Hiking Nevis Peak
Nevis Peak (of St. Kitts & Nevis) is a hikeable stratovolcano that may or may not be active. In the island’s capital of Charlestown, you can find the popular Nevis Hot Springs, which indicates volcanic activity is still in the cards.
Getting There
4CRF+VF9, Fountain, St. Kitts & Nevis
The hike begins on the southeastern side of the volcano, on the edge of Nevis National Park and in Saint George Gingerland Parish. I arrived via scooter, but there is parking for a few cars near the trailhead.
You’ll head off from the main highway and head uphill until you see a bright yellow shop on the corner. That’s your turn for the trailhead, which will be a a one-lane road to the parking lot, and honestly I’m not sure where one would pull over should a vehicle come in the opposite direction…but, it’s not a busy spot to get to. Parking is free.
Shop photo via user Greg Long on AllTrails.
The Hike
I’ll start by saying Nevis Peak is not your typical hike, and it’s more of a scramble than a hike. If hiking isn’t your jam but you want to summit Nevis Peak, hire a guide. If you’re an experienced hiker and want to summit Nevis Peak, you’re OK skipping the guide (but of course hire one if that makes you more comfortable, plus you’ll get to learn more about the island and the fauna).
There is considerable amount of elevation gain in a short distance on the Nevis Peak Trail: my Garmin watch tracked an elevation gain of 2,031 ft across 1.2 miles from the trailhead to the summit. The hike begins at a manageable incline, but it gets progressively steeper the higher you go. The highest grade, per AllTrails, is 67%. You’ll navigate rocks, roots, mud, and hoist yourself up with ropes. I first came across ropes about a quarter of the way in, though I didn’t feel the need to rely on them at that point. Heading up, I mostly used rocks and roots for leverage. On the descent, however, the ropes became much more useful—especially for navigating steep sections by climbing down backward.
There are two points along the trail that have a break in the vegetation for a view of the ocean, and if you’re lucky you will get views of the island and surrounding ocean upon summiting. I however ended up in a cloud so sadly there were no views for me.
This hike is a full body workout, and my back and arms were sore a few days after the hike! But the pain feels so good haha. You definitely need to be able to contort your body while climbing a bit, so flexibility is key! It is an obvious trail, but the forest around you is dense and the majority of the hike is in the shade.
The climb!
Now you might be wondering, how long will this hike take? (Disclaimer: I am adequately fit and I live at 9,600 ft.) Strava clocked me at 1 hr 24 minutes of moving time, though round trip it took me just over 2 hours. My ascent of the hike took 1 hour 6 minutes 29 seconds. From online reviews, it does seem like it takes most people anywhere from 3-5 hours round trip.
Should you hike Nevis Peak? Yes! It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s rewarding. Just know your hiking abilities, and hire a guide if need be!
In a cloud at the summit
General Gear
Water! It’s hot, it’s humid, and you will sweat.
Snaaaaacks.
Trail runners or hiking boots would be my recommendation due to them being sturdier than sneakers and having better tread.
Gloves are optional, but some people like them for the ropes. I personally did not use any and did not feel like I ever needed them or would have been better off with them.
My Gear
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Running Vest
Salomon XT-6 Sneakers
Free People Go To Smooth Square Neck Cami
Free People On The Go Shorts