Guam Hikes – The Spanish Steps
Since moving to Guam this past summer, we have had surprisingly little time to explore our new home. Now that we’ve found that time, it’s the rainy season (October). It’s not all doom and gloom, though, in fact, we’ve been able to go out snorkeling and hiking a few times between storms or in spite of a little rain. The only downside is that the pictures I take aren’t the beautiful and vibrant images you’d expect from a tropical island.
My go-to saying here is: If we didn’t [insert activity here] in the rain, we would never [insert activity here] on Guam. “If we didn’t hike in the rain, we would never hike on Guam.”
This saying is proving more and more true as we wait out rainstorms under pavilions at the beach, go out running in the pouring rain, or hurry out for an impromptu outdoor activity when the sky is clear.
Stacked Rocks – Spanish Steps, Guam The Paved Frontier
Once Stu came home from this last TDY (temporary duty) off island, we got out to explore together- without the kids. Our first stop sans kids was the Spanish Steps.
The Spanish Steps is a popular hike on Guam. Before we even moved here, I saw pictures of the historic steps and path you can hike down to a unique and beautiful beach.
This hike is located on Navy Base Guam, so visitors need military base access to get to it. The Spanish Steps can also be closed for various reasons such as inclement weather, so it’s always best to check the US Naval Base Guam Facebook page for any closings before heading out.
Finding the actual location was slightly confusing for us the first time we drove there. Google Maps gave me an incorrect, off base location, so it was a neighbor’s directions that got us there, and then a gate guard to clarify exactly where to find the parking lot- which was just a muddy field next to some signs (which you couldn’t see until you followed an unmarked dirt road).
UPDATE 5/18/18: It looks like Google Maps has been corrected since the first time we visited, so hopefully nobody else has the same issues we did.
Written directions – When heading up US-1 toward the back of the base (as if you are going to Gab Gab Beach), drive past Gab Gab beach, which will be on your right. Continue on this road until you reach a gate- at this gate will also be a sign that will say if Spanish Steps is closed or not; there also may or may not be a gate guard. Once through the gate, take a Left at the fork, Spanish Steps will be your first Right onto a dirt/grassy road- you will quickly drive past the tree line to see the Spanish Steps signs.
I wasn’t able to find much historical information about this area. What I do know is these steps were built during the Spanish occupation of Guam between the early 16th century and late 19th century. Portions of the steps are still there, and you actually walk down them briefly during the hike.
The steps/path lead down to a well, therefore, it is believed these steps were created so people could bring water up from the well up to Spanish forts.
The hike was a medium difficulty level, but Stuart and I were able to easily make it down the trail (using the ropes that are already secured) in about 15 minutes (that includes stopping for pictures and enjoying the scenery)- climbing back up after a morning of snorkeling proved to be more difficult. While some families I spoke to say they bring their children, it will probably be another year or so before we take Tristan and Rowan down there. Young children will likely need to be carried for portions of this trip and watched closely so they don’t slip or fall off the narrow path.
Spanish Steps, Guam – The Paved Frontier
Once you get to the beach, the view is incredible. If you don’t snorkel or swim, you can easily walk through the shallows to enjoy the rock formations and ocean side beach.
The snorkeling is amazing! There is plenty of fish life, coral, anemones, blue starfish, and crabs to keep us occupied for nearly two hours in the lagoon and walking along the ocean side beach. We didn’t venture out snorkeling on the ocean side since I am new to snorkeling and the current is stronger on that side.
The Spanish Steps are definitely a must-see while on island.
We may be away from Big Lou while we’re living in Guam, but RVing is still close to our hearts. I’m constantly looking up new RVing ideas on Pinterest, follow us here for RV specific information. And don’t forget to like us on Facebook! Pictures are updated on our Facebook page regularly.
UPDATE 2/12/18: We purchased a new GoPro and were able to make a video of our hike and snorkeling – We will upload the video to our YouTube channel and include it in this article as soon as it’s edited.
