Background

Sage Mountain National Park: Tortola's Verdant Crown

Discover Tortola's highest peak: Hike lush trails, experience panoramic views, and explore the rich biodiversity of Sage Mountain National Park.

4.5

Ascend to the highest point in the British and US Virgin Islands at Sage Mountain National Park. This protected area offers lush rainforest trails, panoramic views, and a glimpse into the islands' natural history, thanks to reforestation efforts initiated in the 1960s.

A brief summary to Sage Mountain National Park

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes, bring insect repellent, and carry water, especially for longer hikes.
  • Visit during the dry season (November to May) for the best hiking conditions.
  • Early morning hikes offer cooler temperatures and better chances to spot native birds.
  • Purchase a trail map from the Mountain View gift shop and restaurant near the trailhead for navigation tips.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Road Town, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride to Sage Mountain National Park takes approximately 25-30 minutes. Confirm with the driver that they know the location, C83Q+FP8, Freshwater Pond. The taxi fare is approximately $40. Note that taxi rates can vary depending on the season.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Sage Mountain using public transport, take a local bus or taxi from your location to the Road Town Ferry Terminal. From Road Town, you can catch a taxi or additional minibus service to Sage Mountain National Park, which will cost about $15. The bus fare to Road Town is around $2.

Unlock the Best of Sage Mountain National Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Sage Mountain National Park

Sage Mountain National Park, cradling the summit of Tortola, is a verdant escape offering a unique blend of ecological treasures and historical echoes. Established in 1964, it marks the beginning of conservation in the British Virgin Islands. Laurance Rockefeller's generous donation enabled the purchase of farmland, which was then gifted to the BVI government and reforested with native hardwoods. Rising to 1,716 feet (523 meters), Sage Mountain is the highest point in the Virgin Islands, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and the Caribbean Sea. The mountain's elevation influences its climate, creating a moist environment on the northern side that supports a diverse rainforest ecosystem. This contrasts sharply with the drier, former pasturelands on the southern slopes. Explore the park's network of trails, ranging from moderate to challenging, that wind through the reforested landscape. The Joseph Reynold O'Neal Trail, named after the first Chairman of the National Parks Trust, leads to the summit. Discover diverse flora, including white cedar, mahogany trees, and unique ferns, as well as fauna like the red-legged thrush and Caribbean euphonia. The main entrance is a short walk from the car park, with fourteen trails creating circular routes. Sage Mountain isn't just a natural haven; it whispers tales of the past. Fossilized shells embedded in the rocks hint at a submerged history, while Amerindian petroglyphs etched on boulders echo the earliest human connection to this sacred space.

Popular Experiences near Sage Mountain National Park

Popular Hotels near Sage Mountain National Park

Select Currency