10 Useful Tips for Hiking Ram Head Trail on St. John

Hiking Ram Head Trail is one of the most thrilling adventures in St. John, USVI. Be sure to consider these 10 useful tips before you begin your hike!

Virgin Islands National Park consists of many trails. So deciding which one you want to trek in is a taller task than you might think. After all, your time on St. John is limited and you want to maximize every minute you have.

If you only have time for one trail I recommend hiking Ram Head Trail or Reef Bay Trail. If you’re seeking panoramic views and a moderately difficult trek, then Ram Head is your choice. However, if you’re seeking more flora, fauna, and history, then Reef Bay Trail is your choice.

They’re both extremely different from each other so be sure to read our article about Reef Bay Trail and watch our video of the Reef Bay Hike. Once you’re done, you’ll have a better idea as to which trail is right for you and your group!

The rest of this article highlights 10 useful tips for hiking Ram Head Trail in Virgin Islands National Park. Watch our video below to know what to expect before hiking and once you’ve decided to go, follow our tips for a successful day of Caribbean adventure!

Video: Hiking Ram Head Trail

Overview: Reef Bay Trail

Tips for Hiking Ram Head Trail

Planning a hiking day at Ram Head Trail? Consider these 10 useful tips before you go!

1. Know where to go and where to park

Starting out, it might be a bit confusing where to park to hike Ram Head Trail. Signage on St. John sucks, and if I’m not mistaken, there’s no signage for Ram Head itself.

Park at the Salt Pond Bay Trailhead. It’s a small gravel parking lot with parking extending into the street on busy days. The parking lot is past Coral Bay – so if you’re staying in Cruz Bay or St. Thomas, it’ll likely take you at least 35 minutes to get there.

2. Start early

This is your warning: START THIS HIKE AS EARLY AS YOU CAN! No matter the time of year, by midday, Ram Head Trail is HOT. The Caribbean sun beats down on this trek like no other. And with very little tree cover, you’re in for a sweaty one.

So please, do yourself a favor and get there early!

3. Make a day out of it

Once descending from the parking lot onto Salt Pond Bay Beach, you’re going to wish you brought beach attire. So that’s why I’m telling you now: bring beach gear with you!

Salt Pond Bay Beach is stunning. The white sand eases into the crystal blue water creating a postcard image of the Caribbean. Not to mention, Salt Pond Bay is an awesome bay for snorkeling.

Hike? Snorkel? Beach? Sounds like you need to make a day out of visiting Ram Head Trail in Virgin Islands National Park.

4. Hike Drunk Bay Trail

One of the best parts about hiking Ram Head Trail is the two-for-one deal at the trailhead. Trekkers can easily extend their hiking time by roaming the Drunk Bay Trail before or after ascending Ram Head Peak.

5. Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen

6. Look out for Sea Turtles in Salt Pond Bay

If you’ve spent any amount of time at any of the beaches of St. John (or St. Thomas, for that matter) you might have realized sea turtles are a common sighting. Well, Salt Pond Bay is no exception.

That’s why, if we hike in St. John we always bring a travel snorkel set. Because chances are you’ll have some amazing opportunities to snorkel with some pretty cool creatures!

7. Understand the history of Salt Pond

Salt ponds are an important natural feature in temperate and tropical climates. They serve as a buffer zone between land and sea catching pollutants before they enter the ocean. You’ll see salt ponds throughout the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean more broadly – oftentimes associated with a nearby beach and mangrove ecosystem.

The salt pond at Salt Pond Bay before Ram Head Trail is unique. During the dry summer months, the water evaporates leaving large chunks of sea salt along the edges of the pond. With a sift and bucket, it’s easy to filter and clean the salt to take home and make use of it! How cool, right?!

8. Pack plenty of water

As I mentioned, Ram Head Trail enjoys little to no tree cover. It’s a hot, sunny trail. That’s why it’s so important to pack plenty of water.

But to top it off, there is no source of fresh water before or after the trail. So even with the water you bring, you’ll have no way of adding more. So be sure to pack extra water for your hike.

9. Catch the sunrise in the winter months

During the winter months, the sun rises directly eastward over the British Virgin Islands – making the event one of the most beautiful sunrises in all of the Caribbean.

10. Bring a map

Ram Head Trail is within Virgin Islands National Park. I never enter the National Park without this handy adventure map from National Geographic. It lists all the trails, snorkel spots, and beaches plus neat information on the flora, fauna, and various ecosystems you might encounter throughout the park.

FAQs of Hiking Ram Head Trail

How long is the Ram Head hike?

The Ram Head hike is about 1.1 miles each way. The trail is an out-and-back, so your total travel distance will be around 2.2 miles.

How do I get to Ram Head Trail, St. John?

You’ll find the trailhead to Ram Head Trail, St. John by driving to and parking at the gravel lot of Salt Pond Bay Beach. You’ll find the entrance along the south side of the road after passing through Coral Bay. After hiking down to Salt Pond Bay, you’ll find the sign for Ram Head Trail on the south side of the beach.

Where is Salt Pond Bay?

Salt Pond Bay on St. John is on the south side of the island. You can access the beach via boat or by hiking down the Salt Pond Bay Trail.

How long is the hike to Salt Pond Bay?

The hike to Salt Pond Bay is a short trail along a dirt road that’s only .2 miles long. Once you reach Salt Pond Bay, you’ll have the option of continuing your hike to Ram Head Trail or Drunk Bay Trail.