Mount Ulap Eco Trail

Mount Ulap has become the Cordillera's most popular day hike, and the reason is the ridge. The trail starts at Ampucao above Itogon, climbs through pine forest and cattle pasture, and then breaks onto an open grass spine that runs for kilometres with the land falling away on both sides - Ambanao Paoay and the Gungal rock, where every hiker queues for the same photograph perched over the drop. On clear mornings the ranges stack blue to the horizon and the valleys hold cloud; on bad ones the whole ridge disappears into wind-driven mist that arrives without warning. The full traverse runs about twelve kilometres and takes five to seven hours, ending at Sta. Fe with a jeepney back. Local guides are mandatory, registration is at the barangay hall from early morning, and the trail's popularity means weekend queues at the photo rocks. Go on a weekday and it is one of the finest walks in northern Luzon.

What you actually see

• The grass ridge - open spine with drops either side.
• Gungal rock - the ledge everyone photographs.
• Pine and pasture - Cordillera forest and grazing land.
• The cloud valleys - white filling the gorges at dawn.

When to go

November to April for dry, clear conditions; start at first light to beat both heat and cloud. Weekends bring crowds and queues at the viewpoints.

Honest expectations

Guides and registration are compulsory and capped daily. The ridge is exposed to wind, sun and sudden mist - carry layers and water. Twelve kilometres is a real day; the traverse is not a stroll.

Nearby

Baguio's markets and museums sit an hour away; Sagada is four hours further into the mountains.