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Reef Bay Trail
The most popular hike on St. John, but far more fun if you can get a boat ride back at the end.
Plan Around Reef Bay Trail
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Reef Bay Trail Details
Reef Bay is a popular trail that descends 2.2 miles through the forest to the bay below. Many tackle this trail on a ranger-led hike ($40, check the calendar and reserve a spot at the visitor center) that includes transportation to the trailhead and a boat ride from the bay back to the visitor center, not to mention a fully narrated hike by an island expert. Others hike this trail with no guide but still arrange for a boat pickup to avoid the long uphill hike back from the bay. The first part of the trail is steep, but it grows easier after a half mile. You'll see waterfalls along the trail along with deer, lizards, and birds if you keep a watchful eye on the forest as you hike. Estate ruins sit just feet from the path, ready for exploring. At the 1.4-mile mark you'll reach a junction with two other trails. The shorter of the two is Petroglyph Trail, leading west; the longer, leading east, is Lameshur Bay Trail. From this junction, continue straight another 0.6 miles to the shore of Reef Bay. If you're not on a ranger-led hike or didn't make other arrangements, turn around and head back. It's uphill all the way and quite tough, so pace yourself. You'll find the Reef Bay Trailhead and a handful of parking spots on the south side of the road on Centerline Road, around five miles from Cruz Bay.
Difficulty
High
Distance
2.2 miles
Estimated time
2 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Reef Bay Trail
Compare nearby parks around Reef Bay Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Reef Bay Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Reef Bay Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.6 mi away
Lameshur Bay Trail
This hike connects the Reef Bay Trail to excellent snorkeling, and also provides access to ancient petroglyphs.
0.9 mi away
Europa Bay Trail
Two trails on either side of Europa Point -- both are worth the hike.
1.1 mi away
Lameshur Bay Trailhead
You'll have little problem finding parking at this trailhead.
1.1 mi away
Lameshur Bay Beach
Don't let the name fool you -- this place is sure to be anything but lame.
