John Brewer’s Rock: Hiking the Brewers Bay Trail on St. Thomas
Reading Time: 7 minutes Offering one of the most scenic views on the island, hiking the Brewers Bay Trail to John Brewers Rock in St Thomas is well worth your time and effort!
Quality hiking trails are sparse around St Thomas, especially when compared to its neighbor, St John. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few hidden routes throughout the US Virgin Island.
The Nature Trail at Magens Bay is one. But our favorite might just be the hike to John Brewers Rock near Brewers Bay.
By far, it’s been the most challenging hike we’ve found on St Thomas, and even then, it wouldn’t be too difficult for experienced hikers. Honestly, I’d consider it the right amount of challenge for any level of hiker.
And once you’re done with your hike, if you have enough energy, be sure to cool off and enjoy some snorkeling in Brewers Bay!
VIDEO: Hiking the Brewer’s Bay Trail
Just see for yourself:
Quick Answers: Hike to John Brewer’s Rock
Moderate to advanced.
Mostly rocky with many boulders you’ll have to climb.
45 minutes to an hour one-way. Allot at least 2 hours after parking and enjoying the view.
Across the street from the abandoned building on Brewer’s Bay. To the right, you’ll find the entrance and trailhead.
Anywhere along Brewer’s Bay Rd. There’s a roped-off driveway that we like to park in front of as it sees less foot traffic than the street itself (see map below)
Yes, it is! It’s absolutely stunning, especially on a clear day.
Certainly not one like legend has told. At the bottom of the hike is a cave-like structure with a former fort/homeless encampment on the inside. I wouldn’t dare go inside, though.
Brewers Bay Trail: Everything You Need to Know
Where to park
Anywhere along Brewers Bay Rd is good for parking. However, we like to park at the entrance of a roped-off driveway close to the trailhead.
The driveway sees less foot traffic than the main road, thus decreasing the chance of any unwanted break-ins. Regardless, it’s advised you don’t leave any valuables in your car!
How to find the trailhead
Heading west on Brewers Bay Rd, you’ll notice an abandoned building between the road and bay. This is the former sugar factory belonging to John Brewers’ Estate and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Once you find the sugar mill, look directly across the street and to the right of another abandoned building (a former animal mill). You’ll see the entrance nestled amongst the trees.
🌴 Want more hiking in St Thomas? Check out our article about hiking the Magens Bay Nature Trail.
Hiking the Brewers Bay Trail: What to Expect
- Time: the hike took us nearly 2 hours from start to finish while stopping for frequent water breaks and relaxing up top for a few minutes.
- Distance: honestly, I’m not entirely sure what the exact distance or elevation gain is. I’d say at least a mile one way.
- Difficulty: moderate to advanced. This hike is slightly more difficult than others on St Thomas.
- Terrain: technically, the path is a gut. Meaning, when it rains heavily, the water tends to flow down this path. As a result, the pathway is relatively dirt and sand free, but rather consists of large, smooth boulders. As you approach John Brewers Rock, the terrain slightly changes to dirt, indicating a diversion from the gut. This section of trail is accompandied with ropes to help your climb.
History of Estate Brewers Bay
According to historical documents, Estate Brewers Bay was once a sugar plantation owned by John Brewer. The property first appeared on a map in 1856.
The property was deeded to the University of Virgin Islands in 1968 by the US Federal Government. Not long after in 1978, the ruins of the old sugar factory and animal mill were listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
However, the designation does not come with funding to preserve the ruins, but rather enables the University to apply for certain grants.
For more on the topic, check out Bethaney Lee’s article at St Thomas Source.
Plants and Wildlife
Quick notes on what plants and wildlife you might encounter during your hike.
Land Hermit Crabs
You might think these little guys lost their way, but nope. They totally live this high up.
Land hermit crabs require access to both land and sea, yet often use puddles to wet their gills to survive.
Wild Pineapple
Many trails in the Caribbean are lined with wild pineapple as the plant was once used on sugar plantations as fencing.
The prickly nature of the leaves deterred animals or intruders from entering the property – an economical alternative to proper fencing.
Jack Spaniard Wasps
Hike with caution when you hear some buzzing in the Caribbean. Oftentimes, it’s a team of Jack Spaniard Wasps flying about.
These suckers hurt, badly, and are frequently spotted protecting their hive underneath a variety of plants along an island hike.
Gumbo Limbo
AKA, the “tourist tree” due to its red-toned bark peeling from the trunk (much like a sunburnt tourist’s skin).
Gumbo Limbo is endemic to tropical regions in the Western Atlantic. The resin on the inside is useful as a strong adhesive or glue.
Hiking in the USVI: Packing List
Hydro Flask
Drinking fountains just aren’t a thing around these islands.
Travel Day Pack
A bag for day trips that can easily be stored in your suitcase.
Treaded Hiking Shoes
Treaded bottom for maximal grip on boulders, yet lightweight enough for travel and warm climates.
First Aid Kit
Emergency responders would take a long time to arrive on most USVI hiking trails.
Rain Gear
Sporadic rain storms commonly blow off the Caribbean Sea.
Stream2Sea Reef Safe Sunscreen
*Use Coupon Code “OceanWide” at checkout to receive 10% off at Stream2Sea*
Enjoy this Post? Pin it!
Check out the Brewers Bay Hiking Trail on Youtube!
Read More About the Virgin Islands!
We hope you enjoyed our post on hiking the Brewer’s Bay Nature Trail. Hopefully, you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more ocean-loving articles we think you should read next:
- 13 Unforgettable Adventures to Experience in Puerto Rico
- 11 Best Snorkeling Spots on St. Thomas, USVI
- VIDEO: Cleaning the Mangroves of Coral Bay, St. John
- How to Ship a Car to the US Virgin Islands
- 11 Considerations When Moving to the Virgin Islands
Have you been to Brewers Bay before? Or have you done other hikes on St Thomas? Let us know your favorite below!
