St John Sunrise Hike: Ram Head Trail
Are you looking for an epic hike in St. John USVI? Why not make it a St. John sunrise hike on Ram Head Trail! Sunrise hikes aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when I think of a relaxing Caribbean vacation, but trust me this is worth it! There’s something a bit magical about watching the world come to life as the sun’s first rays peek above the horizon. Combine that with one of my favorite destinations and voila – you have a special moment to remember!
Are you ready to embark on a sunrise hike along the Ram Head Trail in breathtaking St. John, US Virgin Islands? Here’s what you can expect: a dark start, the sounds of waves crashing, and a refreshing ocean breeze as you set off. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the east end of St. John. The sun will show off a little. And in the distance, you’ll catch a glimpse of the British Virgin Islands.
My daughter Haley is the serious hiker of the family, so I have to give her props for pushing for a sunrise hike. I did have some serious doubts about whether waking up at 4 a.m. and hiking a few miles in the dark would be worth it. But spoiler: it was!
A Dark START
We were staying in Cruz Bay, so we needed to wake up early enough to make the drive across the island to Coral Bay, and the Ram Head Trailhead. The trail is located at Salt Pond Bay, so you will park in that lot.
Stating the obvious, but just a reminder a sunrise hike requires you to begin in the dark. We used the flashlights on our phones, but a flashlight or headlamp would have been handy. There was not another person in sight. We beat all of the crowds. As we crossed on the shoreline of Salt Pond Bay the moonlight was just bright enough for us to see the outline of a few moored boats. As we reached the summit of Ram Head (just a little over 1.2 miles from where we began, the sky shifted from dark to a palette of warm hues.
The Hike Itself
The Ram Head Trail is picturesque with a little bit of everything: waves crashing, a rocky shoreline, beautiful trees, and lots of chirping birds. The hike is around 2.6 miles and less than 300 feet of elevation gain (which is all at the end as your approach the overlook). I found this to be a pretty easy hike. To enjoy your hike, wear proper footwear, bring water, a flashlight, a positive can-do attitude, and be smart about the time of day you choose to hike. If you hike in the middle of the day, in the heat, it’s going to be a lot tougher.
Escape the Crowds
One of the greatest perks of setting out on a St. John sunrise hike is the serene solitude you’ll enjoy. Unlike busier daytime trails, the early morning hours offer a peaceful ambiance. Walking along the seaside path, we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves and there for a bit we did. It was a perfect opportunity to connect with the natural beauty that St. John has to offer.
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Photographer’s Paradise
If you’re a photography enthusiast like us, the Ram Head Trail at sunrise is an absolute dream. We captured so many beautiful photos as the early rays cast a magical glow on everything. You can even see the British Virgin Islands off in the distance! So don’t forget to bring your camera– you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
A Few Hiking Tips
Watching the sunrise from Ram Head Trail isn’t just a fleeting moment; it’s an experience you’ll remember long after your hike. However, I would be remiss not to mention a few safety tips. For your safety, always tell someone where you’ll be going to hike, or better yet- take a buddy. After all, you are starting your hike in the dark. Finally, it’s worth mentioning again- wear proper footwear, bring water, and don’t forget your camera.
St John Sunrise Hike – Final Thoughts
I know it’s so easy to be on the go, go, go, but it’s never a bad idea to slow down and soak it all in. A St John sunrise hike at the Ram Head Trail is the perfect way to enjoy something special. From the breathtaking views to the sense of solitude, a sunrise hike on Ram Head Trail is an experience worth waking up for. So, lace up your hiking shoes, down a cup of coffee, and prepare to be amazed as you welcome a new day on St. John.
