OverviewLocated on the southwest flank of the small Caribbean island of Tortola (BVI), Mount Sage is the highest point in either the U.S. or British Virgin Islands. Elevation estimates range from 1,709 feet to 1,780 feet depending on the source. Even the lowest figure places it higher than Crown Mountain, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The island of Tortola is well-populated (approx. 22,000) and a well-developed road system (though neglected) makes getting to Sage Mountain National Park a fairly easy proposition.
Panoramic view to the sea enroute to Sage Mountain National Park. |
Considering that the island of Tortola is only 12 miles long (east to west) and 3 miles wide (north to south), the 1,700-foot plus elevation of Mount Sage is significant. Please note that the latitude and longitude readings for this peak are not exact. The author of this page could find no accurate on-line listing but I think I'm pretty close after some trial and error.
Geographically, Tortola and thus Mount Sage is volcanic in origin. In spite of its small dimensions, Tortola is the largest of the 36 British Virgin islands and is located in the central region of the group of islands. The British Virgin Islands have an area of about 153 square miles, with Washington D.C. commonly given as a political entity of similar size. As one would imagine, there is significant rainfall on the island with the rainy season running from May to November. In spite of this, bugs were almost non-existent during my visit to the peak.
Sage Mountain National Park and its easy-to-follow trail system was created by the British authorities in 1964.
Getting There The main road through the interior of Tortola is known as Ridge Road. The Sage Mountain Road branches off of Ridge Road and leads to a trailhead just below the summit. The hike from here is very basic. A good road map of Tortola can be found here. One should keep in mind that the roads on Tortola are rough and narrow. US citizens should also remember that cars must travel on the left side of the road on the island.
Of course, getting to the island itself is the biggest obstacle one will face. A major ship terminal - utilized by cruise ships - is located near the capital "city" of Road Town on the south-central portion of the island. The Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on the eastern tip of Tortola presents a second option for travelers.
Red Tape/Park InformationThe trail system within Sage Mountain National Park is compact but offers many opportunities to meander around the higher areas of the mountain. Throughout the Park, you will notice areas of barbed wire fence that have been put in place to keep livestock from wandering into the carefully maintained area of rainforest. Visitors are asked not to remove any vegetation from the Park as it could become quickly depleted in this fairly popular area. The Park is "open" during daylight hours only.
See sign below for more detailed information.
Trailhead information. |
CampingCamping is not allowed within Sage Mountain National Park. The only legal camping that is available on the island of Tortola appears to be at Brewers Bay Beach on the Northwest portion of the island. Only a couple of miles distant from Sage Mountain National Park, it would be possible to road walk to the park from the campground giving one a more complete mountain experience.
Mount Sage as seen from St. John, USVI. |
One of many views that can be found high on Mount Sage. |
External LinksSage Mountain National Park
Forecast for Road Town, Tortola
More on camping at Brewers Bay Beach
Tortola Road map
View through the clouds to the sea |
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