Ram Head Trail
Hike to stunning panoramic ocean views, unique cacti, and a historical site, with a rewarding bay swim at the end.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid brutal summer heat
Ram Head Trail
Best Time
Avoid brutal summer heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to stunning panoramic ocean views, unique cacti, and a historical site, with a rewarding bay swim at the end.
"Best trail on St. John, by far, with unobstructed views the whole way and such stunning views!"
☀️ Hike Early to Beat Heat
Summer heat is brutal. Start your Ram Head Trail hike in the morning for cooler temps and less sun exposure.
🚌 Public Transport Option
Take the bus to Salt Pond, the last stop, to access the Ram Head Trail without a car.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Summit
Unobstructed, stunning views of two large bodies of water. Perfect for feeling the wind and soaking in the scenery.
Ram Head Cacti
Trailside
Unique cacti dot the hillside, adding a distinctive touch to the landscape. A visual treat along the path.
Historical Market Site
Summit
Discover a poignant historical market site detailing an early slave rebellion, offering a blend of tragedy and interest.
Refreshing Bay Swim
Trail End
Cool off in the bay at the bottom of the hike. A perfect reward after a challenging trek under the sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat on Ram Head Trail
Getting to Ram Head Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
National Park Hiking
My boyfriend and I are staying in Red Hook for our trip next month. We love hiking and I would love to do ram's head. Is there a way to get there without having to rent a car? I'll also take any other hike suggestions
☀️ Hike Early to Beat Heat
Summer heat is brutal. Start your Ram Head Trail hike in the morning for cooler temps and less sun exposure.
🚌 Public Transport Option
Take the bus to Salt Pond, the last stop, to access the Ram Head Trail without a car.
Hiking/remote beaches or islands
I want to hike and explore remote and isolated beaches and parts of the island. I’m going to be both in St Thomas and St John. How do I get there or where should I go (i can’t rent a car I’m under 21)
Seeking Tips and Recs for 8 days in St. John’s
Hello group. I am looking for insight on favorite bars, places to eat, best hiking, snorkeling, and tips on staying cheap. My group is 10 people ages 25-28 staying at the Westin. We have one day booked for a private catamaran US VI boat on Monday and no other plans. We will be…
🌊 Swim at Trail's End
Cool off in the bay at the bottom of the hike. A perfect way to refresh after your trek.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail has ups, downs, and stairs. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential for navigating the terrain.
Itinerary Feedback - St. John
Hi all. Will be heading to St. John in a week for 5 days and wanted some feedback on my (tentative) intinerary. It's our first time, hoping to have a solid mix of adventuring + relaxing. We are staying in Cruz bay and renting a car! Thursday \- arrive early…
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Hike Early to Beat Heat
Summer heat is brutal. Start your Ram Head Trail hike in the morning for cooler temps and less sun exposure.
🚌 Public Transport Option
Take the bus to Salt Pond, the last stop, to access the Ram Head Trail without a car.
🌊 Swim at Trail's End
Cool off in the bay at the bottom of the hike. A perfect way to refresh after your trek.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail has ups, downs, and stairs. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential for navigating the terrain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Ram Head Trail's stunning, unobstructed ocean views and unique cacti. While the hike is generally not too difficult, the intense summer heat and lack of shade are significant challenges. Many recommend an early morning start and appreciate the refreshing bay swim at the end. The historical market site adds an interesting layer to the experience.
"Amazing views! Hike isn’t too tough, but the heat in summer is brutal. Luckily you can cool off in the bay at the bottom of the hike back."
Dylan Hardy
"The trail was fun to do with multiple amazing beach views. My best spot was up in the top where you inbetween the two big body of water and it’s very windy."
Najlaa Ibrahim
"Awesome hike. Beautiful beaches. Not too hard. Do it in the morning so you don’t get beaten by the sun."
Girish Ghimire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the public bus from Cruz Bay to Salt Pond, which is the last stop. From there, you'll have a trek to the trailhead.
Yes, there is a parking area near the start of the trail, though it can fill up.
The trail is located on St. John, and the closest main hub is Cruz Bay.
While you can take a bus from Cruz Bay towards the trail, it's not a direct walk. The bus to Salt Pond is the recommended public transport option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ram Head Trail is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, so an entrance fee may apply depending on your park access. Check the official NPS website for current fees.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check with the National Park Service for any specific restrictions.
As part of the Virgin Islands National Park, there might be an entrance fee. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information on fees and passes.
While the trail is generally open during daylight hours, it's recommended to hike during cooler parts of the day, especially in summer.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered not too tough, with some stairs, ups, and downs. The main challenge is the heat and lack of shade in summer.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Salt Pond Bay area, which is near the trailhead.
Expect beautiful beaches, unique ram head cacti, and unobstructed panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands.
The hike is manageable for older children who are accustomed to walking. Be mindful of the heat and ensure they stay hydrated.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. The saddle area and the cobblestone beach also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and avoids harsh midday sun, making for better photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Parks. Always check the official Virgin Islands National Park regulations before flying a drone.
Social
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