Trails & Hiking · St. Croix
Buck Island Cross-Island Trail
A marked, fairly strenuous route across Buck Island from West Beach or Diedrichs Point, with a side trail to a coral-reef overlook.
Trail details
- Distance
- 1.8-mile trail system; the cross-island portion takes about 45 minutes at walking pace
- Estimated time
- About 45 minutes to cross the island, plus the shoreline return and stops
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Route type
- Cross-island trail with observation spur and shoreline return
- Terrain
- Beach forest, gentle hillsides, island crest, switchbacks, cactus, and rocky shore
- Shade / exposure
- Mixed forest and strong open-island sun
- Accessibility
- Not described as accessible; the cross-island trail is fairly strenuous
Highlights
- Beach forest
- Island crest
- Coral-reef observation point
- Frangipani and cactus
- West Beach shoreline return
Plan the route
- Access
- Buck Island is accessible only by vessel. Start from either West Beach picnic area or Diedrichs Point and confirm current NPS access notices before departure.
- Parking
- No road access; arrive by private vessel or authorized concession boat
- Water or beach access
- West Beach and Diedrichs Point shoreline access
- Current-condition note
- NPS announced restoration work on the 1.8-mile trail in May 2026; the source does not assert a completion date
Important hazards
- No fresh water is available on the island
- Strong sun and rapidly changing weather or sea conditions
- Wear shoes and carry ample drinking water
- Collecting natural or cultural material is prohibited
Conditions and access can change. Check current notices before setting out.
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