La Soufrière and the return via the Col de l'Échelle

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Climb the Vieille Dame via the traditional route and return via the Col de l'Échelle, then finish the hike with a nice hot bath at the Bains Jaunes.

Please note that a large section of this route is currently closed due to the risk of rockfalls and increased volcanic activity.

Details

n°453851
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.32 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 526 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 522 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,466 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 952 m
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Photos

Crater
Summit (accessible section) of La Soufrière
la Soufrière
Through the ferns

Description of the walk

Access: From Basse-Terre, take the N3 towards Saint-Claude, then the D11 towards La Soufrière. The car park is at Les Bains Jaunes.

(S/E) The Pas du Roy trail starts just after the baths. Follow the paved path and cross the Ravine à Vache (be careful of slippery cobblestones) and continue.

(1) At the intersection, turn left uphill, leaving the Galion trail on your right. Continue along the paved path, then the gravel path, which leads to a platform higher up. Follow the road to the right until you reach Savane à Mulets.

(2) Take the path on the left to begin the ascent. As you climb, admire (weather permitting) Les Saintes, Basse-Terre and the Monts Caraibes. Pass the Faujas landslide and continue to the intersection with the Trace Carmichaël at the large fault line.

(3) Climb up to the right towards the summit plateau (you may need to use your hands).

(4) Go right and follow the markings on the ground to go around the summit. Pass the Montagnards shelter, the summit of La Découverte, the Porte d'Enfer and the Gouffre de Tarissant. Admire the 360° panorama stretching out below you. Take a well-deserved break to eat and drink. Descend by the same route.

(3) At the intersection, take the Carmichael trail on the right.

(5) Leave the trail and turn right towards the Col de l'Échelle on a path that may be muddy.

(6) At the pass, turn right and pass in front of Roche Fendue. Follow the markings on the ground (white posts) in foggy weather.

(7) Join the road and follow it to the right until you reach Savane à Mulets.

(2) Continue to join the Pas du Roy trail. Then turn left to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 955 m - Bains Jaunes car park
  2. 1 : km 0.35 - alt. 986 m - Intersection with the Galion trail
  3. 2 : km 1.2 - alt. 1,142 m - La Savane à Mulets
  4. 3 : km 2.57 - alt. 1,388 m - Intersection
  5. 4 : km 2.73 - alt. 1,439 m - Summit plateau - Soufrière (la)
  6. 5 : km 3.59 - alt. 1,331 m - On the right
  7. 6 : km 4.4 - alt. 1,267 m - Col de l'Echelle (1267m) - Guadeloupe
  8. 7 : km 4.94 - alt. 1,158 m - Return route to Les Bains Jaunes
  9. S/E : km 6.32 - alt. 952 m - Bains Jaunes car park

Notes

Check the weather forecast as La Soufrière and the Col de l'Échelle are often shrouded in cloud.
Good waterproof walking shoes.
A swimsuit.
You should be in good physical condition.

You can start this hike from the Chemin des Dames or the Col de l'Échelle; the difficulty remains the same.

Please note that this hike takes around 4 hours, not including stops or a lunch break at the summit if the weather permits.

Worth a visit

The Galion waterfall.
The Bassin Bleu trail (Palmiste plateau).
Les Bains des Amours (Dolé).
The beach at Rivière-Sens.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 11186467

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 18, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

It was drizzling at the start with fog, so visibility was poor. The wind picked up at the summit, blowing us over! And of course, no views – what an atmosphere!
The option of returning via the Col de l’Echelle makes the hike much more enjoyable as there are far fewer people
Best done when the summit is clear, which is rare, but it’s still a lovely hike for the fit

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françoisetchristine
françoisetchristine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Unfortunately, we did the route in very overcast weather, but the weather is always so changeable. We couldn’t see a thing at the summit, but it’s still impressive. The path around the crater is closed at the moment.
The return via the Col de l’Echelle path is much more pleasant than the outward route, as it’s far less busy. Admittedly, it’s a bit warm at the start, but the section through the trees is really lovely, especially with the mist making everything look ghostly. The sky cleared up nicely towards the end of the hike, offering a beautiful view of Les Saintes and the surrounding mountains.
One of the most beautiful hikes we’ve done in Guadeloupe, even in wet and windy weather!

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Sylvieaumelas
Sylvieaumelas

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 13, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

You have to arrive before 8 a.m. to get a parking space... the hike is very beautiful! And exotic... bring your swimsuit for the free hot water bath at the end... good shoes and a waterproof jacket that fits snugly... the wind 😏...
The hike wasn't too busy when we set off at 8 a.m.

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Stephonex
Stephonex

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike completed in 4 hours with a 20-minute break. No major difficulties. Often large steps to climb.

We set off at 8 a.m. and were lucky enough to make the ascent and descent without rain. Intervals of sun and fog. At the summit, a brief break in the clouds allowed us to see the crater, but 15 seconds later the elements unleashed themselves, forcing us to take shelter for 15 minutes.

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Cécile 45
Cécile 45

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great hike! The weather was overcast, but we were lucky enough to reach the summit just as the clouds cleared. We were able to enjoy the view!
It was very windy. It's better to have a strong wind.
The return via the Col de l'Échelle avoids the crowds and allows you to enjoy other landscapes. No difficulties.
A lovely memory of Guadeloupe 😎🙂

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marcounet
marcounet

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike on New Year's Day. The main difficulty was parking the car (very little space when you arrive at the "bains jaunes"!). The climb is tough in places but perfectly doable for average hikers. We set off in the rain, then fog on the climb, but the clouds eventually cleared shortly after we reached the summit and the magic began: we discovered the crater, extraordinary views of the island's coastline and incredibly green and dense vegetation! There were very few people on the descent via the Col de l'Échelle. This route offers other views of the horizon, but the ground is very muddy in places, so be careful not to slip.

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LUC.BOURGUIGNON26@GMAIL.COM
LUC.BOURGUIGNON26@GMAIL.COM

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike to the highest point in Guadeloupe. Access to the crater is closed without a guide and protective gear (mask). Be sure to bring good shoes and a raincoat, as the summit only enjoys 30 days of good weather per year! The trail turned into a torrent on the day of our hike. The return via the Col de l'Echelle is very quiet and very interesting.

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Faron
Faron

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike completed on 28 March, perfect weather, loop around the craters not recommended, so not done, lots of people on the climb, but the return via the Col de l'Échelle was quiet.
Great day.

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migar
migar

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike, it's a steep climb but the view is well worth the effort. The descent via the Col de l'Échelle is easier and, above all, much less crowded.

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Mag64
Mag64

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike, except for the weather, which was rather cloudy and very windy at the summit. It was impossible to stay there long enough to see the crater. Be sure to bring a light jacket and, above all, a raincoat and good shoes, especially in wet weather. It's a very popular spot, but we returned via the Col de l'Échelle, which is much less frequented than the path we took on the way up. We didn't see many people, but the descent is just as challenging.

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Youn 29
Youn 29

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed on 20 December. Leave early to find parking easily at the yellow baths.
Hike accessible without too much difficulty.
Exceptional weather on this day. Breathtaking views at the top and during the descent via the Col de l'Échelle.
Thanks, Visorando!

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dmike
dmike

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The return via the ladder pass is much less frequent than the ascent.

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Jefff
Jefff

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
A great walk to do at the summit of Guadeloupe, definitely on a sunny day to see the neighbouring islands (St Dominique, Martinique, etc.). I highly recommend returning via the Col de l'Échelle (it's not any longer). You won't meet anyone and the descent is easier. returning via the same route is difficult due to the steep slope and the constant flow of hikers on this very busy path. On the way down in your car, you will see a small restaurant that was originally a banana warehouse. It is run by a very friendly former market gardener from Toulouse and the prices are very reasonable.

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werthers
werthers

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 30, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very good, combine this with the "La Chute du Galion and the Armistice Trail" hike for the descent from the Echelle!

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Hélène Débat
Hélène Débat

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 04, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Despite the weather gradually deteriorating despite an early start, with strong winds and heavy rain at the summit, I was delighted to make this climb at the start of 2021! I can confirm that you need to be in good physical shape as it is quite long and your quadriceps really burn during the descent. The hot baths on arrival were very welcome! Thank you, Visorando, and a very happy new year to the whole team. Hélène

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