Bordeaux Mountain Trail

Highlights

• Steep climb from sea level to St. John’s highest point

• Stone swales and rock seats built by trail crews

• Views of Great Lameshur Bay, Yawzi Point and Sir Francis Drake Channel

• Ruins of Lameshur and Bordeaux plantations near the summit
  

Trail statistics

Description

The Bordeaux Mountain Trail links remote Lameshur Bay with the Bordeaux Mountain Road and makes one of the steepest sustained climbs on St. John. In roughly 1.2 miles it ascends about 1 000 feet from sea level. The first section follows a rough 4WD track where rock swales built by CCC crews divert water; stone seats along the way offer places to catch your breath. The path then narrows and climbs steadily through a changing mosaic of vegetation: pinguin plants (also called false pineapple) and barrel cactus in the lower, drier zone; sabal palms, genip and bay rum trees higher up. Views open intermittently to Great Lameshur Bay, Yawzi Point and the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Near the top, the trail passes the ruins of the Lameshur Bay Plantation and the Bordeaux Plantation, including the remains of a sugar factory and a bay rum distillery. The grade finally levels out at Bordeaux Mountain Road, which provides vehicle access to the island’s highest point. Because of the elevation gain and rocky footing, this trail is rated strenuous and is best tackled by experienced hikers with sturdy footwear and plenty of water. A cool breeze often greets you on the summit ridge, rewarding the effort with panoramic views over Coral Bay and beyond.