Mount Pinatubo

1,460m (4,800ft)

There are four trails to choose from. The most popular is the Crow Valley Trail, which can be completed within a day.

This trail starts at Santa Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. Here you begin a 4×4 drive of approximately one hour through the Crow Valley to the base of Mount Pinatubo.

From there you will hike roughly 5.5km (3.4 mi) up to the rim of the crater lake, which will only take about two hours.

The descent follows the same pattern- a two-hour trek down the mountain and a 4×4 drive back. During the rainy season, the 4×4 vehicles cannot go as far, and you will have to hike around 10km (6.2 mi) each way which will take proportionately longer, but the hike can still be completed within a day.

The second trail is the Riverbed Trail. This is more of a 4×4 excursion.

The 4×4 vehicles drive up the dry riverbed, resulting in a trek that is, at most, 30 minutes long. However, this route is only accessible during the summer months when the riverbed is dry.

The third and fourth trails are the Porac Pampanga Trail, which is 22km (13.6 mi) long, and the San Marcelino Trail. These trails are both much longer- taking between two and three days to complete the round-trip.

Depending on the trail you choose, Mount Pinatubo can be an easy and short trek that’s great for beginners- the option that most climbers pick, or it can be longer and more intensive.

There are two distinct parts – the drive, and the climb. The 4×4 drive through the Crow Valley trail features a few river crossings, lahar formations, and volcanic sands. The trail itself is quite easy and the climb is so gradual, it’ll be a while until you realize you are actually going up.

There is a steeper incline at the rim of the crater, but it is not challenging at all. During the rainy season, the trek becomes more perilous as the lahar deposits are very volatile and the rain can lead to landslides.

The Porac Pampanga Trail starts 900m above sea level at Porac, Pampanga. It is far more difficult than the ones starting at Capas, Tarlac. It involves multiple river crossings, volcanic sand, and large boulders. The trek features gradual elevation, but there are some steeper and more challenging portions. One of the more difficult sections is the climb to the crater lake itself.

The San Marcelino Trail is very similar except it involves trekking through dense rainforests and features far fewer river crossings.

Typical of tropical climates, Mount Pinatubo can be a hot and muggy hike, particularly at the lower reaches, all year round. It’s likely to be hotter and wetter from December to March. However, it can rain all year with short notice.
From July to October, it is more likely to be cooler and drier. Climbing in the early morning and late night can be more pleasant than in the heat of the day.

Bring appropriate wet-weather gear, particularly for the longer treks as there could be unpredicted showers. Choose your shoes wisely – there are a few river crossings so wear quick-dry hiking boots with thick soles to help with the loose terrain. It may also be helpful to bring a scarf as the drive to the base of Mount Pinatubo can be bumpy and dusty. You can also buy masks to combat the dust on the drive at the Santa Juliana Tourist Office.

There is a registration kiosk and toilets at the trailhead. Food and potable water can also be found at the trailhead.

There is no food or water along the trail or at the summit camp, however, it shouldn’t be needed for the Crow Valley Trail or the Riverbed Trail as both are short hikes. There are also no formal picnic areas at the summit.

You will need a guide to take you on the 4×4 ride to get to the start of the trail for the Crow Valley Trail and the Riverbed Trail. Guides and porters are recommended for the San Marcelino Trail and the Porac Pampanga Trail as well, as they are slightly trickier with many river-crossings.

The Manila International Airport is the nearest airport for travellers from overseas. Mount Pinatubo is about three hours away from Manila and can be accessed easily by taxi.

You can also take a 2-3 hour bus ride to the McDonald’s at Capas, Tarlac. Then, you could take a trike to Santa Juliana where you’ll have to register at the Tourist Office and hire an SUV. After a one-hour drive to the starting point, you’ll start your 2-hour long trek.

The Philippines does not present special challenges for women, but it is advised not to do this hike alone. Mount Pinatubo is considered an active volcano but has not shown activity since 1992, so it should be completely safe.

Be sure to check the latest information about the volcanology of Pinatubo before attempting a climb.