Trek to Paradise: the Magens Bay Hiking Trail

The Magens Bay hiking trail is a can’t miss trailhead while visiting Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands!

Hiking in Saint Thomas

I must admit, hiking in Saint John is epic and almost incomparable to other spots in the Virgin Islands. But that’s not to say you can’t find some fabulous hikes elsewhere. In fact, the island you likely flew into has some hidden gems of its own.

The first being a little-known pathway to Saint Thomas’ most famous beach: Magens Bay.

Magens Bay Hiking Trail

The only reason we found this trail was by prodding our way around on Google Maps while looking for things to do in our new home (we moved to Saint Thomas in August of 2021*)

In fact, Google Maps was the only navigation system we found with any reference to the trail at all. So after reading this guide, when you’re looking for the trailhead to Magens Bay, we highly recommend using Google Maps to find your way!

Magens Bay Nature Trail FAQ

How to find the trailhead

The most difficult part of the day is finding the dang trailhead. It’s unmarked with no signage whatsoever along Magens Bay Road.

While you’re driving, as if you were headed to Magens Bay, you’ll find the entrance on your left – be sure to go slow as you approach because it comes up quick. Coming up to the entrance, you’ll see two sloping dirt roads back to back. These roads lead to the same place: the trailhead.

If you’re driving a low riding vehicle, use the entrance farther to the east (the second on the left if headed towards Magens Bay). This is extremely important – the westernmost entrance has a massive drop off that will bottom out your car. However, if you’re using a SUV or truck, you shouldn’t have to worry.

Trekking the Magens Bay Hiking Trail

The trail itself is a relatively steep descent until you reach the mountain’s base about 2/3 the way into the hike. You’ll step over fallen trees traverse rocky surfaces, and even hop down from boulder to boulder. At some points, a line is strung along for safe climbing.

Remember, the difficult part is on your way back – after you’ve enjoyed your time at Magens Bay. However, if you’d like to do the hike in reverse and climb first, you can find the trailhead by following the “Nature Trail” signs throughout the park.

All in all, the hike is challenging, a good work out and sweat-worthy. That’s not to say you can’t take your toddler on the hike – they’ll sweat and work but it’ll be worth it in the end! All beginner and intermediate hikers should be able to complete the trek in about an hour!

QUICK FACTS: Magens Bay Trailhead

And for those of you still here, here’s some quick facts about the area for your hiking enjoyment:

• MANAGEMENT: The Magens Bay Hiking trail is apart of the larger Magens Bay Preserve – a wildlife protection area co-owned by the Nature Conservancy, USVI government, and Magens Bay Authority.
• SIZE: The area of the preserve encompasses nearly 319 acres of natural forest and coastal ecosystem.
• PLANTS: As of 2004, the Nature Conservancy documented 116 different types of plant species within the preserve.
• ARBORETUM: Part of the reason the preserve is so diverse was due to a man named Arthur S. Fairchild. Fairchild bought the property in 1927 and established an arboretum where he collected and planted rare seeds from all over the world.

Enjoy your hike and let us know if you have any questions!