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any thoughts about difficulty of Jacobs Ladder much appreciated !! Does traffic get backed up when it's raining waiting for each car to get over hill?
I am a STJ 1st timer, although I have been to STT.
Cheers!
I never worry about Jacob's Ladder. If it is wet, you just wait until the vehicle in front of you is 3/4 of the way up. There is not really enough traffic on STJ for it to get backed up, maybe a few cars, but that is it.
It is a steep hill, really that is about it. After you get up it once, it will be no big deal
Agree with Xisland girl. It's called Jacobs Ladder, not Chute or Slide. I actually have more trouble walking up it (LOL). Take your time and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front.
The first time will be the difficult trip over the ladder, but after that no worries.
There are many roads on STJ when wet you need to pay close attention, but they should not invoke fear.
The question of 4WD is always tossed around. Last three time we have gone we had 3 couples in some big dodge vehicle and never had a need for 4WD, but it had lots of power. Some of the beaches on the Coral Bay side it is nice to have 4WD, but not necessary as much anymore since they have done some road improvements.
If you are nervous about it get a AWD vehicle or 4WD and have fun.
Remember the speed limits are very low on the island so none of your challenges will be at 55 mph.
Jacob's Ladder is not that bad. Now if you want a challenge... When you are heading from Cruz Bay towards the Westin and you get to the top of Jacob's Ladder turn left and climp up to Sunset Ridge Villas I think it is Betheny road. Now that is drive. Not bad going up just floor the gas... Coming Down OMG. It is where I truly learned to pray.
Most of the roads here are fine, unless they get wet. If you are going over Jacobs Ladder, heading towards the Westin, and the road is wet, you do have to be a little cautious if you are not driving in 4WD. You need to make sure you have enough speed before you hit the hill. If there is a car on the hill having trouble, just wait at the bottom before you attempt. I've seen many a car have trouble navigating that hill when it is wet. Also wait at the bottom if there is a big truck on the hill when it's wet. They move slower, and if you have to stop on that hill when it's wet, it's really hard to get started back up. When it's dry, no problem. When it's wet, use caution. If you are nervous about it, just book a car with 4WD for peace of mind.
