Easy Hiking Trails in La Trinidad, Benguet
- RACHExplorer
- May 25, 2022
- 5 min read
Cloaked with majestic mountains of varying peaks, Benguet is definitely a haven for adventure seekers and hikers. With the differing heights, every mountain to conquer has a unique journey to offer.
It was in 2018 that I had the opportune moment to hike the country’s 3rd highest mountain, Mount Pulag. The footslog started before the breaking dawn while our group traversed the Ambangeg Trail. As you gradually ascend, the temperature plummets to a near-freezing level. But lo and behold, you won’t think about the challenges of the summit assault when you arrive at a blessed time as seas of clouds envelope the mountains beneath. Everywhere your eyes reach is a stunning view that every moment spent on the mountaintop is priceless. To set foot at the summit of the highest mountain in Luzon has been a great achievement for me as a hiking neophyte.
Mesmerizing views at Mount Pulag
But don’t worry if you have limited time and could only visit places relatively near Baguio City as nearby La Trinidad offers beginner-friendly hiking trails. Mount Kalugong and Mount Yangbew are easy to navigate for newbie hikers like me.
MOUNT KALUGONG
Escaping from the work-from-home shuffle and being invited by a friend to go for a walk, we decided to visit Mount Kalugong which is near to both of us as residents of La Trinidad.
Mount Kalugong is an eco-park nestled in a cultural village of the same name. “Kalugong” is a local word that means “hat” and it got its name from the rock formations on top of the mountain resembling a hat as viewed down the valley.
If you are up for the challenge of passing through the rugged rock formations, you can get a panoramic view of La Trinidad valley, from the expanse of the strawberry fields to a sneak peek of Baguio City.
Finding a good spot for a photo is definitely a challenge as you have to face your fears and be extra careful in climbing the rocks. (Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that don’t get easily scratched as you wouldn't want to go home with scratched pants.)
The entire area, containing the eco-park, is known as Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village. It has been developed with the aim to show the world a part of the culture of the Igorots in the olden times. It envisions reviving some of the primitive practices of the Igorots that define their identity. Thus, there are simple dwellings built within the area which are basically Igorot huts that served as homes to the Igorots during the early times, and the Poor Man’s Cabin, a simple dwelling. If you are interested to appreciate and understand the culture of the Igorots, you can have an actual experience of simple living through the overnight stay in the hut or the cabin that is offered at a minimum fee of Php 500 per night for 2 persons.
The cultural village is also equipped with a picnic area and swings hung on sturdy pine tree branches.
Furthermore, right after crossing through the rocky side of the mountain is Mount Kalugong Kape-an/Cafe where you can get some refreshments while you rest before descending to the main road.
Entrance Fee
Fees are collected upon entry to the cultural village.
Php 100 per person
Php 80 for Senior Citizens and PWDs
How to get there
From Baguio City, ride a jeepney bound to Camp Dangwa/Tomay at the terminal in Magsaysay Avenue right after Baguio Center Mall. It’s the same jeepney going to the strawberry farm. Just ask the driver to drop you off at the jump-off going to Mount Kalugong in Barangay Cruz. The fare is Php15.00 each. Once dropped on Kalugong Road, you need to hike the uphill steep road before you reach the cultural village.
You can also take a taxi going to Mt. Kalugong where you can ask the driver if he could bring you up to the entrance of the park. There are instances when taxi drivers are hesitant since going up is a one-way steep road which may not be ideal for not-so-experienced drivers.
MOUNT YANGBEW
Another easier, beginner-friendly trail is Mount Yangbew, favorite hiking, camping, and sunrise viewing spot for locals. Likewise known as Mount Jumbo or Mount Jambo, it used to be the venue for the National Scout Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of America when the Americans were in the region several decades ago.
I have been to Mount Yangbew several times as it is situated in a barangay which is about 2 kilometers from our place. We usually go there early in the morning as we decide to jog before we take the trail up to the mountain and try to catch the sunrise.
Going up will just take about 15 minutes depending on your own pace. It is not recommendable to visit during the rainy season as the trail gets muddy and slippery but if you are up for the challenge, that's great.
There are no trees at the summit thus it could get really hot during the day thus if you plan to stay there until lunchtime, make sure you bring with you an umbrella or wear a hat.
Locals have also decided to bring in horses to Mt Yangbew. You can ride one at the summit for around P150 for 30 minutes.
Horseback riding at Mount Yangbew
How to get there
Via Taxi
With the taxi, simply tell your driver to bring you to Sitio Binat at Barangay Tawang. Just keep an eye out for the Mt Yangbew sign on the right side of the road. Taxi fare is around 150+ depending on the traffic.
Via Jeep
Ride a jeep from Baguio to La Trinidad and ask to be dropped off at KM 4 in front of Tiong San. From there, walk to Pines Park where you will ride the jeepneys stationed there. These jeepneys pass by Sitio Binat at Barangay Tawang so just ask the driver to drop you off at the “Welcome to Mt. Yangbew” signages.
Important Notes
There are no stores at the summit thus you have to bring with you your water and snacks.
Best months to visit would be December to April for the least rainfall.
Best days are on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Best time would be before the sunrise and sunset for the best views!
You will meet a local at the summit collecting fees amounting to Php30 for local tourists and Php50 to foreigners. Local students have to pay Php25 as well.
If you intend to camp, a fee of Php100 will be collected.
Hence, if you want to take a break from the roads and is up for short trail hikes near Baguio City, these two mountains in La Trinidad are your best options.
Focus on the journey not the destination.
Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.
~ Greg Anderson
What a very nice view!😍 I've been looking for scenic places to visit this summer and I think I've found one.
Such a scenic view looks great.