Boiling Lake & Valley of Desolation
Boiling Lake
The world's second-largest boiling lake, where gray-green water churns in clouds of steam. The roughly 13 km round-trip hike across the Valley of Desolation, lined with sulfurous vents, is the Caribbean's most classic challenging trek.
Boiling Lake is about 60 m across. It is a flooded volcanic fumarole, heated by underground magma, and its center churns and boils year-round. It is considered the world's second-largest hot lake, after New Zealand's Frying Pan Lake. The trail starts near Titou Gorge in Laudat, crosses a ridge, and descends into the Valley of Desolation, which is covered with fumaroles, colorful hot springs, and sulfur deposits. From there, it follows a creek to the lakeshore. The round trip takes about 6–7 hours, with steep, muddy sections, so you'll need good fitness and proper footwear. A guide is strongly recommended (from about US$50–80), and you should bring plenty of water and a rain jacket. Don't approach the soft ground near the lake's edge.
Opening hours
Daytime (best to set off before 08:00)
Nearby sights
- Morne Trois Pitons National Park
- Sari Sari Falls
- Titou Gorge
- Victoria Falls (Dominica)
- Trafalgar Falls
- Freshwater Lake & Boeri Lake
- Wotten Waven Sulphur Springs
- Middleham Falls