's true that for the first day, it's a challenge! The descent on the other side isn't any better!!! But these are the good and bad moments of hiking, we accept them, they leave memories. Is the refuge still as rustic as ever?
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Overall rating : 4.7 / 5
Date of your route : Jul 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes
It is as much a mental as a physical challenge for beginners to tackle the snow-covered peak. But it is definitely the 1,200 metres of elevation gain on this first ascent that sets the tone. The steps are high, slippery and uneven, but the comforting sight of those descending, announcing the end of the climb with each encounter, is a great help. The arrival at the refuge is welcome. The cave, on the other hand, is unremarkable.
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Piton des Neiges and Coteau Kervéguen 
Visorando Member 16.20 km
+1,898 m
-1,877 m
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
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5.07 km
+261 m
-254 m
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
The Bras Rouge Circular from Cilaos Visorando Member 
12.17 km
+904 m
-902 m
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
The Bras Rouge Waterfall Visorando Member 
4.19 km
+319 m
-325 m
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
Dufour Cave - Cilaos Visorando Member 
8.12 km
+100 m
-1,367 m
2h 35
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
The Chapel at the start of the trail from Cilaos Visorando Member 
7.34 km
+622 m
-630 m
3h 55
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
Ascent to the Col du Taïbit 
Association / Club / Walk leader 
6.47 km
+869 m
-865 m
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
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