A rugged hike with panoramic views of the southwest from a craggy and narrow ridgeline. This hike is not very long, but it is quite steep and has a few places requiring the use of your hands with with a significant drop below. The photos will be the best indicator of the terrain. There is only shade on roughly 1/3 of the hike. Do not attempt the hike if there is rain forecast as there is quite a bit of rock that would become deathly slippery.
Route:
- Type of trail: Out and Back
- Start point: Trailhead in sugarcane fields
- End Point: Summit
- Length: 2.6mi round trip
- Duration: 2 hours
- Lowest point: 1030ft
- Highest point: 2203ft
- Total elevation gain: 1273ft
The trail requires passing through sugarcane fields. You could do this portion in a vehcile and park before/after the bridge as there is space where it seems a vehicle might not be an obstruction. Use your judgement.
Continue straight on this road. It will curve around in the fields as it goes towards Trois Mamelles. It is worth keeping the overall route in mind as you navigate this section as it changes throughout the year depending on the height of the sugar cane. You are aiming for a trail that will take you to the saddle between the west and center peaks (see photos).
The road will end, but there will be a treeline on your right/west side. Stay on this side of the treeline/field and follow it until the sugarfield ends at treeline. If you look around you will find a small break in the brush (see photos). I left a small pile of rocks here.
The trail, once you find it, is not very difficult to follow. You will have to pay attention at a few places. It will appear to end at a small rocky dry(?) stream that begins climbing steeply – follow it. You will go up a few short rocky sections where you may have to use your hands.
Next you will traverse over to another drainage that will go up to the saddle.
From the saddle the trail goes south and ascends sharply. The route from here is significantly more challenging. Climb and walk along the ridge – there is a faint path. You will reach a rocky minor summit. Don’t go low or try to climb it – the easiest route seems to be around the north side. This route will require you to carefully walk along a narrow ledge.
After the ledge the trail becomes well defined again and will climb sharply towards the peak. Return along the same route.