Virgin Islands National Park

Yawzi Point Trail

easy FamiliesSnorkelersHistory Buffs
0.3 mi Distance
50 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type

What to Expect

This is the kind of trail that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with anything strenuous. Starting from the road between Great Lameshur and Little Lameshur bays, you wander barely a third of a mile through dry tropical forest dotted with century-old Danish colonial ruins — crumbling stone walls and foundations slowly being reclaimed by gumbo-limbo trees and cactus. The trail is mostly flat and well-defined, with rocky footing in spots but nothing that will slow you down. Side paths drop to small, secluded rocky beaches where you can slip into the water for some of the quietest snorkeling on St. John — no crowds, no boat traffic, just you and the reef. The point itself offers views across both bays that feel earned despite the minimal effort. Perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who wants a Caribbean hike that leaves energy for the beach.
FamiliesSnorkelersHistory BuffsEasy ExplorersPhotographers

Safety Advisory

The side trails to the beaches involve short, steep scrambles over loose rock — watch your footing, especially when wet. Coral cuts are no joke in tropical water, so avoid grabbing rocks barefoot.

There is virtually no shade on Yawzi Point itself. Even on a short trail, the Caribbean sun is relentless — slather on reef-safe sunscreen before you start, not after you are already cooking.

Trail Details

Distance 0.3 miles round-trip
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time 50 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Dogs allowed (leash required)
Season Year-round
Trailhead Yawzi Point Trail

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Bring snorkel gear — the side trail beaches offer calm, uncrowded entry points with better visibility than the main bays, especially in the morning before afternoon chop picks up.

Trail Tip

Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals rather than flip-flops. The rocky beach access trails are uneven coral rubble, and you will want traction both on land and entering the water.

Trail Tip

Linger at the stone ruins about halfway along the trail. Most hikers walk right past them, but the foundation layouts are remarkably intact and give you a tangible sense of what plantation-era life looked like on these hillsides.

Photos

Getting There

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1 campgrounds, 20 trails, 423K annual visitors

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