The first time I hiked to Blue mountain Peak was in high school .My best friend and I were in the same club and they organized a trip to the peak and so we decided to take on the adventure. It was definitely a memorable moment that had me returning to the peak a few years later, when the opportunity came forth again. It has been an adventure for the books and an experience worth sharing with future generations. As I reflect on this memorable journey, I will be sharing my experience as well as information about hiking to Blue Mountain Peak, hoping that one day you will embark on the journey of climbing the highest point in Jamaica.
Blue Mountain Peak Facts
The Blue Mountain peak is the highest point in Jamaica and is also one of the highest peaks in the Caribbean. It is 2256 meters (7402 feet).
The Blue Mountain Peak range covers the parishes of St. Andrew, St. Thomas and Portland.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the temperature can be as low as 10 degrees celsius around December to February (Winter) and as high as 19-20 degrees celsius around the summer time.
As Jamaicans we would consider these temperatures to be chilly, but to many tourists venturing from colder regions, it would be tolerable.
Essentials for your Blue Mountain Peak Hike
The journey to Blue Mountain Peak is not an easy feat, however, being prepared will make the journey more manageable. Below is a checklist of essential items to pack for your hike :
Backpack: A comfortable and durable backpack to carry all your essentials.
Water: Sufficient water to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
Food: High-energy snacks to fuel your adventure.
First Aid Kit: Basic first aid supplies for treating minor injuries and ailments.
Clothing: Warm, comfortable clothing. Take additional shirts/sweaters along for the impending temperature drop.
Footwear: Sturdy and supportive hiking boots or shoes with good traction ( My shoes were no good after this hike so please wear good shoes)
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against sunburn.
Personal Essentials: Items such as medications, hand sanitizer, and toiletries.
Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for hiking in low-light conditions or emergencies.
Last but not least a positive attitude and grit .
Embarking on the Journey: The Path to Blue Mountain Peak
Daylight
The group I sojourned with to the peak, gathered at Papine Square in Kingston. Here, we got acquainted with unfamiliar faces and retrieved snacks at the gas station nearby while we waited on our transportation. When our transportation arrived we went from Papine Square then to Mavis Bank Police Station. At the station our names and emergency contacts were written in a book. From the police station we had an off-road vehicle that took us to Jacob's Ladder. On route to Jacob's Ladder the temperature started to shift to a light, cool breeze and we enjoyed the ride as we drove through hilly and rugged terrain passing a few communities along the way.
This hike structure is optional, as some individuals choose to start their journey to the peak on foot from Mavis Bank Police Station. The first time I went to Blue Mountain, the group I was with at the time hiked from Mavis Bank .However, feeling older, I didn't wish for my soul to leave my body, so for this hike, we began the journey on foot from Jacob's Ladder.
Once we arrived at Jacob's Ladder we readily got on our jackets as we prepared for the impending drop in temperature again mixed with the night sky above. We had our warm up session then began the trek. As we started the climb I was nervous and excited and my adrenaline was pumping all at once as I thought about the trail ahead.
Nightfall
As the night sky slowly approached the trail became extremely dark reinforcing the need for flashlights .However with the sound of our guide and my group cheering each other on along the way, we found the determination to put one foot in front of the other to reach our destination. A fascinating moment for me at this point was looking down from above and seeing the city lights of Kingston. It definitely dawned on me how far away and how high up we were in the mountains.
After a few hours ,we rejoiced as we made it to Portland Gap, which is where our cabins were located. In the cabins, we had interesting discussions, and listened a few scary stories and then rested a few hours for the rest of the hike. The cold of the night had us wrapped up in sweaters mixed with thick layers of clothing and whatever sheets we were able to add to our backpack.
The Ascent to the Peak
After we rested for a while we made our way to the peak , from memory that took at least another two hours . In my opinion this was the hardest part of the hike as the trail got steeper the higher we climbed. At points I had to stop and catch my breath. Fog began to consume us at points along the trail and it was almost surreal as if we entered a different world.
As we continued along the trail we saw other hikers coming down and I knew we were close. My friend and I encouraged each other even tho we were exhausted .We were encouraged to not stop completely but to take small steps, to keep our pace.
Reaching the Summit: Blue Mountain Peak , Jamaica
Soon we heard screams of victory as we arrived on Blue Mountain Peak- the highest point in Jamaica . The panoramic views were amazing, and we rejoiced once again as we gleamed in our achievement. We rested for a while, took pictures and soaked in the breathtaking view of the peak. We could see above the clouds and it was just amazing. We also found a few wild strawberries which we picked and savored.
The Return Journey
After soaking in the glorious views and celebrating the feat of climbing the highest point in Jamaica, we soon gathered ourselves as we now had to return to the cabins where we lodged. On the journey back to the cabins we were once again surrounded by lush vegetation that was now clearly visible. We saw several coffee farms along the hike down, which is expected as Jamaica is known to have one of the best coffee in the world -Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.
Soon we made it to the cabins where we had breakfast , packed our belongings and started on the second trek of our journey back to Jacob's Ladder . We saw more mountainous views and got a vivid view of how far we came along the journey. When we arrived at Jacob's Ladder, our transportation came a little while afterwards and brought us to Mavis Bank Police Station. There, we waited a few minutes to be transported back to Papine Square where it all began. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, leaving with a memorable experience etched in our minds for a lifetime.
Hiking to Blue Mountain Peak has been one of the best adventures I have experienced in Jamaica and would encourage anyone to go even once. A seasoned hiker may not need a guide, however there are tour companies that provide guiding service to the Blue Mountain Peak. One such company I've used is Jam Island Thrills. They have experienced tour guides who aim to curate unforgettable experiences in Jamaica.
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The Journey of a Lifetime Awaits !