Blue Mountain Peak
Blue Mountain Peak
4.5
About
The Blue Mountains in Jamaica is a hiker's and camper's paradise. You have to see it to believe it. The flowers and flora, the birds and animals. If you visit Jamaica, the Blue Mountains is a must see.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Blue Mountain Peak and nearby attractions
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
71 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
18
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Michał Z
40 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
If you'r in Kingston and you have a day to spare and you don't mind getting a hike you should definately get a hike to go for the Blue Mountain Peak.
First thing you should consider is starting fairly early (i'd recommend around 8) so you won't have to get down from the peak in darkness.
To get there from Kingston (let's say half way tree) you need to get to Papine with a route taxi (about 150$JMD per capita). Then get a route minibus to Mavis Bank. We had to wait a bit for the minivan to get packed but it happened evenetually :) The ride to Mavis Bank takes around 1h and should cost not more than 250$JMD p/c. Once you'r in Mavis Bank your adventure starts.
One thing you should definately consider is if you want to hire a guide or not. If you have any experience with hiking and you are there before noon i don't recommend it. Its just a waste of money - not knowing that we hired one for 5000$JMD - which IMO was a waste of money since the hike is pretty strainght forward.
Anyway one thing you will have to hire is a 4x4 from Mavis Bank to Pennylyne Castle. IMO the easiest way is to go to the police station in Mavis Bank and ask the policeman there - they should be helpful. 4x4 climb from Mavis Bank to Penylyne Castle takes around 1h - 1:15h. We paid another 5000$JMD for the ride and the driver took us to penylyne castle, waited for us and took us down. Be sure not to pay him all in advance, 50/50 should do it.
Just when you finish hiking the first part - Jacobs Ladder - there's a ranger station on the route, where you can get some spring water.
Now the hike itself is great. You should be reasonabely fit to event try this sice it's pretty steep. Definately good hiking boots are advised, since it can be pretty slippery. Don't be too excited to see Cuba from the peak, from what i heard there are only cuple of days in a year when the visibility is good enough. Hike from and to Penylyne castle took us about 5h, 5:30 h but even the guide was suprised how fast we could walk :-)
Don't forget to get some change clothes, it can be chilly on the top. Get something to eat and a bottle of water. I hiked the whole way in a t-shirt, my wife had a hoodie and a waterproof jacket.
Take Care!
First thing you should consider is starting fairly early (i'd recommend around 8) so you won't have to get down from the peak in darkness.
To get there from Kingston (let's say half way tree) you need to get to Papine with a route taxi (about 150$JMD per capita). Then get a route minibus to Mavis Bank. We had to wait a bit for the minivan to get packed but it happened evenetually :) The ride to Mavis Bank takes around 1h and should cost not more than 250$JMD p/c. Once you'r in Mavis Bank your adventure starts.
One thing you should definately consider is if you want to hire a guide or not. If you have any experience with hiking and you are there before noon i don't recommend it. Its just a waste of money - not knowing that we hired one for 5000$JMD - which IMO was a waste of money since the hike is pretty strainght forward.
Anyway one thing you will have to hire is a 4x4 from Mavis Bank to Pennylyne Castle. IMO the easiest way is to go to the police station in Mavis Bank and ask the policeman there - they should be helpful. 4x4 climb from Mavis Bank to Penylyne Castle takes around 1h - 1:15h. We paid another 5000$JMD for the ride and the driver took us to penylyne castle, waited for us and took us down. Be sure not to pay him all in advance, 50/50 should do it.
Just when you finish hiking the first part - Jacobs Ladder - there's a ranger station on the route, where you can get some spring water.
Now the hike itself is great. You should be reasonabely fit to event try this sice it's pretty steep. Definately good hiking boots are advised, since it can be pretty slippery. Don't be too excited to see Cuba from the peak, from what i heard there are only cuple of days in a year when the visibility is good enough. Hike from and to Penylyne castle took us about 5h, 5:30 h but even the guide was suprised how fast we could walk :-)
Don't forget to get some change clothes, it can be chilly on the top. Get something to eat and a bottle of water. I hiked the whole way in a t-shirt, my wife had a hoodie and a waterproof jacket.
Take Care!
Written February 11, 2015
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.
James P
Lakewood, OH104 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
Being a foreign resident, this is the first time to have tackled this extraordinary and impressive site. Let me offer some pointers:
(1) Regarding Stephanie's complaint about a 'fee' all one needs do is some research under the Jamaican Park System to learn if such fees are standard. In some cases they are; however, what is important to realize is $20 US fee is fairly reasonable. This cost of maintaining roads, etc., is exorbitant. Personally, it rather irks me that foreigners think nothing of staying at Sandal's for $1,000 a nite all - incluuuusive and balk at paying a $20 fee for an entrance into on of the most spectacular settings. Think of it as a contribution towards maintain a rain forest. Please realize waiters, waiters and others make about 5500 JA a week ($48 US) and, upon going into into store, the idea of living on that is pretty darn impossible. In brief, if you are going to visit a foreign country, do homework and not just "things to see". Enough said on that subject,
(2) I hope to load some photos, the sites are fantastic. Granted, having been there twice, the last time was rain but prepare for any climatic situation. Upon leaving my home, it was 84 F and sunny; there, in the evening, it was very smoky (fog/mist) and not much could be seen except for the nearby mountains being touched by the clouds,
(3) Do some reading. The Blue Mountains are covered with pine trees. Are those not a N. American wood? Yes. The pines grow among some subtropical growth (sea grass) and makes navigation challenging,
(4) The idea of seeing clouds around you is, somewhat, spectacular. Everywhere you look are various plants that are new (African Sausage Tree, which yields a curious tuberous item and displays a gorgeous purple orchid-like flower). You are also surprised to see other plants as well, the hillsides covered with coffee, palm and other exotic vegetation,
(5) If you are NOT on a very tight budget, rent a car but be prepared to 'freak' out on the paved and dirt roads. If it has been raining, be cautious and HONK your horn around the multitude of sharp corners (if you don't, locals will nicely correct you upon stopping and reminding you). Stay up there for at least one night if not two.
There are several places to sleep at, some are quite pricey but lovely; however, there are small B&B's to find. Get creative, find out where the coffee plantations are, email them and ask for a "recommendation". B and B's are around $50 US a nite. While there, I stayed in a GLORIOUS house on 27 acres that was surrounded by incredible beauty. The house was short of breathtaking for $100 US a nite,
(6) If not at a B&B, take things you will need. You are in the backwoods and mountains. You may not need mosquito spray or netting but you will need supplies, if renting a house, as there is NO shopping up there except for very basic daily items (bread, canned corned beef, called Bully Beef, etc.)
(7) buy your produce while going up the mountain roads (bananas, ask for 'bumpies' as these are very small and sweet) as well as irish (potatoes), etc., if you are staying in a house or have access to a kitchen,
(8) some of the forest areas have cabins with amenties for about $60 US a nite (including hot water and kitchen) - - - so plan ahead.
Going to Kenya? You'd do your homework, same here. This is not a boutique shopping area. Take a poncho, camera, binoculars, etc. I don't recommend swimming as the water is very cold. Hiking is rough up the trails, easily tiring children in addition to being 5,500 ft above sea level (ever go to Pikes Peak?).
Enjoy - - - also, plan for cool weather. Especially between Jan to March. While up there in February, the temperature dropped to about 58F at night (mosquitos do not like such chilly weather).
It is fantastic, phenomenal and majestic.
(1) Regarding Stephanie's complaint about a 'fee' all one needs do is some research under the Jamaican Park System to learn if such fees are standard. In some cases they are; however, what is important to realize is $20 US fee is fairly reasonable. This cost of maintaining roads, etc., is exorbitant. Personally, it rather irks me that foreigners think nothing of staying at Sandal's for $1,000 a nite all - incluuuusive and balk at paying a $20 fee for an entrance into on of the most spectacular settings. Think of it as a contribution towards maintain a rain forest. Please realize waiters, waiters and others make about 5500 JA a week ($48 US) and, upon going into into store, the idea of living on that is pretty darn impossible. In brief, if you are going to visit a foreign country, do homework and not just "things to see". Enough said on that subject,
(2) I hope to load some photos, the sites are fantastic. Granted, having been there twice, the last time was rain but prepare for any climatic situation. Upon leaving my home, it was 84 F and sunny; there, in the evening, it was very smoky (fog/mist) and not much could be seen except for the nearby mountains being touched by the clouds,
(3) Do some reading. The Blue Mountains are covered with pine trees. Are those not a N. American wood? Yes. The pines grow among some subtropical growth (sea grass) and makes navigation challenging,
(4) The idea of seeing clouds around you is, somewhat, spectacular. Everywhere you look are various plants that are new (African Sausage Tree, which yields a curious tuberous item and displays a gorgeous purple orchid-like flower). You are also surprised to see other plants as well, the hillsides covered with coffee, palm and other exotic vegetation,
(5) If you are NOT on a very tight budget, rent a car but be prepared to 'freak' out on the paved and dirt roads. If it has been raining, be cautious and HONK your horn around the multitude of sharp corners (if you don't, locals will nicely correct you upon stopping and reminding you). Stay up there for at least one night if not two.
There are several places to sleep at, some are quite pricey but lovely; however, there are small B&B's to find. Get creative, find out where the coffee plantations are, email them and ask for a "recommendation". B and B's are around $50 US a nite. While there, I stayed in a GLORIOUS house on 27 acres that was surrounded by incredible beauty. The house was short of breathtaking for $100 US a nite,
(6) If not at a B&B, take things you will need. You are in the backwoods and mountains. You may not need mosquito spray or netting but you will need supplies, if renting a house, as there is NO shopping up there except for very basic daily items (bread, canned corned beef, called Bully Beef, etc.)
(7) buy your produce while going up the mountain roads (bananas, ask for 'bumpies' as these are very small and sweet) as well as irish (potatoes), etc., if you are staying in a house or have access to a kitchen,
(8) some of the forest areas have cabins with amenties for about $60 US a nite (including hot water and kitchen) - - - so plan ahead.
Going to Kenya? You'd do your homework, same here. This is not a boutique shopping area. Take a poncho, camera, binoculars, etc. I don't recommend swimming as the water is very cold. Hiking is rough up the trails, easily tiring children in addition to being 5,500 ft above sea level (ever go to Pikes Peak?).
Enjoy - - - also, plan for cool weather. Especially between Jan to March. While up there in February, the temperature dropped to about 58F at night (mosquitos do not like such chilly weather).
It is fantastic, phenomenal and majestic.
Written February 14, 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.
CarlIthaca
Ithaca, New York13 contributions
A hike up Jamaica’s tallest peak (7,200 feet) should be on everyone’s agenda if at all possible. The trail is relatively well-marked but all in all if you are new to Jamaica or to this hike, you might consider a guide. We benefited from a friend who has been up more than 20 times and regularly guides people up the peak. A guide can handle all the arrangements (including a jeep which might be needed for part of the way, arrangement with Whitfield hall for lodging, and for going with you up and down). Rates are reasonable and negotiable. We chose to do the 7-mile up and back hike (there is another alternative from Mavis Bank that is longer) during the day (rather than the more traditional night hike to reach the peak at dawn). We did the whole thing in about 6 hours, perhaps hurrying a bit since we did hit some rain. There is a great place to stop about 3 hours up at the Portland Gap ranger station (covered shelter, bathroom, water). The drive from Kingston up to Mavis Bank, and then in the jeep up to Whitfield Hall, gives you a great opportunity to see and/or stop in some Jamaican villages/towns and to see some lovely countryside (but watch out for those curves).
Written March 17, 2007
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.
TWRF
New York City, NY17 contributions
Although at first the thought of driving up into the Blue Mountains, only then to hike several hours in the middle of the night to reach the peak seemed daunting, let me tell you it was an absolutely amazing experience! Our chatty driver made the drive go by fast, and our tour guide set the perfect pace so as not to wear us all out during the hike. The incline is moderate and the reward is one of a kind. The first thing you notice when arriving to the peak is how all of the plant life is dwarfed due to the mountaintop conditions. It felt like something out of a Tolkien novel. The 2 best things about making the climb at midnight are the lack of the typical sweltering Jamaican sun, and getting to watch the sun rise from the highest point on the island. I heard you can even see Cuba from up there, but there were clouds to the north the day I climbed. Make sure to stop in Hagley Gap or Ness Castle to get a local guide for your hike. Feel free to contact me if you're interested, as I have the contact information of the guy who took us.
Written September 3, 2010
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.
msfixit21
Seattle, WA63 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
First of all, getting here was HELL ON EARTH!! The roads to get there are SO BAD, it was more painful than the 14 mile hike.
We started at 2 am on the hike in the dark with a guide and headlamps. We made it 7 miles in 2.48 hrs. Got up before the sunrise but the fog and rain moved in so we never got to see it. That trail is difficult, and definitely kicked our butts and we live in Seattle and hike often. The last 1.5 miles of the trail take seemingly forever. I would recommend doing this trail maybe during the day so you can see stuff, We missed out cause of the weather but it could have been amazing otherwise. Its all a crapshoot really. I would say do it if you have the endurance cause you will need it , for the hike AND the car ride!!
We started at 2 am on the hike in the dark with a guide and headlamps. We made it 7 miles in 2.48 hrs. Got up before the sunrise but the fog and rain moved in so we never got to see it. That trail is difficult, and definitely kicked our butts and we live in Seattle and hike often. The last 1.5 miles of the trail take seemingly forever. I would recommend doing this trail maybe during the day so you can see stuff, We missed out cause of the weather but it could have been amazing otherwise. Its all a crapshoot really. I would say do it if you have the endurance cause you will need it , for the hike AND the car ride!!
Written January 25, 2015
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.
AlienTraveller1978
Mumbai, India532 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
I have to mention in the beginning itself about the peak and what to expect. I think many people hike upto this place with the big expectation. Even I had a huge expectation about the peak. Unfortunately one don't see anything from the summit, almost through the year due to clouds and fog. They say out of 365 days, only 30 days is a possibility of catching any view of the distant world like Cube, ocean, etc from the summit. So don't expect any awesome view at the summit.
We could see sun only for the fraction of the minute. It was mostly foggy and cloudy. So it's a nice hike upto the summit. There is old rundown building close to the summit. We took shelter in it under the broken roof of the building when it started raining in the morning. It gets cold and chilly in the morning. So carry a wind breaker and few extra layers to stay warm if you are hanging out for awhile on the summit with the hope to see atleast the sun that might appear for awhile and then disappear in no time. The vegetation, coffee plantations, ferns, etc on the way to the summit and back is appealing. Well, if you start hike early in the morning when it's dark, then you won't see much on the way up. But on the way back when it's light, you would appreciate the view on the trail. From couple of places on the trail, one can see the city of Kingston at the distant.
One can do this hike during the day as well. However it seems there is a tradition of hiking upto the summit early in the morning. I don't get it if the possibility of catching any view from the summit is so low. Well, it's worth trying your luck, isn't it?
At few places on the trail it gets steep but anyone who is in decent physical condition can do it. One advantage of hiking early morning when it's bit colder, is not getting hot while hiking up the steep trail.
There is 2000JMD entrance fee which will be collected at the Portland Gap either at the beginning or while at return. They insist on taking a guide. I think it's worth it. Guide fee is about 1000JMD.
Overall this is best hike in Jamaica.
I think this is third tallest peak in the Caribbean. So if you are a peak bagger like me then one more reason to do this hike.
We could see sun only for the fraction of the minute. It was mostly foggy and cloudy. So it's a nice hike upto the summit. There is old rundown building close to the summit. We took shelter in it under the broken roof of the building when it started raining in the morning. It gets cold and chilly in the morning. So carry a wind breaker and few extra layers to stay warm if you are hanging out for awhile on the summit with the hope to see atleast the sun that might appear for awhile and then disappear in no time. The vegetation, coffee plantations, ferns, etc on the way to the summit and back is appealing. Well, if you start hike early in the morning when it's dark, then you won't see much on the way up. But on the way back when it's light, you would appreciate the view on the trail. From couple of places on the trail, one can see the city of Kingston at the distant.
One can do this hike during the day as well. However it seems there is a tradition of hiking upto the summit early in the morning. I don't get it if the possibility of catching any view from the summit is so low. Well, it's worth trying your luck, isn't it?
At few places on the trail it gets steep but anyone who is in decent physical condition can do it. One advantage of hiking early morning when it's bit colder, is not getting hot while hiking up the steep trail.
There is 2000JMD entrance fee which will be collected at the Portland Gap either at the beginning or while at return. They insist on taking a guide. I think it's worth it. Guide fee is about 1000JMD.
Overall this is best hike in Jamaica.
I think this is third tallest peak in the Caribbean. So if you are a peak bagger like me then one more reason to do this hike.
Written December 6, 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.
mykjns71
Easton, PA18 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
Getting to the hiking trail to blue mountain peak was not as hard as people say. We drove to Hagley Gap and found a local guide ready to help. He called a 4wd truck for us to get to Whitfield hall. The drivers name is Mr. Southerland cell # 859-1443. We didnt use the guide. I told him i would blog his number and he said that was fine. At whitfield hall its a nice smooth 1mile hike to the trail head. After that its mostly up hill. The most difficult part of the assent was Jacobs ladder. There is a ranger station close to half way. It has a restroom shower and camping area. The rest was what you expect on a tropical island.The entire hike was 14miles. It took 3.5 hours up and 2.5 hours down. The peak is 7400ft. whitfield hall is at 3800ft.
Written November 11, 2013
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.
Blizzardo
Panama City, Panama54 contributions
Jan 2012 • Friends
We started walking up the trail in the inky darkness at 5am from Jah B's Guesthouse, with bright stars overhead, me walking with in the pool of our guide Razza’s bright torch, the two guys sharing a dying Maglite. It was dark for about the first hour, the air electric with the buzz of crickets, and once the first twinges of dawn appeared on the horizon it was suddenly ‘Lights on!’ – fully bright daytime, in the very sudden way that it does here. The first bit of the trail is called Jacob’s Ladder, a zig-zagging loose-scree path that takes you straight up the side of the mountain, and honestly after about 2 hours I thought I was going to have to turn back (I'm 7 months pregnant!). My belly all felt OK, but my heart rate felt high and H made me stop often to take some deep slow breaths (good practice for labour for both of us!) I was gently teasing the boys and our guide about them being birth attendants up if it all started up here, but pretty much praying that that wouldn’t happen! Not sure H, his mate or a young Rasta would have been much use!
Once we reached a little clearing called Portland Gap, I suddenly started feeling better – maybe it was just psychological, as this is the half way point, and that the steepest part of the hike was behind us. There was plenty more ‘up’ though! But mainly the path was in the shade, beautiful dappled morning sunshine cascading through the pines, ferns and dense foliage around us – a climate known as ‘wet montane forest’ where many plants and trees are decidious but don’t die back as the jamaican ‘winter’ never really gets cold! So unbelievabley lush…
Wildlife-wise, on the way up, we saw a Red-billed Streamertail sitting in a tree, with an amazing iridescent green body, that made a weird whining hum when it flew off and also a flock of parakeets making an unbelievable racket as they straffed us like a kind of tropical luftwaffe on the track.
One very timid little dog followed us all the way from Jah B’s, not so much I think for the walk, but on the 0n hope that we might throw it a ham sandwich! Having seen Jah B’s cat eating a sweet potato the day before I got the impression that his cats and dogs were also vegetarians, though not perhaps out of principle!
Finally we made the top, with stunning views all around us. There was an American couple there, who’d overtaken us a bit before, who had FAR superior sandwiches (turkey and ham) in the dog’s opinion so it deserted us for a bit.
I felt a huge sense of achievement (and relief) having made it all the way up, and promised myself that for the last 8 weeks of this pregnancy I would take it easy. Really easy. Like sit by the pool and eat ice-cream like what ex-pat pregnant ladies are supposed to do!
As we sat having our lunch (at 10 am), as if on cue, a humming bird popped up right next to us, it’s tiny fat little body supported by impossibly fast short wings. At an altitude of 2250m, the day felt almost Irish, lovely sunshine with a cool breeze and we very reluctantly had to rouse ourselves to make the long descent.
We were all fairly exhausted by the time we made Jah B’s (except Razza who’d been sort of skipping for much of the way!) and absolutely fell on another home-grown / home-cooked veggie meal made for our return by Jah B, this time Johnny cakes (little scones) with a cabbage salad and fried plantain. The drive down wasn’t so bad – at least on the way down you can hug the side of the mountain, so it (probably) won’t be you that drives off into the abyss!
Read more of our adventures in Jamaica here: http://hotexpatmummy.wordpress.com
Once we reached a little clearing called Portland Gap, I suddenly started feeling better – maybe it was just psychological, as this is the half way point, and that the steepest part of the hike was behind us. There was plenty more ‘up’ though! But mainly the path was in the shade, beautiful dappled morning sunshine cascading through the pines, ferns and dense foliage around us – a climate known as ‘wet montane forest’ where many plants and trees are decidious but don’t die back as the jamaican ‘winter’ never really gets cold! So unbelievabley lush…
Wildlife-wise, on the way up, we saw a Red-billed Streamertail sitting in a tree, with an amazing iridescent green body, that made a weird whining hum when it flew off and also a flock of parakeets making an unbelievable racket as they straffed us like a kind of tropical luftwaffe on the track.
One very timid little dog followed us all the way from Jah B’s, not so much I think for the walk, but on the 0n hope that we might throw it a ham sandwich! Having seen Jah B’s cat eating a sweet potato the day before I got the impression that his cats and dogs were also vegetarians, though not perhaps out of principle!
Finally we made the top, with stunning views all around us. There was an American couple there, who’d overtaken us a bit before, who had FAR superior sandwiches (turkey and ham) in the dog’s opinion so it deserted us for a bit.
I felt a huge sense of achievement (and relief) having made it all the way up, and promised myself that for the last 8 weeks of this pregnancy I would take it easy. Really easy. Like sit by the pool and eat ice-cream like what ex-pat pregnant ladies are supposed to do!
As we sat having our lunch (at 10 am), as if on cue, a humming bird popped up right next to us, it’s tiny fat little body supported by impossibly fast short wings. At an altitude of 2250m, the day felt almost Irish, lovely sunshine with a cool breeze and we very reluctantly had to rouse ourselves to make the long descent.
We were all fairly exhausted by the time we made Jah B’s (except Razza who’d been sort of skipping for much of the way!) and absolutely fell on another home-grown / home-cooked veggie meal made for our return by Jah B, this time Johnny cakes (little scones) with a cabbage salad and fried plantain. The drive down wasn’t so bad – at least on the way down you can hug the side of the mountain, so it (probably) won’t be you that drives off into the abyss!
Read more of our adventures in Jamaica here: http://hotexpatmummy.wordpress.com
Written January 24, 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.
julyapryl
Kingston, Jamaica20 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
oh mercy. this is not for the faint of heart!
Group of about 10 friends went over the Heroes Weekend
we camped at Whitfield Hall & hiked up @ 1am. Got to the peak @ 5.30am
it was a bit overcast so didn't get the brilliant sunshine we were hoping for but it was an amazing time of bonding & enjoying the beauty of God's creation.
Group of about 10 friends went over the Heroes Weekend
we camped at Whitfield Hall & hiked up @ 1am. Got to the peak @ 5.30am
it was a bit overcast so didn't get the brilliant sunshine we were hoping for but it was an amazing time of bonding & enjoying the beauty of God's creation.
Written October 19, 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.
Kate B
Cambridge, UK133 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
The trail from the ranger station is narrow but well maintained, and the gradients are comfortable. It was not as precipitous as some accounts suggested it might be, but I am glad we did it by day rather than by torchlight. The tree ferns and bromeliads are spectacular. We didn't see much but cloud from the top, but there were some lovely views from further down and we had a very good day.
Written December 3, 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.
Do you have to join a tour to go to the blue mountains? Or can you drive yourself and explore solo?
Written November 19, 2018
If you wanna sleep in the blue mountains I would recommend to let the Guesthouse pick you up. Normally we always want to drive ourselves, but I'm happy we didn't this time. For Jays guesthouse we parked our rental car in the village Mavis Bank. (Google maps got lost some times, the free offline app 'maps.me' did work better). Jay picked us up with his 4x4. For hiking the Blue mountain peak you definitly don't need a guide. It's a clear path and you can't go wrong!
Written November 19, 2018
Ignacio C
Guadalajara, Mexico
Hi,
im planning to visit the blue mountains in a couple of weeks... do you know if there is more than one route to get to the top? is there any hut or hostel around to stay near the blue mountains? thanks
Written June 22, 2018
Ignacio C
Guadalajara, Mexico
Hi,
im planning to visit the blue mountains in a couple of weeks... do you know if there is more than one route to get to the top? is there any hut or hostel around to stay near the blue mountains? thanks
Written June 22, 2018
Hi I'm sure there are several routes to the peak but there is a designated trail which is deemed the safest which is what the tour guides used with hikers. Yes there are cabins which comes at a cost for rental. Check on their website for the cost of renting the cabins.
Written July 2, 2018
trelawnygyal
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hello- wondering how fit one has to be to walk this trail. I and my parents want to do it, they are average fitness, in their 50s. Also for those who did the trail in the night, what gear did you bring. I love to walk but I'm not a hiker per se.
Written January 14, 2017
BlueMountainsJA
Kingston, Jamaica
Hi Trelawnygyal,
The trail to the Blue Mountain Peak is most demanding on the knees because of the steepness, especially the stretch between Whitfield Hall and Portland Gap called Jacob's Ladder. Non-stop, the entire walk will take you about 4 hours one-way but you can set your own pace and stop along the way. For hiking at night, each hiker should best have a headlight or flashlight. I would also recommend warm layers that can be donned and removed as necessary. You'll need water and energy snacks. Contact the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust before you go. They manage the park and will help with any additional information you need. They need to know if you are in the park to monitor your safety.
Written January 17, 2017
Bonjour, Je prévois séjourner 1 nuit à Whitfield Hall. J'ai lu que je ne pourrais pas m'y rendre avec mon auto de location, mais l'auberge peut venir me chercher en 4X4 à Mavis Bank. Je devrai donc laisser ma voiture dans ce village le temps d'une nuit. Les gens de Whitfield Hall m'ont dit que c'était assez sécuritaire de la laisser dans le parking de la station de police. Qu'en pensez-vous? Est-ce que quelqu'un ici a fait la même chose? Merci!
Written September 6, 2016
pwatson721
New York City, New York
Hi James.Do you have to join a group and pay for the tour which is very high? Or are individuals allowed to hike after the $20 fee is charged.I am visiting Jamaica by myself in August and I`m not doing the group tourist thing.
Written July 15, 2016
Hyejin Y
Miami Beach, Florida
Hi, I would like to join this tour this Saturday alone. Can I make a reservation ?
Written May 9, 2016
Hi! Traveling to Jamaica first week of January. We're hiking Blue Mountain Peak and heard there is somewhere to stay at/near the top of the mountain? Looking at Whitfield Hall - Hostel right now as an option! Any help with tips for this hike, time it takes, best time of day to go, best accommodations nearby, would be very much appreciated! Thanks! :)
Written December 9, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 14
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing