Trail

Yawzi Point Trail

Trail
Yawzi 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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
150

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
150
Estimated Time
30–45 minutes if you're fit, 1 hour if you stop for views.
Trail Surface
Paved path transitioning to packed dirt and coral outcrop.
Trail Features
  • Caribbean Sea panoramas
  • Historic Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins
  • Coral outcrop formations
  • Seabird colonies (frigatebirds)
  • Trade wind exposure
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Annaberg Sugar Plantation Historic Site parking area, north end of St. John, US Virgin Islands.
Parking Lot Size
20–25 spaces at Annaberg trailhead.
Parking Fill Time
Full by 10 AM during peak season (December–April). Overflow available at adjacent lot (100 yards west).
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle required. Drive to Annaberg Sugar Plantation lot. Parking free with valid VINP pass or day-use fee ($8 per vehicle).

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
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.
Trail Status
Open year-round. No seasonal closures.
Seasonal Closures
None. Trail accessible 365 days. Occasional storm debris removal (1–2 day delays) during hurricane season (June–November).

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
No potable water on trail. Bring all water from Annaberg visitor center.
Accessibility
Paved path is wheelchair-accessible for first 0.3 miles. Beyond that: dirt, rocks, uneven footing. Not suitable for wheelchairs past mid-trail.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Sun exposure
  • Dehydration risk
  • Sharp coral and volcanic rock
  • Unprotected cliff edges (final 100 yards)
  • Trade wind gusts
Hazard Details
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).
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).
Crowd Level
Moderate to busy (especially Dec–April). Mornings quieter than afternoons.
Peak Crowd Times
11 AM–3 PM (midday sun seekers). Weekends busier than weekdays. Peak season: Dec 26–Jan 2, Presidents' Day weekend, Easter week.
Best Season
December–April (dry season, 70–80°F, calm seas). Peak crowds: late December, Presidents' Day, Easter.
Best Time To Visit
Early morning (6–7 AM) to beat crowds and heat. Trade-off: sunrise views vs. parking ease. Mid-morning (9–11 AM) balances comfort and solitude. Avoid midday (11 AM–3 PM)—full sun, little shade, dehydration risk peaks.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
North Shore, Annaberg Peninsula
Trail Markers
Well-maintained trail with occasional NPS blazes on trees/rocks. Path obvious. No risk of getting lost on main route.
Dogs Allowed
No. VINP regulations prohibit dogs on all trails.
Biking Allowed
No. Trail too narrow and uneven for bikes.
Shade Level
Minimal. Exposed grassland and open peninsula. No tree cover past Mile 0.5. Full sun dominates. Hat and sunscreen non-negotiable.
Emergency Contacts
VINP Emergency: 911. Non-emergency ranger dispatch: (340) 776-6201. Nearest clinic: Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, Cruz Bay (2.5 miles).
Map Recommended
0
Alltrails Link
www.alltrails.com
Snow Dates
N/A (tropical climate)
Mud Season
Rare. Wet-season rain (Sept–Nov) can create muddy sections; dry by next day.
Wildflower Peak
March–May (dry transition into wet season). Occasional orchids, wildflowers.
Fall Colors Peak
N/A (tropical vegetation, no deciduous trees)
Bug Season
Mosquitoes: June–November (wet season). Bring bug spray if visiting then. No-see-ums present year-round on exposed coastlines.
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.
Recent Updates
Trail resurfaced 2025 (paving upgraded). Restroom facilities renovated June 2024. No major closures expected 2026.
Family Friendly Notes
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.
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).
Review Summary
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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation

Plantation ruins, steep approach, flat walkways. 600 enslaved Africans' story. Windmill, quarters. 1-2 hours of reflection.

Caneel Hill Trail

Steep 1-mile uphill to island views. Rocky footing and grit required.

Francis Bay Trail

Easy boardwalk loop through mangrove salt pond. Birds, accessibility, tropical forest. 30-90 min, zero elevation. Hydrate hard.

Reef Bay Trail

Strenuous 3mi hike with 900ft gain to ancient petroglyphs and beach. Steep, rocky, slippery. Serious hikers only.

Sources

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

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.