Yawzi Point Trail

Overview

A quick out-and-back on St. John’s south shore, the Yawzi Point Trail is about 0.7 miles round trip with roughly 90 feet of gentle gain. Expect a narrow, rocky path with slight ups and downs—easy overall but not accessible. It’s a tidy payoff: broad views across Great Lameshur (rockier) and Little Lameshur (sandier), plus a couple of atmospheric colonial-era ruins right off the tread.

What You’ll See

The trail rides dry coastal scrub with limited shade before popping out to breezy overlooks of both Lameshur bays. Short side paths lead to small rocky beaches that can work as quiet snorkel entry points when seas are calm. Underwater, the area is known for vibrant reef structure—including cave-like nooks and a meadow of sea fans—often buzzing with juvenile reef fish. Sea turtles and stingrays are regularly spotted in the Lameshur area. That said, currents around the point can be strong and moderate waves are common, so pick your spots and conditions with care.

Getting There

You’ll drive to the far southwest side of St. John; plan 35–40 minutes from Cruz Bay. The final two miles to Little Lameshur are unpaved, slow, and pothole-prone—4WD is strongly recommended. Cell service can be spotty. Park near the Lameshur beaches and start from Little Lameshur for the most straightforward approach.

Trail Conditions and Tips

Footing is mostly solid but rocky in places, and sections can get a bit overgrown. Bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, plenty of water, and insect repellent (it can be buggy early or late). Leashed dogs are allowed on trails. There’s no special fee for this hike, though general park fees may apply elsewhere.

Best Time to Hike

Mornings bring cooler temps and calmer seas for snorkeling; late-day light is gorgeous for photos and this is a sweet, quiet sunset perch when the wind isn’t howling. If you’re here to swim or snorkel, prioritize calm days—visibility can tank when surf stirs things up.

Make It a Bigger Day

From Little Lameshur you can connect to the Lameshur Trail and into the Europa and Reef Bay network (including the petroglyphs) if you want real mileage and history. If you’re already on the south shore and want a bigger, more dramatic viewpoint, Ram Head from Salt Pond Bay is a park favorite.

Bottom Line

This is a short, scenic add-on: quick coastal views, a dash of ruins, and easy beach access. It’s not a must-do if you’re short on time, but it’s absolutely worth the detour when you’re exploring the south side—especially if the sea is calm and you’ve packed a mask and fins.