What better way to explore Guam’s stunning natural beauty than via your own two feet? Let us be your personal tour guide with our list of the 10 best hikes on Guam. Along the way, you’ll enjoy waterfalls, stunning ocean views, caves, mountain vistas, and more. There’s so much to see on Guam, and, with some help from the list below, you’ll experience some of Guam’s most memorable spots.

First things first: If you’re not already living on Guam, you might not be familiar with the term “boonie stomping.” That’s simply what Guam residents call hiking. (In fact, you’ll find a hiking group on the island called Guam Boonie Stompers, Inc.! More on them later in the article.)

Let’s kick off your adventure with a little preparation, so you can enjoy a fun (and safe!) day of boonie stomping on Guam.

Now that know what you need to do before you go, let’s talk about where to go—and what you’ll see.

The 10 Best Hikes/Boonie Stomps on Guam

San Carlos Falls

It’s the stuff that Instagram dreams are made of: a 40-foot waterfall, plus a serene swimming hole—a pretty memorable payoff in return for all your hard work.

The trail to San Carlos is marked as “moderate.” However, you’ll need to be pretty mobile to make it all the way to the base of the falls. There’s a steep incline, and some scrambling involved—all aided by a few ropes. In addition to a bathing suit, you may also want long pants and gloves to navigate this trail. Both will assist with the swordgrass along the way. Additionally, gloves can be helpful when using the trail’s ropes to maintain your footing along the steeper sections.

Hila’an Beach/Sharks Hole/Lost Pond

If you’re looking for a relatively flat hike that still has some lovely views to offer, head over to Tanguisson Beach Park in Tumon. There, you’ll find a path that runs along the coastline to Hila’an Beach, with its brilliant white sand and distinctive, mushroom-shaped rock formations standing sentry in the turquoise water.

You could decide to stop and enjoy this gorgeous beach, or you could continue on for another ~1.3 miles to find Lost Pond, a freshwater pool tucked into the jungle. Take a dip in the pool, or head back to the coastline to jump in Shark’s Hole, a great spot for snorkeling. The underwater rock formations are home to plenty of tropical fish and the occasional nurse shark. (Hence the spot’s name!)

With a picturesque beach, a freshwater pool, and a great snorkeling opportunity to choose from, it’s clear that this hike is more than worth your time on Guam.

1,000 Steps

The name says it all: It’s just 1,000 steps from the parking lot to Tagu’an Point in Mangilao. New hikers—or those looking for a quick walk with a beautiful view at the end—will love this spot. The walk does involve a number of stairs (you’ll descend on the way out and climb on the way back) and the walkways can get slick, but, by and large, this is a fairly easy-to-moderate hike.

Once you reach the “end,” you’ll find yourself on a ruggedly beautiful coastline. Sit along the cliffs and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the waves or (carefully) explore the coast.

Mount Lam Lam

With an elevation gain of ~800 feet, it’s not the distance but the incline that make this a moderately challenging hike. Your reward: Incredible views of Guam’s western coastline from the summit of Mount Lam Lam, the tallest peak on Guam. Along the way, you’ll encounter a series of wooden crosses, placed along the trail to evoke the 14 Stations of the Cross, a Catholic tradition that traces the journey Jesus made to his crucifixion.

Toward the top, the trail can become tougher to follow, but keep your eyes out for the pink markers which will guide you to the summit.

And if you want to get a two-for-one deal on this hike, keep reading…

Mount Jumullong Manglo

To reach the summit of Mount Jumullong Manglo, you’ll start from the Mount Lam Lam trailhead. (Don’t be concerned if you only see signs for Mount Lam Lam.) You’ll follow the Mount Lam Lam trail to the top of the slope, which is marked by the 11th wooden cross. At that juncture, you’d turn left for Mount Lam Lam and right for Mount Jumullong Manglo.

Which is better? The summit for Mount Jumullong Manglo is closer, so if you’re pressed for time, turn right. The trail for Mount Jumullong Manglo also tends to be better maintained and easier to follow. But if you’ve got enough gas in the tank (and enough water!), why not do both?

Sella Bay

If you like your hikes with a side of history, don’t miss the hike to Sella Bay. In addition to the old Spanish bridge pictured above, there’s also an old Spanish oven to locate. Plus, for those who don’t mind exploring the jungle a bit, you can also find a series of latte stones that mark the location of Sidya, a long-gone Chamorro village.

You’ll start your hike at the Sella Bay overlook, then descend a set of stairs that lead to the trail to Sella Bay. You’ll have to cross a few streams, and keep your eyes out for trail to keep yourself headed the right way. Once you reach the beach, you’ll easily see the old Spanish bridge. You’ll find the oven just to the south of the bridge.

If you want to try and locate the ancient village of Sidya, check out this blog. Finding what’s left of the village may take some persistence and a little luck—and we’d recommend boonie stomping with a friend!—but it offers a fascinating piece of Chamorro history.

Pagat Caves

Sometimes boonie stomping is simply about enjoying the journey. Other times, it’s about the payoff at the end. If you prefer the latter, make sure to check out the Pagat Cave hike. Although the trail can be steep, it’s a relatively short one. And at the end, you’ll find a freshwater cave just waiting to offer you a refreshing dip. Plus, if you continue past the cave, you’ll also enjoy some stunning ocean views from Guam’s eastern coastline.

For this hike, shoes with good grip are a must. We also recommend a waterproof flashlight so you can fully explore the cave.

Sigua Falls

There’s mud. There are steep descents (with ropes to help). But there’s also a pretty majestic waterfall, plus some gorgeous vistas—and an abandoned WWII tank, which makes for a unique photo opportunity.

All in all, Sigua Falls is a pretty rugged hike that’s best reserved for those who don’t mind getting muddy and wet—and feel confident navigating slippery terrain. In Guam’s dry season (December–June), this hike can feel more doable. If you’re attempting it after a serious rainfall, expect a robust waterfall and mud—and lots of it.

Tarzan Falls

This one is a Guam classic. You’ll find plenty of people (including families!) hiking down to enjoy the cascading water flowing over this jagged rock wall. Along the way, you’ll enjoy plenty of lush greenery, as well as river views. You’ll also find a number of different trails along the way, but they all lead to the same spot, so don’t worry too much when the trail branches off. Finally, although the pool at the base of Tarzan Falls isn’t deep enough to swim in, you can still stick your head (or your whole body!) in to refresh yourself for the hike back.

Note: While kids and pets can usually complete this hike fairly easily, know that wet conditions can make it slippery—and muddy. Plan accordingly.

Tinago Falls

Sometimes called the “Garden of Eden,” Tinago Falls is the kind of spot where you can spend the whole day splashing in the water and exploring the leafy surroundings with your family.

The trail to Tinago Falls will take you through jungle, across a grassy plain, through a bamboo grove, then back through the jungle to a series of pools and waterfalls. To truly enjoy the experience, bring a change of clothes so you can splash in the water to your heart’s content then hike home in dry clothing. If you plan to stay the day, bring some bug spray to keep the mosquitos at bay.

Want to see what Tinago Falls is all about? Check out this YouTube tour of the area:

Want a More Social Hiking Experience?

If you’re looking for friends to boonie stop with, there are two groups on Guam that regularly get out and enjoy the island’s landscapes. If you’re new to Guam, these groups are also a great way to meet people—and get to know some of Guam’s trails:

  • Guam Boonie Stompers, Inc. organizes hikes every Saturday at 9:00 AM. The cost is $5 per adult hiker. Kids under 18 are free.
  • Agana Hash House Harriers describes themselves as “drinkers with a running problem.” If you’re into running and more extreme adventures, give this group a try. They hold events every Saturday as well.

Exploring Guam’s Lush Landscape

If you want to get to know all of the aspects of the beautiful island of Guam, boonie stomping offers you access to the island’s verdant jungles, its windswept peaks, its rugged coastlines, and its picturesque waterfalls. Grab some supplies, call a friend, and get exploring!

Considering a move to Guam? We’d be happy to help you make a safe, easy, and affordable move to the island. Just reach out to talk to one of our Tamuning-based experts. We’ll get you started with a free quote for your relocation.

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