×

Grenada🇬🇩 | national parksGrand Etang National ParkCrater lake at 530 meters, cloud forest trails, mona monkeys, Morne LaBaye viewpoint | things to do and best time to go

Explore Seven Sisters WaterfallsExplore Levera National Park

Backpacking in Grand Etang
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The mist drops around you at the Grand Etang lake rim, and the air turns cool enough that you pull on the sleeve you swore you wouldn’t need. Somewhere above, a mona monkey shakes a branch. Grand Etang National Park sits in the middle of Grenada, in the volcanic highlands north of St. George’s, around a crater lake at roughly 530 meters. It rains here most afternoons, because the clouds snag on the ridge, so start walking early, when the views over the forest are clearest. Trails are short and muddy, so wear shoes with grip instead of sandals. Buses run the main road, but they stop by the visitor center area, so plan your walking from there. Tour vans cluster at the lakeside around late morning, and an early start gets you the paths nearly alone. Monkeys beg near the parking lot, and feeding them is the quickest way to lose a snack and a sleeve. Bring a light rain jacket, since the ferns along the lake path drip even when the sky is dry.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Grenada Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 national park in Grenada
Why Grand Etang should be on your travel list

Grand Etang National Park gives you real rainforest hiking on an island most people only picture as beaches, and you can do it entirely on your own. The trails start right off the main road at the Grand Etang Forest Centre, so there is no need for a tour, a vehicle of your own, or a permit beyond the small entry charge. Paths are short and clear enough for confident first-timers, yet steep and muddy enough that experienced hikers still earn their views.

The second draw is the contrast. Mornings on the coast are hot and salty, while up here the temperature drops noticeably and the air turns green and damp, which makes it a natural break from a beach-heavy itinerary. The park also protects the Mount Qua Qua ridge and the crater lake, so you get a volcanic landscape and wildlife in one compact … read more 👉
Grand Etang National Park gives you real rainforest hiking on an island most people only picture as beaches, and you can do it entirely on your own. The trails start right off the main road at the Grand Etang Forest Centre, so there is no need for a tour, a vehicle of your own, or a permit beyond the small entry charge. Paths are short and clear enough for confident first-timers, yet steep and muddy enough that experienced hikers still earn their views.

The second draw is the contrast. Mornings on the coast are hot and salty, while up here the temperature drops noticeably and the air turns green and damp, which makes it a natural break from a beach-heavy itinerary. The park also protects the Mount Qua Qua ridge and the crater lake, so you get a volcanic landscape and wildlife in one compact area.

For budget travelers, the appeal is simple: a half day here costs far less than most island excursions, and local buses run along the road that crosses the park, so you can walk in and flag a ride out.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Grand Etang Lake: A crater lake at about 530 meters, ringed by forest and often wrapped in cloud. The shoreline path takes around 30 to 40 minutes and the water turns pewter or deep green depending on the mist. It is the image everyone searches for, and the reason most people come up the mountain road.
  2. Morne LaBaye Trail: A 15-minute walk from the visitor center to a viewpoint over the forested ridges and, on clear days, the lake and the sea beyond. Short, steep in places, and easy enough for a first-timer in sandals that grip.
  3. Mona monkeys: Grenada’s introduced monkeys gather near the visitor center and the roadside, bold and quick, with a talent for snatching snacks. Keep food zipped away and your phone in a pocket, and watch from a couple of meters back.
  4. Grand Etang Forest Reserve rainforest:
… read more 👉
  1. Grand Etang Lake: A crater lake at about 530 meters, ringed by forest and often wrapped in cloud. The shoreline path takes around 30 to 40 minutes and the water turns pewter or deep green depending on the mist. It is the image everyone searches for, and the reason most people come up the mountain road.
  2. Morne LaBaye Trail: A 15-minute walk from the visitor center to a viewpoint over the forested ridges and, on clear days, the lake and the sea beyond. Short, steep in places, and easy enough for a first-timer in sandals that grip.
  3. Mona monkeys: Grenada’s introduced monkeys gather near the visitor center and the roadside, bold and quick, with a talent for snatching snacks. Keep food zipped away and your phone in a pocket, and watch from a couple of meters back.
  4. Grand Etang Forest Reserve rainforest: Tree ferns, giant bamboo, wild begonias and mossy trunks crowd the trails, and the air is cool and dripping compared with the coast. Listen for the calls of the Grenada dove and other forest birds, though the dove itself is rare and shy.
  5. Visitor center and its small exhibits: The place to start, with displays on the volcanic origins of the lake, the local plants and the animals. It is also where you pick up trail advice and where the ranger staff can tell you how muddy the paths are after rain.
  6. Mount Qua Qua Trail: A harder climb that runs up through dense forest to a summit at roughly 700 meters. Expect slippery roots, steps cut into the slope and a muddy finish. Views open up only in breaks in the trees, so go for the effort and the quiet more than a panorama.
  7. Concord Falls access via the central ridge road: The winding road across the island’s spine passes spice stands and fruit sellers, then drops toward the waterfalls on the west side. The drive itself, with banana fields and nutmeg groves on either hand, is half the fun.
Grand Etang National Park can be covered in a relaxed half day, and with the Mount Qua Qua climb added it fills most of a day.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Grand Etang National Park

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to explore Grand Etang

  • Dry Season (January to May): Trails are firmest and views over Grand Etang Lake are clearest. Daytime highs at the lake, around 530 m (1,740 ft) up, run 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F), with cooler mornings near 19°C (66°F). Daylight lasts roughly 11 to 12 hours.
  • Wet Season (June to November): Expect short, heavy downpours most afternoons and more rain on the forested ridge than on the coast. Temperatures stay similar, 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F), but Mount Qua Qua and Concord trails turn to mud. September and October bring the highest hurricane-season risk, though Grenada sits at the southern edge of the belt.
  • Peak Crowds (December to April): Cruise-ship tour groups stop at the lake and the Annandale and Seven Sisters falls on most days. Go early, before 10 a.m., for quiet trails and mona monkeys at the
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (January to May): Trails are firmest and views over Grand Etang Lake are clearest. Daytime highs at the lake, around 530 m (1,740 ft) up, run 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F), with cooler mornings near 19°C (66°F). Daylight lasts roughly 11 to 12 hours.
  • Wet Season (June to November): Expect short, heavy downpours most afternoons and more rain on the forested ridge than on the coast. Temperatures stay similar, 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F), but Mount Qua Qua and Concord trails turn to mud. September and October bring the highest hurricane-season risk, though Grenada sits at the southern edge of the belt.
  • Peak Crowds (December to April): Cruise-ship tour groups stop at the lake and the Annandale and Seven Sisters falls on most days. Go early, before 10 a.m., for quiet trails and mona monkeys at the visitor center.
  • Prices: Guesthouses and rental cars cost most from mid-December to March and drop 20 to 30 percent in the wet months.
  • Events: Nutmeg and cocoa harvests peak in the wetter months, when nearby farm tours run.
Book a guide for Mount Qua Qua in the dry months, when the summit ridge is least slippery.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
grenada-national-park-grand-etang-national-park
© Google | Robert Derga

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutGrenada Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Grenada
The digital guide (143 pages) contains:
✅ 32 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 2, 3 & 5-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ Local customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Grenada

No lodging sits inside Grand Etang National Park, so most backpackers sleep in nearby villages or on the coast and reach the lake by bus or taxi. The closest option is the handful of guesthouses and small eco-lodges around Grand Etang and Grand Bras, where nights are cool and misty and rooms run roughly US$50 to 110. These suit hikers who want to be on the trailhead at dawn, though restaurants are few.
For the best mix of price and buses, stay in St. George’s, the capital, about 45 minutes to an hour away by road. Hostel-style rooms and budget guesthouses run about US$35 to 70 a night, and minibuses … read more 👉
No lodging sits inside Grand Etang National Park, so most backpackers sleep in nearby villages or on the coast and reach the lake by bus or taxi. The closest option is the handful of guesthouses and small eco-lodges around Grand Etang and Grand Bras, where nights are cool and misty and rooms run roughly US$50 to 110. These suit hikers who want to be on the trailhead at dawn, though restaurants are few.
For the best mix of price and buses, stay in St. George’s, the capital, about 45 minutes to an hour away by road. Hostel-style rooms and budget guesthouses run about US$35 to 70 a night, and minibuses to the interior leave from the Esplanade and the Market Square bus terminal.
Grand Anse, on the southwest coast, has the widest choice, from basic rooms near US$60 to beachfront hotels over US$200. It is farther, around an hour and a half to the park, but the beach is a good reward after muddy trails. Apartments and Airbnb rooms there often work for groups sharing costs.
Gouyave and Grenville, on the west and east coasts, are quieter bases with a few simple guesthouses. Camping is not a normal option in the park, so plan on a bed outside it.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Grand Etang National Park costs most backpackers about US$53 to 112 a day, counting entry, a bed, local buses and simple meals. Prices are quoted in US dollars here, though you pay in Eastern Caribbean dollars on the island.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feesUS$2 to 5A small charge applies at the Grand Etang Forest Center for the lake and viewing area. Waterfalls nearby, such as Annandale, charge separately.
GuidesUS$0 to 40Not needed for the lake loop. A guide for Mount Qua Qua usually costs US$25 to 45 per group.
AccommodationLow season US$30 to 60, high season US$35 to 70Hostels and guesthouses in St. George’s or Grand Anse. Lodges near the park cost US$50 to 110.
Local transportUS$4 to 12Minibuses from St. George’s cost about US$1.50 to 3 each way. A taxi from the capital runs
… read more 👉
Grand Etang National Park costs most backpackers about US$53 to 112 a day, counting entry, a bed, local buses and simple meals. Prices are quoted in US dollars here, though you pay in Eastern Caribbean dollars on the island.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feesUS$2 to 5A small charge applies at the Grand Etang Forest Center for the lake and viewing area. Waterfalls nearby, such as Annandale, charge separately.
GuidesUS$0 to 40Not needed for the lake loop. A guide for Mount Qua Qua usually costs US$25 to 45 per group.
AccommodationLow season US$30 to 60, high season US$35 to 70Hostels and guesthouses in St. George’s or Grand Anse. Lodges near the park cost US$50 to 110.
Local transportUS$4 to 12Minibuses from St. George’s cost about US$1.50 to 3 each way. A taxi from the capital runs US$40 to 60 one way.
Food and suppliesUS$12 to 25Roti and local plates cost US$5 to 9. Pack snacks and water, as the park has little food.
Total Daily BudgetUS$53 to 112About US$61 for a typical budget day with a high-season hostel bed.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Grand Etang national park

Grand Etang National Park has a handful of short to moderate hikes, all muddy, humid and best done in sturdy shoes with good tread.
  • Grand Etang Lake Shoreline Trail: Roughly 1.5 kilometers, about 30 to 45 minutes, easy. A flat loop around the crater lake with ferns, bamboo and occasional monkey sightings.
  • Mount Qua Qua Trail: About 2 to 3 hours round trip, hard. A steep, root-covered ridge climb with slick clay, rewarded by wide views on clear mornings.
  • Morne LaBaye Trail: About 15 minutes, easy. A quick walk to a lookout across the eastern side of the reserve.
  • Terrain: Red clay, tree roots and stone
… read more 👉
Grand Etang National Park has a handful of short to moderate hikes, all muddy, humid and best done in sturdy shoes with good tread.
  • Grand Etang Lake Shoreline Trail: Roughly 1.5 kilometers, about 30 to 45 minutes, easy. A flat loop around the crater lake with ferns, bamboo and occasional monkey sightings.
  • Mount Qua Qua Trail: About 2 to 3 hours round trip, hard. A steep, root-covered ridge climb with slick clay, rewarded by wide views on clear mornings.
  • Morne LaBaye Trail: About 15 minutes, easy. A quick walk to a lookout across the eastern side of the reserve.
  • Terrain: Red clay, tree roots and stone steps, often wet after rain. Walking sticks are sold or lent informally near the Forest Centre.
  • Wildlife: Mona monkeys, forest birds, tree frogs, and occasionally armadillos or opossums at dusk.
Grand Etang National Park is reachable by local minibus from St. George’s along the central road, and drivers will usually drop you at the Forest Centre if you ask. The route winds uphill, so expect a slow ride. Crowds are lightest early in the morning; cruise-ship tour groups tend to appear from late morning through early afternoon. A small entrance fee covers the Forest Centre area and lake path, payable in Eastern Caribbean dollars or sometimes in US dollars. Bring water, a rain jacket and insect repellent, as the forest is damp year-round and mud is almost guaranteed.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Grand Etang is a well-used, short-trail park where the main hazards are mud, rain and heat. The forest sits high, so showers arrive fast and trails like Mount Qua Qua (about 2 to 3 hours round trip) and the Concord Falls route become slippery. Wear shoes with real grip, not sandals, and use the rope sections slowly. Trail markers are patchy on the less-used paths, so hire a local guide for Mount Qua Qua, who usually charges US$25 to 45.
The mona monkeys near the visitor center are wild and can bite. Do not feed them, and keep food zipped in your bag. Grenada has no dangerous large animals, and snakes are rarely a problem on trails.
Bring at least a liter of water per person, a light rain jacket, and insect repellent, since mosquitoes are active at dusk. Leave valuables out of parked cars at … read more 👉
Grand Etang is a well-used, short-trail park where the main hazards are mud, rain and heat. The forest sits high, so showers arrive fast and trails like Mount Qua Qua (about 2 to 3 hours round trip) and the Concord Falls route become slippery. Wear shoes with real grip, not sandals, and use the rope sections slowly. Trail markers are patchy on the less-used paths, so hire a local guide for Mount Qua Qua, who usually charges US$25 to 45.
The mona monkeys near the visitor center are wild and can bite. Do not feed them, and keep food zipped in your bag. Grenada has no dangerous large animals, and snakes are rarely a problem on trails.
Bring at least a liter of water per person, a light rain jacket, and insect repellent, since mosquitoes are active at dusk. Leave valuables out of parked cars at trailheads. Start before midday so you finish before afternoon downpours, and tell your guesthouse where you are going.

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Plan one full day for Grand Etang National Park, or a half day if you only want the lake loop and monkeys. The Mount Qua Qua hike takes 2 to 3 hours round trip, and Annandale Falls and Seven Sisters Falls add another 2 to 3 hours. Two days lets you pair the hikes with Concord Falls and a spice farm.
Yes, Grand Etang National Park is reachable without a car. Minibuses run from St. George’s to Grand Etang village for roughly US$1.50 to 3 and take about 45 to 60 minutes, then you walk the main trails. Taxis cost around US$40 to 60 one way, and many drivers will wait for a few hours and bring you back for a fixed fee.
Yes, Grand Etang National Park charges a small fee, typically about US$2 to 5, at the Forest Center by the lake. No permit is needed for the standard trails, including the lake loop. Guides for Mount Qua Qua are paid separately, usually US$25 to 45 per group.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Grenadian national parks near Grand Etang

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Grenada including Grand Etang and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Grenada has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Country photo of Grenada

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on exploring Grand Etang

Grand Etang National Park works best as the cool, green middle of a loop that pairs a morning here with an afternoon at Annandale Falls and a swim on the west coast. I would start before nine, skip the longest ridge trail if clouds are low, and carry small bills for the spice stalls.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Grenada. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.