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Hike · Réunion · Cratère Dolomieu depuis le Pas de Bellecombe

To the Dolomieu crater

Photo: Alexandre Péribé, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

A walk across solidified lava to the rim of the volcano's main crater

At a glance

Category
Hikes
Area
The highlands and the volcano
Distance
11 km
Elevation gain
500 m
Time
5–6 h
Difficulty
3 out of 5
Water on the route
No — carry 2 litres
With children
From age 10–12, if they are used to hiking
Best time
All year when the Enclos is open; start before 8 am
Places to stay nearby
5 places to stay within 10 km

The most popular route on the volcano: from the Pas de Bellecombe lookout, down 527 steps into the Enclos Fouqué caldera and across the lava field to the rim of the Dolomieu crater.

Pas de Bellecombe → floor of the Enclos. A short but steep descent by a staircase in the cliff (about 150 m of height). Check at the gate that the way is open: it is locked when an eruption threatens.

The lava field and Formica Leo. The trail is marked with white paint spots on the rock — do not leave it: there can be voids beneath the lava crust. On the left is the small scoria cone of Formica Leo. Further on, a gentle climb over ropy lava.

The crater rim. The Dolomieu crater is about 200 m deep. Stay behind the markings: the edges collapse. Return the same way; the climb back up the steps at the end is the hardest part.

On the map

Orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.

Where to stay nearby: To the Dolomieu crater

All places to stay in the area →

Distance from the sight as the crow flies: Le Mahavel — 9.7 km; Ferme et Auberge Le Rond de Basse Vallée — 12 km; Chalet Piton des Songes — 12 km; Gîte Piton Mahot — 13 km.

Tours nearby

All tours on the island →
Dolomieu crater with a guide Guided hikes Dolomieu crater with a guideA climb up Piton de la Fournaise with the volcano explained on the way 5–6 hDrier May — November; start at dawn≈ 3.9 kmLava tunnels of the 2004 flow Canyons and thrills Lava tunnels of the 2004 flowDown with a helmet and headlamp into the tubes where lava once ran 3–4 hAll year, except days of heavy rain≈ 9.3 kmVanilla in the east and rum distilleries Rum, wine, vanilla Vanilla in the east and rum distilleriesBourbon vanilla plantations and a rum museum in an old distillery 2–4 hAll year≈ 16 km

More to see nearby

Pas de Bellecombe lookout Viewpoint Pas de Bellecombe lookout The rim of the caldera, facing the volcano's crater≈ 3.9 kmPlaine des Sables Nature Plaine des Sables A Martian landscape of red scoria on the road to the volcano≈ 6.7 kmGrand Galet waterfall (Langevin) Nature Grand Galet waterfall (Langevin) A wide waterfall and freshwater pools in the Langevin valley≈ 9.1 kmAnse des Cascades Nature Anse des Cascades A bay with waterfalls, palms and fishing boats≈ 14 km

Opening hours, prices and rules are a rough guide: check official websites before you go.