Guide to Hiking the Ram Head Trail in St John

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If you asked me to hike the Ram Head Trail on my first trip to St. John, I probably would have groaned. At the age of twenty-one, I hadn’t done much hiking before, and I couldn’t understand why anyone would trade lying on the beach for exercise. It’s now been almost ten years since my first visit, and thankfully I’ve discovered the wonders of hiking since then.

In fact, leading up to our most recent trip to St. John, it became apparent that hiking was a major aspect of the island we had majorly neglected. While we weren’t willing to trade too many beach days for hikes, we did set aside one dedicated morning. We decided on the Ram Head Trail, as it was a manageable distance and was supposed to have rewarding views.

We ended up being so glad that we made ourselves do this. As it turned out, the Ram Head Trail provided beautiful scenery that showed us a new side of St. John. For being such a small island, it never ceases to amaze me how we can learn something new on each trip.

If you are looking to hike on your next trip to St. John, but don’t want to sacrifice more than a couple hours, the Ram Head Trail is the perfect choice for you. Plus, you can even combine a beach day with it, if you so desire. Below I am providing what you need to know before this hike, as well as gorgeous photos that prove why this hike is so worthwhile.

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What You Need to Know About the Ram Head Trail in St John

Ram Head Trail – Quick Facts

• Length: 2.3 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate. I don’t recommend bringing children, as trail has some steep drops
• Time: 90 minutes on average
• Terrain: Rocky soil, with a short section along a rock beach
• Scenery: Beautiful turquoise water with views of St. John’s rocky South Shore and Salt Pond Beach. To the south, you can just make out St. Croix on the horizon.

What to Bring

You largely don’t need much in order to hike the Ram Head Trail in St. John. However, there are a few things you’ll want in order to have a comfortable and safe experience:

• Athletic apparel. I recommend breathable shorts and a T-shirt, as it gets hot.
• Hiking shoes would be ideal for the best traction. However, we wore regular sneakers and were fine.
• Hat to shade your face from the hot sun. Much of the trail provides very little shade.
• Sunscreen, as you’ll be exposed to the sun for much of the hike.
• Water bottle. We love our vacuum seal water bottles, as the water will stay ice cold for hours.
• Camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Cell phone in case you get lost (although this is unlikely)
• Swimsuit and towel if you want to swim when you’re done.

Many hikes on St. John also call for bug spray, but I don’t remember getting bitten up at all on this hike. And the mosquitoes are usually quite drawn to me.

Related: The Ultimate Caribbean Vacation Packing List (Carry-on Only)

How to Access the Ram Head Trail

To access the Ram Head trail, you’ll need to park at the entrance to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Follow a short, muddy trail about a quarter mile down to the water. You may even encounter a few cacti along your walk.

Eventually, the path will open up to a sparkling blue, crescent-shaped white sand beach.

Cross Salt Pond Bay Beach

The first time I ever visited Salt Pond Bay Beach, I was admittedly not impressed. It was the middle of the day, and the cloudy sky cast everything in a shade of gray.

However, this time we arrived mid-morning. The sun was shining in the sky, and the calm, shallow water reflected back bright shades of aqua and turquoise. The sea looked so inviting. The only thing that would deter me from spending the day here is the lack of shade.

You will need to cross the entirety of this beach to the end to continue towards the Ram Head Trail.

Check Out The Salt Pond

Before coming upon the Ram Head Trail, you will first pass the salt pond. This brown, swampy area may not be where you find the prettiest scenery on St. John, but it does play a role in St. John’s ecosystem.

Turn right at the Salt Pond to access the Ram Head Trail.

Observe the Ram Head From Afar

Whether you call it the Ram Head or Ram’s Head trail – I’ve seen it both ways – there is a reason the trail has this name. As you continue along the trail, eventually the end of the rocky peninsula jutting into the water will come into view. You can sort of see in the photo below that it’s shaped like the head of a ram.

This is, in fact, the destination you are hiking to before you turn back around on this windy path.

Pass a Pristine Rock Beach

A rock beach might not sound as inviting as a white sand beach, but they are every bit as beautiful. They are also the type of beaches where you will find the most solitude, since they aren’t ideal for sunbathing or bare feet.

I highly recommend taking a moment on this part of the hike to pause and take in the view for a moment. You’ll feel like you have St. John all to yourself.

Experience a More Rugged Side of St. John

There’s nothing like seeing the bright rocks of the Ram Head Trail against the blue sea. Rather than the gentle waves that lap up against the calm North Shore beaches, the waves on the South Shore can be a bit choppier, depending on the day. If you take your gaze east, you might even see the open waters of the Atlantic create waves that crash against the rocky cliffs.

Proudly Stand Atop the Ram’s Head and Wave to St. Croix

Once you reach the Ram Head, you are facing due south and 180 degree views of nothing but sea. The only thing you might see in the distance is the faintest outline of St. Croix about 40 miles away. While taking it all in, try not to lose your hat, as it gets pretty blustery up there.

Incredible Views of St John’s South Shore

As you are making your return trip on the trail, you’ll see what you may have missed coming: unreal views of St. John’s South Shore. Many people never see St. John from this perspective, which is a shame. These low, rocky cliffs are quite the contrast from the fluffy white sand beaches that line the North Shore.

Enjoy Beautiful Views of Salt Pond Bay Beach

It’s time for one last stunning view before your hike on the Ram Head Trail ends. The last portion of the trail offers a stunning perspective of Salt Pond Bay Beach. You may even be tempted to jump into the water when you’re done, to reward yourself for all your hard work.

You won’t be sorry you did either. Salt Pond Bay Beach often gets overlooked in favor of St. John’s premier North Shore beaches. While the Salt Pond beach does lack some shade and requires a small hike to reach, it is certainly no less gorgeous and does not get very crowded. It’s also extremely calm and shallow, which is great for a casual dip in the water.

Have More Time? Where to Go Next

Once you reach the salt pond again, your hike (other than the trail to the parking lot) is about done. However, you don’t have to end your day here if you don’t want to. Below are some other great options for things to do in the area.

• Cross the Salt Pond to Drunk Bay to watch the wild waves of the open Atlantic crash against the shore. Don’t forget to make your own rock formation to join the collection that former visitors left behind!
• Recover those tired muscles with a dip into Salt Pond Bay Beach
• Grab a seaside lunch at Miss Lucy’s, just a bit up the road towards Coral Bay
• Grab a burger at Skinny Legs – one of St. John’s old standby’s. Pass Miss Lucy’s and keep driving until you reach Centerline Road. Turn right and drive a little ways. Skinny Legs will come up on your right. You can’t miss it.

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The Ram Head Trail may not be the longest or most difficult on St. John, but it is one of the most beautiful. Its rugged rocky landscape lined with cacti makes this hike feel like an adventure, without taking up more than a couple hours of your time. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and, of course, a camera for the amazing views.