“The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.”
-Werner Herzog.
It is no question that Baguio City is a beloved tourist destination.
Regarded as the summer capital and preferred Christmas destination of urban vacationers, the city of pines inevitably sees a throng of visitors all throughout the year. If you have been making your yearly pilgrimage to one of the colder cities in the Philippines each year, you probably think you have done it all.
By now, you probably have eaten at Baguio’s famous and well-loved restaurants, strolled along Session Road, hung out at the park, gone boating in Burnham Lake, and taken photos of all the popular tourist spots. Thinking that you have done everything there is to do in Baguio, you are probably looking for more activities to do. After all, if you have done it all, you may be thinking: What else can I discover in this beautiful city?
Well, if you are into outdoor exploration, then you may want to try hiking in Baguio. As the city is in proximity to mountains and various hiking trails, you can always plot out a day and dedicate it solely to a hiking activity. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned hiker, the city’s nearby hiking trails have something to offer you. If you are wondering where to hike in Baguio, below is a list of options you can choose from:
a.) Mt. Yangbew
If hiking is not really your thing, you need not worry. Mt. Yangbew is a relatively easy trail that can be conquered in just a single day. To get to the site, you can take a cab or jeepney going to Barangay Tawang in La Trinidad. Be sure to bring some pocket money with you, as there are minimal fees to be collected.
b.) Camp John Hay Eco-Trail
You do not have to drive far to reach Camp John Eco Trail as this trail is located just a short distance away from the city center. Reaching the eco-trail is already a treat in itself, as it offers picturesque and stunning views of the surroundings. You are also given several options and different routes to choose from and hike according to your fitness level and experience. If you are feeling peckish while on the trail, you need not worry about packing snacks, as there are several cafes and restaurants nearby where you can stop for a bite.
c.) Mt. Kalugong
If you are looking for something a little challenging, Mt. Kalugong in Baguio City is definitely for you. This hiking trail is just located near Mt. Yangbew, so if you feel a little underwhelmed with Mt. Yangbew’s trail difficulty, you may want to head on to Mt. Kalugong next and give yourself more of a challenge. To get here, you can take a cab to its summit. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you can visit Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village and Eco-Park, where you can reward yourself with some food. If you wish to stay overnight, you may camp at the Eco-park as well.
d.) Mt. Cabuyao
Located in Tuba, Benguet, Mt. Cabuyao is home to the fictional place called “La Presa,” which was featured in the Filipino TV soap drama “Forevermore.” If you wish to visit the mountain for yourself, you can hail a jeepney bound for Green Valley and hike from there. At the summit’s viewing deck, you can enjoy Baguio’s cityscape and nearby mountains. Mt. Cabuyao is also near the popular Cafe in the Sky. If you have time to spare after your hike, you may want to make a quick stop at the cafe as well.
e.)Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail
Another option for beginner hikers is Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail, a relatively easy trail to hike that offers beautiful and stunning views of the forests and mountains all around Baguio. On your hike to the summit, there are several places to rest which gives you plenty of opportunity to catch your breath and take immerse yourself in the beauty of the view along the way. There is no need to rush to finish; you can take your time and just enjoy the scenery.
f.) Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges’ Hiking Trail
Looking for a hiking trail where you can enjoy Baguio’s cool weather complemented by pine-scented air and lush forest surroundings? Then head on to Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges’ Hiking Trail. To get to the trail, you have to reach the heart of the lodge of the property, where you can also witness breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Beginners need not worry as this trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
g.) Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg Trail
If you are searching for a unique breathtaking adventure, you may want to experience literally hiking above the clouds. You can do this and more at Mt. Pulag via the Ambangeg Trail. The trail is situated at the towering peaks of the Cordillera range and takes about 4-5 hours to complete. However, all that effort will be worth it once you reach the summit, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the sea clouds and surrounding mountain ranges.
If you are planning to visit Baguio and are looking for other activities to enjoy, know that the city has a lot of fantastic options. There is something for every hiker out there—whether that be stunning scenery or a challenge. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, let this list help you in finding the next trail for your adventure.
