Yawzi Point Trail

Q: Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Yes, if you're cautious. Ranger patrols every 2–3 hours. Crowds helpful (witnesses). Avoid solo hikes at dusk or during wet season (Jun–Nov) when visibility drops. Tell someone your plan.

Q: Do I need special gear?

No technical gear needed. Bring: 1L water, sunscreen (50+ SPF), hat, sturdy shoes (reef-safe soles). Trekking poles optional. Camera for the payoff.

Q: How fit do I need to be?

Very low fitness required. 1 mile, 150 ft elevation, mostly flat. The challenge is sun/heat, not terrain. Kids and seniors complete it regularly.

Q: When is the best time to visit?

December–April (dry, 70–80°F, calm seas). Early morning (6–8 AM) beats afternoon heat and crowds. Avoid midday (11 AM–3 PM)—full sun, little water access.

Q: Can I swim at the trail end?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Rocky outcrop with sharp coral, strong currents, and drop-offs. Snorkel at Annaberg Beach (0.3 miles north) instead—safer, clearer water.

Distance

1 mi

Elevation Gain

150 ft

Est. Time

30–45 minutes if you're fit, 1 hour if you stop for views.

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

December–April (dry season, 70–80°F, calm seas). Peak crowds: late December, Presidents' Day, Easter.

Overview

About This Trail

Yawzi Point Trail delivers panoramic water views with minimal sweat. This 1-mile coastal walk crosses restored grassland to a peninsula overlook where the Caribbean stretches 360 degrees. The payoff is immediate and constant—no false summits. Easy enough for families, yet tactical positioning at trail's end captures unfiltered Atlantic exposure.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

The peninsula's end (Mile 1.0) is the payoff: unobstructed 360° water views, islands visible on clear days (Tortola, Virgin Gorda). Seabirds glide overhead. The exposed rocky point is the Instagram shot—safe if you respect edges.

Insider Tips

• The "secret" viewpoint: At Mile 0.8, scramble 15 feet left off trail to rocky outcrop for protected alcove and better angle on Tortola and beyond. • Best light: 6–7 AM (golden hour, no crowds, cooler temp). • Combine with Annaberg snorkel (30 minutes) or Sugar Plantation ruins walk (45 minutes) for a full half-day. • Parking hack: If main lot full, loop back to road and check overflow lot 100 yards west—often empty.

Best Season to Hike

December–April (dry season, 70–80°F, calm seas). Peak crowds: late December, Presidents' Day, Easter.

Hiking Tips

Carry 1L water minimum—Caribbean sun burns fast on exposed peninsula.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen (50+ SPF). Reapply after 90 minutes.
Start early to secure parking at Annaberg Sugar Plantation lot (2 miles north).
Trekking poles optional but useful for rocky outcrop scramble at trail's end.
Wear sturdy shoes—coral and volcanic rock are sharp.

Family Info

Excellent for kids 5+. Under 5: manageable in stroller to Mile 0.3, then carry. Final 0.3 miles: uneven, open edges—adult hand-holding mandatory. Shade breaks: sit at Annaberg ruins (0.2 miles out) before committing to exposed peninsula.

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise the views and ease; the complaint is crowds and lack of shade. Parents love the short distance and accessibility. Avid hikers call it a "scenic warm-up," not a challenge.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1 miles

Elevation Gain: 150 ft

Duration: 30–45 minutes if you're fit, 1 hour if you stop for views.

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Paved path transitioning to packed dirt and coral outcrop.

Getting There

Trailhead: Annaberg Sugar Plantation Historic Site parking area, north end of St. John, US Virgin Islands.

Parking: 20–25 spaces at Annaberg trailhead.

Fills Up: Full by 10 AM during peak season (December–April). Overflow available at adjacent lot (100 yards west).

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits needed. VINP day-use pass ($8/vehicle, $4 pedestrian) valid for 7 days.

Fees: $8 per vehicle (7-day pass) or $4 pedestrian entry.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle required. Drive to Annaberg Sugar Plantation lot. Parking free with valid VINP pass or day-use fee ($8 per vehicle).

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. VINP regulations prohibit dogs on all trails.

Biking: No. Trail too narrow and uneven for bikes.

Trail Markers: Well-maintained trail with occasional NPS blazes on trees/rocks. Path obvious. No risk of getting lost on main route.

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No potable water on trail. Bring all water from Annaberg visitor center.

Shade: Minimal. Exposed grassland and open peninsula. No tree cover past Mile 0.5. Full sun dominates. Hat and sunscreen non-negotiable.

Cell Service: Unreliable. Verizon/AT&T spotty at trailhead; worse on peninsula. Emergency: ranger patrol every 2–3 hours or nearest ranger station (Annaberg visitor center, 0.25 miles).

Hazards:

Full sun over 0.5+ miles with zero shade—dehydration happens fast. Final 100 yards have 15–20 foot unprotected drop-offs to ocean. Winds strong; unstable footing on loose rock. No guardrails. Slippery when wet (rare but possible after rain).

Emergency: VINP Emergency: 911. Non-emergency ranger dispatch: (340) 776-6201. Nearest clinic: Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, Cruz Bay (2.5 miles).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to busy (especially Dec–April). Mornings quieter than afternoons.

Peak Times: 11 AM–3 PM (midday sun seekers). Weekends busier than weekdays. Peak season: Dec 26–Jan 2, Presidents' Day weekend, Easter week.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Paved path is wheelchair-accessible for first 0.3 miles. Beyond that: dirt, rocks, uneven footing. Not suitable for wheelchairs past mid-trail.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Annaberg visitor center (restrooms, water, shade, gift shop). Coral Reef Underwater Park (snorkeling, 0.5 miles east). Annaberg Beach (swimming, 0.3 miles north).

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise the views and ease; the complaint is crowds and lack of shade. Parents love the short distance and accessibility. Avid hikers call it a "scenic warm-up," not a challenge.

FAQs

Can I bring my dog?

No. VINP regulations prohibit dogs on all trails. Check Coral Reef Underwater Park for pet policies if you want alternatives.

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Do I need special gear?

How fit do I need to be?

When is the best time to visit?

Can I swim at the trail end?

📖 National Park Service — Yawzi Point Trail (official page) (checked 2026-07-08) 📖 National Park Service — Virgin Islands National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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