Mount Scenery
Mount Scenery
4.5
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At 3,000 feet, Mount Scenery is the highest point on the mountainous island of Saba and can be reached via a difficult hike through the rainforest.
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7zeven
3 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We went on a day trip to Saba. We planned to make this walk with a baby carrier (1.5 year old child). It's just way too spicy for that. So we split up. Hike itself was beautiful!
In retrospect, it would have been better to split up in advance and not go on the day trip with our small son. The village is very beautiful, but small so you can get done quickly. In addition, the boat trip is quite intensive.
In retrospect, it would have been better to split up in advance and not go on the day trip with our small son. The village is very beautiful, but small so you can get done quickly. In addition, the boat trip is quite intensive.
Written 4 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred W
57 contributions
Jul 2022
This is a must do. It is slippery at points so wear appropriate shoes. We are that proverbial middle aged couple who USED TO BE in great shape. Our taxi driver told us it was a "moderate hike" to the top. "Moderate hike" obviously has different meanings to different people. I believe the sign says there are 1067 steps to the top. We intended on knocking out 100 at a time before taking a rest. We did not realize that the steps varied in height from about 6 inches to what seemed like 4 feet. That being said after two hours and several snarky remarks we finally made it to the top. Completely worth it. Beautiful place
The descent was agonizing. Consisted of a combination of walking, falling, rolling, etc. I do not recommend taking pictures of your wife while she is falling. It is apparently more appropriate to go see if she needs assistance. (My bad).
We finally made it to the bottom. Sweaty, sore, bad moods, etc. We spent the next day taking Advil and laying very still on the beach on St. Maarten. We now laugh about our experience. It made a fantastic memory to talk about.
Also take plenty of water.
The descent was agonizing. Consisted of a combination of walking, falling, rolling, etc. I do not recommend taking pictures of your wife while she is falling. It is apparently more appropriate to go see if she needs assistance. (My bad).
We finally made it to the bottom. Sweaty, sore, bad moods, etc. We spent the next day taking Advil and laying very still on the beach on St. Maarten. We now laugh about our experience. It made a fantastic memory to talk about.
Also take plenty of water.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon Q
Kralendijk, Bonaire452 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
You do not need a guide to climb the mount scenery. The path to the top is easy to follow.
I highly suggest for the adventurers under us to start from the Sandy Cruz trail at Zion's Hill. Just a short hike in this trail you will see a sign that states <-ELFIN FOREST. The Elfin Forst trail is another way to reach the top of the mount scenery and this trail is 100% more beautiful and more fun. From the top I went down the normal Mount Scenery path which is basically just stairs and the Elfin Forest trail is really going through the nature with a small path. Please note that I found the path towards the top way more beautiful then the view from the top itself.
Make sure you wear good shoes and bring a rain jacket. Also always bring a lot of water with you and something to eat.
I highly suggest for the adventurers under us to start from the Sandy Cruz trail at Zion's Hill. Just a short hike in this trail you will see a sign that states <-ELFIN FOREST. The Elfin Forst trail is another way to reach the top of the mount scenery and this trail is 100% more beautiful and more fun. From the top I went down the normal Mount Scenery path which is basically just stairs and the Elfin Forest trail is really going through the nature with a small path. Please note that I found the path towards the top way more beautiful then the view from the top itself.
Make sure you wear good shoes and bring a rain jacket. Also always bring a lot of water with you and something to eat.
Written 8 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JacksonGuy
Brandon, MS697 contributions
May 2012 • Family
I was lucky enough to live on Saba for three years. The island is a crazy step back in time.
Mt Scenery is the cloud enshrined pointy-top middle of the island. Its usually, about 25 days a month, encircle with clouds. Every now and then the winds will blow away the clouds, and you can see the top, or, if on top, you can see down. I have hiked it literally hundreds of times (there isn't much to do on Saba) and its great either way.
The forest is a true, (by academic definition) a rain forest. Its the only one in all of the Caribbean. It has huge elephant ear ferns, moss, lichens, and abundant wildlife, including wild parrots, macaws, and song birds. The iguanas can get 5-6 feet in length. Its a great, although tough, hike. But definitely worth the effort.
Mt Scenery is the cloud enshrined pointy-top middle of the island. Its usually, about 25 days a month, encircle with clouds. Every now and then the winds will blow away the clouds, and you can see the top, or, if on top, you can see down. I have hiked it literally hundreds of times (there isn't much to do on Saba) and its great either way.
The forest is a true, (by academic definition) a rain forest. Its the only one in all of the Caribbean. It has huge elephant ear ferns, moss, lichens, and abundant wildlife, including wild parrots, macaws, and song birds. The iguanas can get 5-6 feet in length. Its a great, although tough, hike. But definitely worth the effort.
Written 20 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisadramsey
winona, mn42 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
An experience going through the different climate zones, and those stairs are a great workout! Careful after a rain, even a few days later, as it can be very slick. We took the Bud's Trail down which was also slick at the top, but a different experience yet again as it was a path through the jungle, not paved/stairs like most of Mt Scenery trail. Definitely grab a hiking stick from the Trail shop as it was super helpful to have on the slick spots!
Written 13 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
banderella
Denver, CO162 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
I'm short and the stairs were hard as hell! Took me 98 minutes up and 89 down. I was sore the next couple of days but wouldn't have missed this opportunity for anything in the world. I hiked a volcano! Amazing! And, Saba is an amazing island with amazing locals. Love this place!
Written 13 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SylvieFrancois444
Ontario Canada1,336 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
This is a beautiful hike in the rainforest. We stopped at the little shop in front of the trail head to get some water, signed in and headed out. They say 90 minutes one way, but if you are fit, it won't take you that long. We made it to the top in 45 minutes and we stopped here and there for photo ops.
We stayed a little more than an hour at the top, waiting for the clouds to clear and it was certainly worth it. We did both of the trails, the muddy one has the best view and you get to use a cord to climb up to the view point.
Forgot to mention that you can get some walking sticks at the little shop and a certificate of achievement for climbing Mount Scenery. Nice souvenir!
Enjoy the journey!
We stayed a little more than an hour at the top, waiting for the clouds to clear and it was certainly worth it. We did both of the trails, the muddy one has the best view and you get to use a cord to climb up to the view point.
Forgot to mention that you can get some walking sticks at the little shop and a certificate of achievement for climbing Mount Scenery. Nice souvenir!
Enjoy the journey!
Written 20 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielGretchen
Madison, AL11 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
We have taken this hike when the mountain top was completely covered in a thick layer of clouds. As a result, when we reached the top, we saw absolutely nothing, so keep that in mind. The hike, though very steep, is easy to follow, with lots of supporting steps here and there.
Even if the summit is covered in clouds, make sure you hike to the Maskehorne Hill, which has the best views of Windwardside. Most of Windwardside pictures you can find on google are taken from the Maskehorne Hill.
Once on the Mount Scenery trail, hike for about 30 minutes and then, you will see a sharp turn left. From there, it's a five minute walk to the top of Maskehorne Hill, which has a pretty wide rocky surface void of any trees.
The trail Mount Scenery is easy to find - almost right after you leave Windwardside in the direction of The Bottom, you will see the trail sign on the right.
Avoid the hike altogether if it rains - you will be covered in mud and see nothing at all.
Even if the summit is covered in clouds, make sure you hike to the Maskehorne Hill, which has the best views of Windwardside. Most of Windwardside pictures you can find on google are taken from the Maskehorne Hill.
Once on the Mount Scenery trail, hike for about 30 minutes and then, you will see a sharp turn left. From there, it's a five minute walk to the top of Maskehorne Hill, which has a pretty wide rocky surface void of any trees.
The trail Mount Scenery is easy to find - almost right after you leave Windwardside in the direction of The Bottom, you will see the trail sign on the right.
Avoid the hike altogether if it rains - you will be covered in mud and see nothing at all.
Written 11 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zaknafein
State College, PA150 contributions
Jan 2020
My wife and I took the ferry over to Saba from St. Maarten specifically to hike Mt. Scenery. The nuts and bolts are pretty easy... once you get to Windwardside (an easy cab/shuttle from the dock) they'll drop you off at the trailhead shop where you can pick up a hiking stick and a bagged lunch (easily booked ahead of time) and then it's right to the trailhead to start the hike.
The sign says to allow 90 minutes. We'd like to think that we're proficient hikers and at a reasonable pace we made it to the top in 60. It's straight uphill but not a horrible climb... and although the trail is mostly concrete/paved it's not flat and you definitely feel out in the forest a bit as there's a lovely canopy and beautiful tropical foliage all around.
There were several nice viewpoints on the way up but the top was mostly fogged out (apparently not uncommon and definitely take the side detour up Mas Cohones Hill... all of 5 minutes for another great view). The trail can be slippery so I'd advise borrowing a hiking pole from the trail shop (the employees there are super nice/helpful) and I wouldn't do it in the rain, but otherwise it's a great trail... the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands... and an all-around fun day. Very glad we made the trip!
The sign says to allow 90 minutes. We'd like to think that we're proficient hikers and at a reasonable pace we made it to the top in 60. It's straight uphill but not a horrible climb... and although the trail is mostly concrete/paved it's not flat and you definitely feel out in the forest a bit as there's a lovely canopy and beautiful tropical foliage all around.
There were several nice viewpoints on the way up but the top was mostly fogged out (apparently not uncommon and definitely take the side detour up Mas Cohones Hill... all of 5 minutes for another great view). The trail can be slippery so I'd advise borrowing a hiking pole from the trail shop (the employees there are super nice/helpful) and I wouldn't do it in the rain, but otherwise it's a great trail... the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands... and an all-around fun day. Very glad we made the trip!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth_T91011
El Cajon, CA110 contributions
Oct 2019
But well worth the effort. Not always an easy climb up, the view was well worth it in the end. You have to give it a try.
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiking from sea to the top.... HOW LONG? We are thinking of sailing to Ladder Bay from Sint. Maarten. Then hiking the entire island top to bottom. Then sailing back to Sint. Maarten. Not sure if this is feasible. Thanks!
Written 17 April 2019
You can absolutely do that. Plan the entire day and take a lunch. Enjoy!
Written 17 April 2019
Is this ideal for children or too intense for them? I have a 5 yr old and we're visiting St Maarten but would love to do this with her. Can you turn around or not go all the way to the top if it's too much for someone?
Written 31 March 2019
Hi, yes you can always turn around and go back if you've had enough, i will say though that the steps are all different sizes and very slippery in some spots. Some of the steps are pretty high which was somewhat challenging to my 5'-0" wife.
Written 1 April 2019
debwallaceaz
Tucson, Arizona
How much time should we allow to hike to the top?
Written 14 September 2018
I would set aside 3 hours minimum even if you're in great shape. There are a lot of great views on the way up as well as amazing flowers, plants, and various other things worth a stop to look at. It's also quite slick at the top due to all the moisture. So be careful!
Written 14 September 2018
I would like to know if it's easy to get a cab from the harbor to the Trail shop and especially a cab for the return back to the harbor so that we'll be on time to get our ferry back to St. Maarten.
Also I would like to know if there is a toilet in the Trail shop so that I can pee before I take on the hiking of Mt. Scenery. :)
Written 21 June 2017
Yes there is a taxi system on Saba and you can always aks the drivers telephone number and cal when you need a taxi. And Yes you can pie in the traishop.
Good luck and have a nice walk.
Written 21 June 2017
Which guide do you recommend? thanks
Written 16 March 2017
You don't really need a guide, but James Johnson, aka 'Crocodile James' can tell you a lot about the plant life. Also at the Trail shop at the foot of the trail, they can inform you about the trail's condition and some facts.
There is also a book by Suzanne Nielsen that can tell you about local natural remedies from local plants.
Contact the Saba Tourist Bureau for James's phone number.
Good luck planning your trip.
Written 17 March 2017
How strenuous? We are in our 50s with two teen boys, we walk and hike alot. We would love any tips. thanks :)
Written 16 March 2017
We are 57 and 60 and took our time, I suggest starting early when it is a bit cooler. It was a clear day and what a view! You shouldn't have a problem, enjoy.
Also we picked up walking sticks from the trail office which helped.
Written 17 March 2017
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