Your Guide to Hiking St James Peak via Bailey’s Kloof
There’s something quietly magical about starting a hike with the sea at your back and the mountains calling you forward. The St James Peak hike via Bailey’s Kloof is one of those under-the-radar Cape Town trails that hits that sweet spot. It’s wild enough to feel like an adventure, but short and manageable enough to fit into a chilled weekend.
You’ll scramble up stone paths, pass through fynbos valleys, peek into hidden caves, and end up high above the city with a 360-degree view of False Bay. If you enjoyed the Kalk Bay Peak hike, then you’ll love this one.
It’s a local favourite, and once you’ve done it, you’ll know exactly why.
St James Peak via Bailey’s Kloof: Overview
- Distance: 5.6 km loop
- Time: 2 – 2.5 hours (with cave and pool stops)
- Difficulty: Moderate – short, steep climb, then flattens out
- Start Point: Shark Spotters, Boyes Drive (Muizenberg side)
- Parking: Free, roadside (right by Shark Spotters)
- Fees: None – free access
- Dogs: Allowed, but keep them close; baboons and snakes are not a myth
- Best Time: Early morning in spring or autumn
- Sun Exposure: Full – bring a hat & sunscreen
What Makes the St. James Peak Hike Special?
Let’s be clear: the hike up Bailey’s Kloof to St James Peak isn’t just a “pretty” weekend stroll; it’s a pocket-sized mountain mission with big views, hidden caves, and epic biodiversity.
The path weaves through folds of fynbos, follows old jeep tracks, dips into valleys dotted with Mimetes fimbriifolius (the cool “tree pagoda” plant), and takes you to a peak where you can see from Simon’s Town to Cape Hangklip, and across the bay to the Hottentots-Holland mountains.
If you do it right, you’ll dip your toes in a spring-fed pool, explore a cave (yes, a legit cave), and get your fill of both bushwhacking adventure and photo-worthy views.
And the best part? It’s all under 6km.
Getting There and Parking
If you drive, head up Boyes Drive from Muizenberg. About 2km in, you’ll spot the Shark Spotters hut with a large dirt pull-off area just after a bend. Park there. The trailhead is right across the road.
It’s also totally doable to catch an Uber to the trailhead if you’re car-less. Just note: the signal is patchy at the top. You might need to hike down before you can call one.
You can also start in Muizenebrg Park (pictured above) and walk up to the start of the trail. See St. James Peak looming ahead. Image: thescribsandnibs
St James Peak Hike via Bailey’s Kloof: The Route
Ready to experience this epic hike? Here’s a step-by-step overview of the trail.
1. The Climb: Bailey’s Kloof Trail
From the road, the trail launches right into an ascent. No warm-up. No mercy. It’s a straight, rocky path climbing between proteas and ericas.
It’s steep but short. You’ll gain about 200m in under a kilometre. Take breaks. Look back. The view of Muizenberg Beach and Zandvlei is worth every gasp.
Look out for:
- Fleur-de-lys (purple) in spring
- Ixia Dubia (rare orange iris) – blink and you’ll miss it
- Rock lizards and the occasional tortoise sunning themselves mid-trail
2. The Plateau: Mimetes Valley
At the top, you hit a fork. Go straight into Mimetes Valley. It flattens out, and the vegetation gets wild and woolly.
This is classic Cape mountain fynbos: low, scrubby, with bursts of yellow, red, and white flowers in spring.
Cool fact: This section was named after the Mimetes fimbriifolius, an endemic species with flame-tipped leaves arranged like a pagoda. They’re easy to spot if you know what to look for.
3. Detour: Nellie’s Pool (Optional, but worth it)
Soon, you’ll reach a jeep track. Keep right. A little further, you’ll see a small turnoff to Nellie’s Pool. It’s not a swimming pool, more like a natural spring basin tucked among reeds.
Frogs love it here. So will your tired feet.
Bring a snack and sit here for 10 minutes. You’ll almost always have it to yourself. Listen to the frogs and watch dragonflies skimming the water.
4. Cave Stop (Optional, But Fun)
Before you turn off to St James Peak, there’s a short, unmarked side path to a shallow cave (locals call it “Muizenberg Cave” but that’s technically a different one).
It’s small but cool, literally, and a fun spot for pics or shade.
5. The Peak Itself
Backtrack slightly, then turn left at the marked St James Peak sign. The path winds upward gently, hugging the mountain. You’ll traverse around the back, then pop out on a grassy saddle before the summit.
When you reach the top, don’t stop at the false summit, keep going to the trig beacon. The 360° views will stop you in your tracks:
- South: Cape Point stretching into the sea
- North: Table Mountain’s back table
- East: False Bay in full glory
- West: Slopes of Silvermine and Steenberg Ridge
St. James Peak Descent
The path now loops around the back of the peak, skimming the edge of Bailey’s Kloof. Take it slow, as some sections are rocky.
Eventually, you’ll drop back down to your original fork. From here, retrace your steps down the steep Kloof and back to your car.
Image: thescribsandnibs
What to Pack
Like with any shorter day hike in Cape Town, you don’t need to bring your full backpacking gear list. However, being prepared with the essentials is very important for a safe and enjoyable hike. Here’s what to bring:
- Water: At least 1.5L, there are no refill points
- Hat and sunscreen: The sun doesn’t play
- Snacks/lunch: Especially if you plan to chill at Nellie’s Pool
- Trail shoes: The rocks can be slick, especially after rain
- Swimsuit/towel: For the brave… or the sweaty
- Light jacket: The wind at the peak can surprise you
St. James Peak Hike Secret Highlights (That Most Hikers Miss)
Beyond the awesome views from St. James Peak, there are many amazing details to soak up along the Bailey’s Kloof trail. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- Mimetes flowers that glow golden at sunset
- The whistling sound in the kloof is natural. It’s wind echoing between rock faces
- Bush birds like Cape sugarbirds and sunbirds love this trail. Bring binocs if that’s your thing
- There’s zero light pollution at night. You could do it for sunset and hike down with a headlamp (if you’re experienced and never alone)
St. James Peak Hike Safety Tips
- Don’t hike alone. There’s safety in numbers, and unfortunately, crime has occurred in parts of this region before.
- Tell someone. Let a friend know your route and ETA.
- Signal is patchy. You’ll get it at the top, but not in the kloof.
- Check the weather. That wind howls across the saddle, and mist can roll in fast.
Post-Hike Rewards (Nearby Eats and Drinks)
One of the best things about hiking here is all the cool cafes, bars, and restaurants available at the bottom of the mountain. Whether you’re after a post-hike coffee, breakfast, burger, or beer, you’ve got plenty of options.
Your best bet is to stroll down to the Muizenberg beachfront, where there are endless great spots for a meal or a drink. You could even fit in a surf or a swim to cool off after a sweaty hike.
Or walk down to St James Beach to dunk yourself in the tidal pool or snap a shot with the lesser-known colourful beach huts (smaller but usually less crowded than Muizenberg’s).
Of course, Kalk Bay is also just a little bit further down the road, with plenty of great food and drink options too.
Final Thoughts
The St James Peak via Bailey’s Kloof loop is the kind of hike that punches above its weight. It’s short but spicy, scenic but not touristy, and full of quiet magic if you know where to look. Perfect for locals needing a nature reset or visitors wanting more than just Table Mountain.
Whether you’re there for the wildflowers, the frog-filled pool, or the summit selfies, this trail delivers.
See you out there. Pack snacks. Bring a friend. And always look back on the climb. You’ll thank me later.
