Sunday, July 5, 2015

Mount Pico de Loro, The New DENR Trail

Major jump-off : Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite
LLA : 14°12.855N: 120°38.785E: 664 MASL
Days required/Hours to summit : 1 day/1 1/2 -2 hours
Specs: Minor climb  Difficulty : 3/9   Trail class : 1-3
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-palay-palaypico-de-loro-664_9808.html)


going to the Magnetic Hill
It was my third time to hike Mount Pico de Loro but everytime is a first time.  The first experience was so difficult, it was raining so hard and it is still was the Old but challenging trail.  We passed through Pico de Loro Waterfalls and if you were able to experience some time here, you are lucky. We also spent the rainy night at the campsite and also able to hike together with actor Mike Tan.  We were not able to reach the monolith that time because it will be so dangerous with the strong wind and rain. 

The second one was just a day hike, still at the old trail.  We just went back to finish our unaccomplished hike to the monolith.

The third one was also different and exciting, with new friends coming along with us.  So I decided to write this wonderful experience also. 

We prepared really early because we knew that it still was the old trail and getting through the summit usually takes 4 to 5 hours.

with new companions Aaron, Roselyn, 2 Tin Tins, Kaz and Hazel
 




The New Trail was manageable that even my 4 year old can hike this.  I just missed already the Old and really challenging trail.  With plenty of assaults and roots hiking before the campsite.  I can say that the new trail can easily be hiked by beginners.



The old timers were so surprised to view peak 1 and monolith one hour from the jump-off in the new trail.  At the Old trail, in an hour you will be at Camp 1 where there are comfort rooms and rest area.  But it was part of the Old Trail.  It is also where briefing for mountaineers were usually held before proceeding to hike.

We were at the jump off by 6:50am and reached this place where you can already view the monolith and peak 1 after an hour.  The trail  was shortened but I must commend the DENR for having a faster and clean trail. The new trail just missed the way going to the waterfalls. 

rest area without a roof

campsite in more than an hour hike from the jump-off

take time to spend some minutes at the campsite because views here are magnificent!


Those who dared...

 


I've never been so scared in my life, ever! don't dare if it is not safe...mahangin at walang tungtungan

Photo tips...Try poses like this ...


Or this...


with our new hiking buddies
moment ko to! (CTO Aaron Al Acoba)
father and daughters



view from peak 1 (CTO Jane dela Cruz)
trail from peak 1 to the monolith


the long queue at the monolith, be really early okies?
though we arrive at the lower part of the monolith really early, we still spent 30 minutes queuing here...


the rappelling part

how to get these photo? sacrifice one friend to be at the other peak, hehe =) thanks Alvin!

at the monolith using Aaron's hero4
loving the mountaineering world =)

going down from peak 1... loose rocks trail
Hazel, Roselyn, Aaron and Tin Tin...Hope you had a great time with us guyz =)
Itinerary:
4:30am to 6:00am   - Coastal Mall Bus Terminal to Ternate Bus Station
6:00am to 6:30am   - Ternate Bus Station to DENR jump-off
6:30am to 6:50am   - buy packed lunch at the jump off (meals here are affordable) 
                                and registration with DENR
6:50am to 8:20am   - jump-off to campsite
8:20am to 9:00am   - picture taking at the campsite
9:00am to 9:15am   - campsite to peak 1
9:15am to 9:30am   - peak 1 to monolith
                        will take more time just for queuing at the rappelling part of the monolith
9:30am to 10:00am  - stayed at the monolith peak
10:00am to 10:30am - monolith to peak 1 to campsite
10:30am to 11:00am - still early, stayed more at the campsite for more picture taking
11:00am to 12:00nn  - lunch and socials
12:00nn to 1:30pm    - campsite to jump-off

Prepare for: 
Registration fee is still Php25
Parking Fee is Php50 (if you brought your own vehicle)

DENR has a plan of opening a new trail going to the waterfalls.  

Thank you Aaron, Jane, Roselyn and Jane for the photos.
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