Hams Bluff Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse offering stunning panoramic views of St. Croix's North Shore and West End. A rewarding hike with unique wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views & cooler temps
Hams Bluff Lighthouse
Best Time
Golden hour views & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lighthouse offering stunning panoramic views of St. Croix's North Shore and West End. A rewarding hike with unique wildlife encounters.
"Breathtaking views and a peaceful hike! Ham’s Bluff Lighthouse offers stunning panoramic ocean scenery."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The hike is steep in parts. Comfortable footwear is a must for a safe and enjoyable trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer parts of the day. The hike can be challenging if you're not used to it.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Summit of Hams Bluff
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the North Shore and West End of St. Croix. Absolutely picture-perfect!
Historic Lighthouse Structure
Summit of Hams Bluff
A glimpse into maritime history. First lit in 1915, this iconic lighthouse offers a unique photo opportunity.
Wildlife Encounters
Trail and parking area
Spot numerous red and black crabs along the trail, and keep an eye out for goats. A delight for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Hike Smart, Park Cautiously
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The hike is steep in parts. Comfortable footwear is a must for a safe and enjoyable trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer parts of the day. The hike can be challenging if you're not used to it.
🚗 Park at Your Own Risk
Avoid leaving valuables visible in your car. The parking area is not monitored.
🦀 Crab Spotting Fun
Look out for red and black crabs on the trail and near the parking area – a hit with kids!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The hike is steep in parts. Comfortable footwear is a must for a safe and enjoyable trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer parts of the day. The hike can be challenging if you're not used to it.
🚗 Park at Your Own Risk
Avoid leaving valuables visible in your car. The parking area is not monitored.
🦀 Crab Spotting Fun
Look out for red and black crabs on the trail and near the parking area – a hit with kids!
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The sunset views from the lighthouse are spectacular. A perfect end to an island day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views and the unique experience of spotting wildlife like crabs and goats on the hike to Hams Bluff Lighthouse. The trail is described as a fun, short, but sometimes steep adventure, with the sunset views being a particular highlight. Some note the lighthouse structure itself is weathered, but the overall scenery and tranquility make it a highly recommended gem.
"Breathtaking views and a peaceful hike! Ham’s Bluff Lighthouse offers stunning panoramic ocean scenery and quiet surroundings. Along the trail, we even spotted goats and hermit crabs such a unique and tranquil experience.
The hike is easy to moderate, though one section is quite steep. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and take your time. On a clear day, the views are absolutely picture perfect.
A few tips:
🚗 Park at your own risk don’t leave valuables in the car.
⏱️ The hike takes about 35 minutes each way.
🌞 Great for early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid the heat.
Highly recommend this gem for anyone looking to enjoy a scenic, off the beaten path adventure in St. Croix! 🥾🌿🌊"
Jainisse Kline
"Such a fun short hike. As you begin the walk (and even the drive into the parking area) there are SO MANY red and black crabs. The kids were so excited about this. After getting to the lighthouse, you have such a beautiful view. It was amazing!"
K H
"Great spot to visit! Beautiful view! It’s about a 0.6 mile hike, steep but not horrible. Great spot to take pictures."
Shaun Burnum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hams Bluff Lighthouse is located on the northwest corner of St. Croix. While street signs are uncommon, GPS can guide you close. Some visitors suggest using a specific GPS coordinate or following directions from local accommodations.
The drive itself is generally manageable, but the final approach to the trailhead parking area can be a bit rough. Be prepared for unpaved sections.
Yes, some accommodations like Feather Leaf Inn offer bike rentals, making it possible to bike to the trailhead.
Public transportation options are limited on St. Croix, and reaching Hams Bluff Lighthouse typically requires a rental car or a taxi service.
If GPS is unreliable, ask locals for directions or look for signs pointing towards Hams Bluff. It's a well-known landmark for those familiar with the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hams Bluff Lighthouse is a public access point, and there are no admission fees to visit or hike to the lighthouse.
The lighthouse grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day for the hike and views.
There is no designated parking fee, but visitors are advised to park at their own risk and not leave valuables unattended.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the unlit trail and potential safety concerns. Sunset visits are popular for the views.
The lighthouse itself is a historic structure and not typically open for interior tours. The main attraction is the hike and the surrounding views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 0.6 miles each way and takes about 35 minutes to complete, depending on your pace.
The hike is considered easy to moderate. While short, it has a steep section that can be challenging for those out of shape or with injuries.
You'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, the North Shore, and the West End of St. Croix.
There are no facilities like restrooms or water fountains at the lighthouse. Be sure to bring everything you need with you.
Visitors often spot numerous red and black crabs along the trail and near the parking area. Goats have also been seen in the vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon, especially during golden hour, offer the most dramatic lighting for stunning photos of the lighthouse and the coastline.
Drone photography is possible and can capture incredible aerial views of the lighthouse and the surrounding landscape.
Popular shots include panoramic ocean vistas, the historic lighthouse structure against the sky, and close-ups of the unique red and black crabs.
Absolutely! The combination of the historic lighthouse, the rugged coastline, and the expansive ocean views makes it a very photogenic location. 
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod can help with low-light photography during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers and View Seekers
Beyond the grand vistas, the unique red and black crabs offer interesting macro photography opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Hams Bluff Lighthouse
Many travelers recommend bringing ample water, especially if visiting during the warmer parts of the day, to stay hydrated. The effort is well worth it, as the trail offers a rewarding experience with unique wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for the abundant red and black crabs that scuttle along the path and near the parking area, which are a particular delight for children and nature enthusiasts alike.
For those looking for a more active adventure, some accommodations offer bike rentals, allowing you to cycle to the trailhead. This adds another dimension to the experience, combining a scenic ride with the hike itself.
Historical Significance of Hams Bluff Lighthouse
Following the transfer of the U.S. Virgin Islands to the United States, the lighthouse came under the jurisdiction of the United States Lighthouse Service. It later transitioned to the purview of the United States Coast Guard, continuing its role in maritime guidance. Although the structure itself is now in a state of rust, its imposing presence and historical context are palpable.
Visiting Hams Bluff Lighthouse offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to imagine the era when this beacon was essential for seafaring. The structure stands as a testament to the engineering and dedication involved in maintaining safe passage for vessels in the Caribbean.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Hams Bluff
Early morning and late afternoon are particularly favored times for photographers. The 'golden hour' light bathes the landscape in a warm, soft glow, creating dramatic shadows and vibrant colors that enhance the beauty of the lighthouse and its surroundings. Sunset, in particular, is a popular time, offering a spectacular backdrop for memorable images.
For those with a drone, Hams Bluff offers incredible opportunities for aerial photography. Capturing the lighthouse from above, with the turquoise waters stretching to the horizon, provides a unique perspective.
Don't forget to also capture the smaller details, like the vibrant red and black crabs that are a common sight along the trail, adding a touch of local wildlife to your photographic collection. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit