Hiking Trails on Saba
Please remember:
For your safety, whenever you go out hiking please sign out and in on our at Juliana's Hotel front desk.
We also have hiking sticks available in our courtyard at Juliana's Hotel.
For your safety, whenever you go out hiking please sign out and in on our at Juliana's Hotel front desk.
We also have hiking sticks available in our courtyard at Juliana's Hotel.
Banana Gut Trail
(Difficulty: Easy)
10 minutes one-way from the Harry L. Johnson Museum to the Trail Shop (or vice versa)
An easy and short little walk which brings you through a valley filled with breadfruit trees.
Make sure to stop by the Trail shop to buy some keepsakes, guide books etc, the Trail shop is ran by the Saba Conservation Foundation, which maintains and manages Saba’s trails.
10 minutes one-way from the Harry L. Johnson Museum to the Trail Shop (or vice versa)
An easy and short little walk which brings you through a valley filled with breadfruit trees.
Make sure to stop by the Trail shop to buy some keepsakes, guide books etc, the Trail shop is ran by the Saba Conservation Foundation, which maintains and manages Saba’s trails.
Mt. Scenery Trail
(Difficulty: Strenuous)
1 ½ Hours one-way.
The most popular hike on the island, but also the most strenuous. The steps lead through rainforest with giant elephant ears, tree ferns, mountain palms and a variety of Heliconias. No guarantee for a view at the top as it is frequently in the clouds. Two side tracks near the top allow entry into the magical atmosphere of the cloud forest with its large Mountain Mahogany trees and hanging mosses.
1 ½ Hours one-way.
The most popular hike on the island, but also the most strenuous. The steps lead through rainforest with giant elephant ears, tree ferns, mountain palms and a variety of Heliconias. No guarantee for a view at the top as it is frequently in the clouds. Two side tracks near the top allow entry into the magical atmosphere of the cloud forest with its large Mountain Mahogany trees and hanging mosses.
Crispeen Track
(Difficulty: Moderate)
60 Minutes one-way from Mt. Scenery trailhead to The Bottom (or vice versa; can also be accessed from St. John’s or Ecolodge Rendez-Vous).
Path leads through rainforest, agricultural land at Rendez-Vous, and dry forest, joining the main road just above The Bottom, Saba’s capital. Part of the trail is the historic step “road” that formerly connected the villages.
60 Minutes one-way from Mt. Scenery trailhead to The Bottom (or vice versa; can also be accessed from St. John’s or Ecolodge Rendez-Vous).
Path leads through rainforest, agricultural land at Rendez-Vous, and dry forest, joining the main road just above The Bottom, Saba’s capital. Part of the trail is the historic step “road” that formerly connected the villages.
Bottom Mountain Trail
(Difficulty: Difficult)
60 Minutes one-way from Mt. Scenery trailhead to The Bottom (or vice versa; can also be accessed from St. John’s or Ecolodge Rendez-Vous).
Hike through lush rainforest and a few farm plots, with excellent views of the villages of St. John’s and The Bottom, and of the ocean. The second half of the trail goes down steeply towards Queen’s Gardens Resort, where it’s just a short walk to reach The Bottom.
60 Minutes one-way from Mt. Scenery trailhead to The Bottom (or vice versa; can also be accessed from St. John’s or Ecolodge Rendez-Vous).
Hike through lush rainforest and a few farm plots, with excellent views of the villages of St. John’s and The Bottom, and of the ocean. The second half of the trail goes down steeply towards Queen’s Gardens Resort, where it’s just a short walk to reach The Bottom.
Bud’s Mountain Trail
(Difficulty: Moderate)
30 Minutes one-way from the Bottom Mountain Trail.
An easy and pleasant walk similar to the Bottom Mountain Trail, but at higher elevation. It branches off the Bottom Mountain Trail not far from Rendez-Vous, passes through a farm plot in the middle of the rainforest with abundant tree ferns, and connects to the Mount Scenery Trail.
30 Minutes one-way from the Bottom Mountain Trail.
An easy and pleasant walk similar to the Bottom Mountain Trail, but at higher elevation. It branches off the Bottom Mountain Trail not far from Rendez-Vous, passes through a farm plot in the middle of the rainforest with abundant tree ferns, and connects to the Mount Scenery Trail.
Dancing Place Trail
(Difficulty: Easy)
20 Minutes one-way from the Monument to The Road That Couldn’t Be Built.
An easy and pleasant walk following the old step road. The most recent of Saba’s Trails with an outstanding view of Giles Quarter.
20 Minutes one-way from the Monument to The Road That Couldn’t Be Built.
An easy and pleasant walk following the old step road. The most recent of Saba’s Trails with an outstanding view of Giles Quarter.
Mas’ Cohone’s (Maskehorne) Hill Trail
(Difficulty: Moderate)
20 Minutes one-way from Mt. Scenery trailhead.
This is a short hike through typical rainforest vegetation with a great view of the village of Windwardside. An excellent substitute for those who don’t want to negotiate the 1,064 steps to the top but still enjoy a good view while the top of the mountain is in the clouds.
20 Minutes one-way from Mt. Scenery trailhead.
This is a short hike through typical rainforest vegetation with a great view of the village of Windwardside. An excellent substitute for those who don’t want to negotiate the 1,064 steps to the top but still enjoy a good view while the top of the mountain is in the clouds.
Sandy Cruz Trail
(Difficulty: Difficult)
2½ Hours one-way from the Upper Hell’s Gate trailhead to Troy Hill.
This hike offers the greatest variation of island landscape and vegetation. It leads through lush rainforest, steep ravines, small farm plots, and towards the Troy Hill end through well-developed dry forest. It offers spectacular views of Torrens Point, Diamond Rock, the North Coast and the airport. At Troy Hill hikers can connect with the Bottom Hill Trail to Rendez-Vous and Windwardside (add 45-60 minutes).
2½ Hours one-way from the Upper Hell’s Gate trailhead to Troy Hill.
This hike offers the greatest variation of island landscape and vegetation. It leads through lush rainforest, steep ravines, small farm plots, and towards the Troy Hill end through well-developed dry forest. It offers spectacular views of Torrens Point, Diamond Rock, the North Coast and the airport. At Troy Hill hikers can connect with the Bottom Hill Trail to Rendez-Vous and Windwardside (add 45-60 minutes).
National Park Trails
(Difficulty: Difficult)
2½ Hours one-way from Upper Hell‘s Gate to Lower Hell’s Gate trailhead.
This hike follows the first part of the Sandy Cruz trail, connects with the All Too Far Trail and The North Coast Trail and then down to the Sulphur Mine. Over a 2-hour time span, hikers will experience the transition from rainforest to dry forest to dry scrub vegetation. It offers spectacular ocean views, abundant seabirds near the Sulphur Mine. It is not currently recommended to explore the old mine itself. The North Coast Trail portion requires a guide.
2½ Hours one-way from Upper Hell‘s Gate to Lower Hell’s Gate trailhead.
This hike follows the first part of the Sandy Cruz trail, connects with the All Too Far Trail and The North Coast Trail and then down to the Sulphur Mine. Over a 2-hour time span, hikers will experience the transition from rainforest to dry forest to dry scrub vegetation. It offers spectacular ocean views, abundant seabirds near the Sulphur Mine. It is not currently recommended to explore the old mine itself. The North Coast Trail portion requires a guide.
North Coast Trail
(Difficulty: Strenuous)
4 Hours one-way from Lower Hell’s Gate to Wells Bay.
Note: Guided Tour ONLY at $60 for 3 persons.
Spectacular ocean vistas, steep ravines, dry forest and rainforest, and ruins of the abandoned village of Mary’s Point. This trail requires a guide, as the path is not always visible and edges closely to steep ravines and cliffs. DO NOT UNDERTAKE WITHOUT A GUIDE!
4 Hours one-way from Lower Hell’s Gate to Wells Bay.
Note: Guided Tour ONLY at $60 for 3 persons.
Spectacular ocean vistas, steep ravines, dry forest and rainforest, and ruins of the abandoned village of Mary’s Point. This trail requires a guide, as the path is not always visible and edges closely to steep ravines and cliffs. DO NOT UNDERTAKE WITHOUT A GUIDE!
The Ladder
(Difficulty: Strenuous)
40 Minutes one-way.
Old step road from The Bottom down to Ladder Bay through dry forest. Until 1970 cargo was carried up these steps from vessels anchored in Ladder Bay.
40 Minutes one-way.
Old step road from The Bottom down to Ladder Bay through dry forest. Until 1970 cargo was carried up these steps from vessels anchored in Ladder Bay.
Flat Point (Tide pools) Trail
(Difficulty: easy or strenuous, depending on your choice)
30 minutes or 90 minutes, depending on your choice.
You can choose between a short and easy hike along the ruins of a historic sugar cane boiling house and with beautiful vistas of the surrounding islands and the ocean below, or for a scramble over rocks to go down to the tide pools full of marine life.
30 minutes or 90 minutes, depending on your choice.
You can choose between a short and easy hike along the ruins of a historic sugar cane boiling house and with beautiful vistas of the surrounding islands and the ocean below, or for a scramble over rocks to go down to the tide pools full of marine life.
Spring Bay Trail
(Difficulty: strenuous)
2 to 2 ½ hours.
A hike through dry forest and open terrain (make sure you have sun protection and water) with lots of views. The area is the site of a former sugar cane plantation and an Amerindian settlement. You can do some beach combing once you get down to the ocean, then climb up Kelbey’s Ridge and join the main road just above the airport.
2 to 2 ½ hours.
A hike through dry forest and open terrain (make sure you have sun protection and water) with lots of views. The area is the site of a former sugar cane plantation and an Amerindian settlement. You can do some beach combing once you get down to the ocean, then climb up Kelbey’s Ridge and join the main road just above the airport.
Sulfur Mine Trail
(Difficulty: moderate)
45 minutes round trip.
The trail starts at the end of the paved road in Lower Hellsgate and leads through the lower portion of the National Park. Highlights are the spectacular views, the seabirds on and near Green Island, and, of course, the abandoned Sulfur Mine. Exploring the mine is not recommended.
45 minutes round trip.
The trail starts at the end of the paved road in Lower Hellsgate and leads through the lower portion of the National Park. Highlights are the spectacular views, the seabirds on and near Green Island, and, of course, the abandoned Sulfur Mine. Exploring the mine is not recommended.
Elfin Forest Trail
(Difficulty: strenuous)
One hour till it intersects with the Mt. Scenery trail
This trail branches off the Sandy Cruz trail at about 20 minutes from the Upper Hellsgate trailhead. It offers the possibility to climb the mountain from the Northeast and descend on the other side along the Mt. Scenery trail. It leads through virgin cloud forest near the top and through the Central Valley of the volcano with huge banana trees.
One hour till it intersects with the Mt. Scenery trail
This trail branches off the Sandy Cruz trail at about 20 minutes from the Upper Hellsgate trailhead. It offers the possibility to climb the mountain from the Northeast and descend on the other side along the Mt. Scenery trail. It leads through virgin cloud forest near the top and through the Central Valley of the volcano with huge banana trees.
Tara Ground Trail
(Difficulty: easy)
45 minutes from the Bottom Mountain Trail to Crispeen
A pleasant walk through well-developed secondary forest with lots of Mango trees and Mammee apple trees near the turn-off from the Bottom Mountain Trail. The last section of the hike is along the old step road from The Bottom to Crispeen.
45 minutes from the Bottom Mountain Trail to Crispeen
A pleasant walk through well-developed secondary forest with lots of Mango trees and Mammee apple trees near the turn-off from the Bottom Mountain Trail. The last section of the hike is along the old step road from The Bottom to Crispeen.
Parish Hill Trail
(Difficulty: moderate)
1 ½ hours round trip
This hike leads from the Fort Gut across one of the younger volcanic domes above The Bottom. The landscape is generally arid but the flat top of the dome is densely wooded. A separate trail allows you to circumnavigate the top and offers great views of The Bottom. You can descend on the other side towards the hospital.
1 ½ hours round trip
This hike leads from the Fort Gut across one of the younger volcanic domes above The Bottom. The landscape is generally arid but the flat top of the dome is densely wooded. A separate trail allows you to circumnavigate the top and offers great views of The Bottom. You can descend on the other side towards the hospital.
Middle Island Trail
(Difficulty: moderate)
1 ½ hours round trip
This is a historic footpath below the Wells Bay Road, leading from The Bottom to the Wells Bay area, and reopened in 2012. You will find old cisterns, charcoal pits, remains of foundations and retaining walls.
1 ½ hours round trip
This is a historic footpath below the Wells Bay Road, leading from The Bottom to the Wells Bay area, and reopened in 2012. You will find old cisterns, charcoal pits, remains of foundations and retaining walls.
Mary’s Point Trail
(Difficulty: moderate)
1 ½ hours round trip
A hike into history to the abandoned settlement of Mary’s Point. You will find old cisterns, foundations and glass or china shards. The village was evacuated in 1934 because of safety concerns and both people and houses were moved to an area in The Bottom called The Promised Land. The trail was completely rebuilt with log steps and a railing in 2018.
1 ½ hours round trip
A hike into history to the abandoned settlement of Mary’s Point. You will find old cisterns, foundations and glass or china shards. The village was evacuated in 1934 because of safety concerns and both people and houses were moved to an area in The Bottom called The Promised Land. The trail was completely rebuilt with log steps and a railing in 2018.
Giles Quarter Trail
(Difficulty: moderate to difficult)
2 ½ hours
Starting from the Lambee monument on the main road, you hike down to a large lone Tamarind tree, all through dry goat territory. You will find the Hole in the Corner well and then follow a dirt road along the shore to Fort Bay Harbor. Beware of the poisonous manchioneeel trees. The leaves may cause severe burns.
2 ½ hours
Starting from the Lambee monument on the main road, you hike down to a large lone Tamarind tree, all through dry goat territory. You will find the Hole in the Corner well and then follow a dirt road along the shore to Fort Bay Harbor. Beware of the poisonous manchioneeel trees. The leaves may cause severe burns.
Hiking & Diving Warnings
Saba’s highest mountain, Mt. Scenery, provides a beautiful view of the island and surrounding Caribbean Sea. However, if you are a diver, remember the lessons you learned during your certification. Schedule your trip up Mt. Scenery in the morning before your dive, NOT in the afternoon after diving. Climbing Mt. Scenery after a morning dive is not without risk. The top of the mountain has an altitude of almost 3000 feet above sea level and strenuous activity is needed to get there & back. Both altitude and activity are potential factors in bringing on decompression sickness after diving. If you are a diver, please consider climbing Mt. Scenery only if your dive tables or dive computer say that it is okay for you to fly.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
FOR YOUR SAFETY, WHENEVER YOU GO OUT HIKING
PLEASE SIGN OUT AND IN ON OUR HIKING BOARD.
Saba’s highest mountain, Mt. Scenery, provides a beautiful view of the island and surrounding Caribbean Sea. However, if you are a diver, remember the lessons you learned during your certification. Schedule your trip up Mt. Scenery in the morning before your dive, NOT in the afternoon after diving. Climbing Mt. Scenery after a morning dive is not without risk. The top of the mountain has an altitude of almost 3000 feet above sea level and strenuous activity is needed to get there & back. Both altitude and activity are potential factors in bringing on decompression sickness after diving. If you are a diver, please consider climbing Mt. Scenery only if your dive tables or dive computer say that it is okay for you to fly.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
FOR YOUR SAFETY, WHENEVER YOU GO OUT HIKING
PLEASE SIGN OUT AND IN ON OUR HIKING BOARD.
|
Remember to pick up a hiking map from the Juliana's Front Desk to take along with you.
We can also schedule a guided hike. Just indicate which trail you’d like to take and the day you’d like to hike it. Books are available at both the Front Desk and The Trail Shop as plant and animal guides to the island trails. |