If you like the idea of scrambling up steep slopes on tree roots and rocks in a rainforest reminiscent of Jurassic Park, you'll love this hike/climb as much a we did. We were confused by the conflicting reviews, so hoping this sets the record straight. First, if you use the AllTrails app, it's a great resource and the information is accurate. This hike is just under 5 miles roundtrip from the trailhead with just over 2000 ft of elevation gain, and they rate it as "hard", which is accurate for their ratings. Do not be confused by the reviews that estimate the distance as much longer based on pedometers as opposed to GPS. Pedometers are calibrated to a person's normal stride on flat ground, not to the much shorter strides one takes on steep terrain. Also, the road up to the trailhead appears to be fairly recently paved with concrete, so disregard the reviews about it being a long dirt road; it's not, and it's in very good condition as of the time of this post. Second, my adult daughter and I did the hike in the dry season with perfect conditions. I'm sure it would be a much different, much muddier trail if wet. It took us 2 hours to the top at a pretty casual pace with lots of stopping for photos. Slightly less down, but not a lot faster as the steep terrain on the descent still requires some care. Should you have a guide? Depends on your experience level. We did it without a guide and had no issues, but we are fairly experienced. We found the trail to be well marked for the most part, but one should familiarize yourself with the plastic ribbons and paint marks on the trees early and then pay attention to them all along the way. You will find a couple places where you won't see a marker and you're looking up a steep slope that will require scrambling and wondering if that's really the trail. If you don't see an obvious alternative, chances are that's really the way! In each of those cases, when we got to the top of that section there was either a clear marker or obvious trail. If you're not sure you want to do it on your own, by all means hire a local guide! Highlights: the rainforest is full of beautiful, huge old trees that you only see in a rainforest. Lots of bird life and we saw two different groups of monkeys in the canopy, which was really cool. The view of the crater from the top is stunning and we stayed up there to enjoy it by ourselves for awhile. Caught a whiff of hydrogen sulfide as well, which was a reminder that this is still a live volcano. We loved the scrambling and gullies and interesting terrain, but it's true this is not a walk-up. You should be comfortable using your hands to help you climb up the steeper sections, be in good physical condition, and wear sturdy shoes to enjoy this trail. It's now one of my favorites!

Untouched nature and a spectacular view! Bring a drone with you!

Do not attempt unless physically fit. Example, can navigate 10 flights of your cruise ship thrice without being excessively winded. You must stoop, kneel, scramble, and balance on uneven surfaces. You've been warned. Must bring 1.5L water minimum and trail food. Face hand towel good idea. Be ready to be wet in clothing and footwear. Sneakers get destroyed, bring real hiking shoes. Hiking sticks and provide balance in some areas of trail. This "Type 2 fun" hike will afford you groves of Mangos, fascinating ficus root pathways, and muddy Boulder scrambles. Scrambling vs. hiking is the better term as you traverse the 6+ mile in and out the same path, narrow trail. You go from dense humid forest to more temperate dense canopy to crater edge. The peak is a sketchy and slippery footpath with ropes. As is the crater access with sketchy old ropes. Both paths add 1-2 hours of traversing. Doing a full circuit with extensions could push you to 6-8 hours of hiking pending fitness and distractions.

This hike was tough! Took us a bit over 5 hours and it was approximately 5.7 miles to the rim of the volcano and back. Proper hiking boots would be helpful and avoid doing it in the rain if possible. I was in runners and struggled at some points. The second half of the way up is mostly scrambling/climbing but it was fun! Take your time as it’s very slippery. It was very cloudy up at the top so we couldn’t see much but it was great to see the vegetation change as you ascended. The trail is very clearly marked so you don’t necessarily need a guide, but there were some parts it would have been nice to have someone with us.

1- Wear good shoes 2- Have lots of water 3- Bring food 4- BE FIT or I don’t recommend. We started at 8am with no guide. We missed the entrance as it’s a gate right beside someone’s house. They called us back and showed us where to go. It’s easy to follow the trail and if you do miss a turn, it becomes clear very quick so you just need to backtrack a few minutes and you’ll be fine. There’s places where you just climb straight up on roots. Took us 2 hours to get to the top at a moderate but slower pace. From there you check out a few view points. My favorite was to the right then up between the rocks that kinda looks like a path but it hard to get up. Worth it for the best view. Then there’s the ropes down into the volcano. Without knowing much about it I jumped at it as I love to climb. DO NOT ATTEMPT unless you are extremely fit, able to climb a rope with only your arms and have at least some basic rock climbing skills!!! It would be very easy to slip and hurt yourself or to not have the strength to be able to climb out. The first 3/4 of the ropes was intense but fun while being a tad scary as it’s the most vertical thing I’ve ever climbed. The last 1/4 of it gets steeper, there’s parts with nowhere to put your feet so you have to slide your feet down while lowering yourself with your hands only, it takes a lot of strength. It was so intense I was worried we weren’t going to be able to climb out (and later locals were shocked to find out we did that part without a guide as others haven’t made it out). Then the ropes just disappear and you have to climb parts as hard as the first part, but now without a rope. I was close to bailing because it was so sketch but I’m not one to bail so on we went. We got to the bottom in maybe 20-30 minutes. It’s beautiful, untouched nature and the sounds of birds echos through the area. We climbed up that thing in 15-20 minutes! While going up you can actually see where to put your feet plus you can pull up with the ropes so technically it was easier. We were shocked how fast we made it up (huffing and puffing of course). From there we climbed down the mountain in maybe 1:20 or so. The total time with breaks was 6 hours. It’s a hard hike with no views until the very top (and the last part of the hike is the hardest) so not a good one to attempt if you won’t be fit enough to finish. We had a neighborhood dog join us all the way to the top. She seems to be a bit of a guide dog but you have to pay her in head rubs. We also saw a bunch of monkeys. Oh and if you’re the first one up in the morning, have fun clearing all those spider webs!

Excellent hike! A must-do in St. Kitts if you enjoy outdoor activities. You do not need a guide for this hike if you are experienced. The trail is well marked with tree ties and water bottles along with a well worn path from plenty of other hikers. We took a bus to "De Pumpkin" and walked to the trailhead. The bus was a fun experience by itself. As of 6/3/17 the road to the trailhead is paved. The first third of the hike is not strenuous then gradually gets steeper. Nothing too crazy....have been on much steeper terrain in the past. Take the ladder at the top for a great view of the crater and nice place for lunch. Take plenty of water!!!!!

An wonderful and challenging hike! By no means is this an easy hike, but it is not impossible either. Myself a female friend made the trip with relative ease, the trail is well marked with orange/yellow paint or ties on trees. There are a few places where you want to make sure you are playing close attention to not veer off the path. You will be climbing along wet rocks at times and gain considerable elevation. The view at the top let's you peer into the crater and see a great view of the peaks. To the right when you reach the crest there is a rocky outcrop. If you are feeling adventurous and have some climbing experience that was my favorite spot. There is supposedly a path that descends into the crater but I heard the rope you need to do so is in bad condition.

My boyfriend and I went back and forth on whether we needed a guide for the hike or not. Online reviews made it sound like it was not going to be a well marked trail so we played it safe. (It actually is marked very well with arrows on trees...) At first we checked with booking a guide through the Marriott but found out there was an older couple signed up already for the same day (we asked). We are in good shape, active, and hike a good amount so we didn't want to go slow or be held back by the slow pace of others. We ended up booking a guide on our own based on a recommendation from a local retired police officer. His name is Phonsie short for Alfonso and he was awesome!! He drove us to the hike on one side of the island giving us local history and fun facts, answering all of our questions. He then drove us back on the other side of the island so we were able to circle the whole thing and see everything! His son was the one who went on the hike with us and he was at our quick pace and it worked out perfectly. If you want to book Phonsie as a guide, have your hotel call him at 664-7570, I highly recommend him!

Long hike up to the top . Trail is through the woods .

Great hike to the volcano crater rim! My favorite hike on the island so far. Great views of the island. Difficulty is moderate but certainly a hike most people should be able to accomplish with the right shoes. Bring plenty of water and a snack. We went alone but find a guide if you aren’t comfortable navigating in unfamiliar areas. Decently marked trail, was not hard to follow.

A little difficult at times, a bit muddy (wouldn’t want to do in the rain), but otherwise gorgeous and fun. It is super well marked and we didn’t feel the need for a guide, though we’ve had good experiences with them in the past (explaining the fauna, history, etc). The first 30 minutes are pretty easy, then it’s on and off tough vs moderate. There are parts where you’ll need your hands. Absolutely worth it though.

Beautiful hike with some technical sections. Goes through the rainforest all the way to the top of the crater.

The trail is rarely maintained, which is fun, but be ready to climb over some downed trees. To access the trail, go through the gate to the left of the private property and head left. Look out for trail markers like spray painted trees or orange ribbons.