Mount San Cristobal

1,470m (4,820 ft)

There are 3 trail options.

The Dolores Trail is by far the most common trail used to climb Cristobal, it takes about half a day to get to the crater and a full day to complete the entire hike.

The second option is the Nagcarlan Northern Trail which takes about 3-4 hours to complete. You’ll definitely need a guide for this however as the trail is not established.

San Pablo Trail is the third and longest route to Cristobal. It can be accessed by Barangay San Cristobal in San Pablo and takes about 6 hours to complete.

Mount San Cristobal is a nicely shaped conic volcano covered by dense rainforest. The forests here are said to be one of the most pristine in Luzon. However, there are many legends based on the “negative energy” surrounding this peak that may either appeal to or spook off the average hiker.

The Dolores trail:

This trail commences just before you enter Barangay Kinabuhayan (the jump-off to Banahaw). There are lots of citrus fruits (dalanghita) along the way.

The starting point is 610m (2001 ft) above sea level. In a short while, you’ll have reached a wide flat area which was actually a test site of a proposed geothermal plant that didn’t push through. Here you can opt to set up tent or rest for a while if you like.

As you continue to hike passing plantations, you will arrive at a fork right before the ascent begins. The trail on the right leads to the house of the psychic, Montelibano.

After Montelibano, the forest ensues, taking around 2-3 hours to cross. Once you’ve reached 1,380m (4527.5 ft) you’ll notice a campsite. You are now about a half hour away from the crater.

The land is flat at the crater with usually a lot of mist around. If heavy rains had taken place before, a “Cristobal Lake” may have formed in the crater, creating a swampy appearance.

You’ll want to begin the descent fairly soon to avoid the steep drops in the dark unless you decide to set up camp at the peak and make it an overnight hike.

The Nagcarlan Northern Trail:

A traverse of Cristobal entails crossing over to the Nagcarlan side, north of the crater. You will reach a high point of the crater rim, and from there, it will be a descent through a similar forested environment.

San Pablo Trail:

Be warned that the hunter trails by Barangay San Cristobal in San Pablo are quite confusing. The first sections would be grasslands or woodlands with sampinit (wild berries) growing; a dense forest follows – perhaps the densest in the whole mountain.

There is also an area called “Koronang Tinik” in which the whole place is surrounded by thorny trees, palms, and vines; branches of thorns stick out of the trail, and can only be removed by moving one step backwards. Katmon trees, bearing edible fruits, also grow here.

Mount San Cristobal falls within a subtropical climate. Historically, the mountain gets the most rain between June and December, and the driest months are between January and May.

The temperature remains hot all year, with the hottest months being between April and September. The highs in this period go above 30°C (86°F).

The climb can be and has been attempted all year round. However, you’ll need to prepare for the cold at the peak.

Hiking shoes, gloves and poles are recommended on this hike for the sudden steep drops and climbs. There will be instances of scrambling on all fours, however, rock-climbing skills will not be required.

Food and water are only available from guides or porters from the trailhead, along the trail through to the summit base camp.

Rest stop shelters, such as huts, pavilions, etc. as well as some signposts, hazard markings and “Groomed” trail sections can be found along the trail.

Guides are recommended. Porters are not required.

The easiest way to get here is by taking a bus from Manila’s Pasay Bus Terminal to Lucena City or San Pablo City depending on the trail you want to take.

For the Dolores Trail; From there you may be able to find a jeepney or tricycle, depending on availability, that will take you all the way to Dolores. From Dolores, you’ll need to take a tricycle to Kinabuhayan. Negotiation skills are vital here and beware of rip-offs.

Climbing safety:

The trail is challenging in some parts so be cautious, and bring the appropriate gear. There will be instances of scrambling on all fours, however, rock-climbing skills will not be required.

Personal safety:

The so-called negative energy surrounding this hike is so seriously believed by both locals and hikers alike that a lot of the guides bring special talismans said to ward off any evil spirits. This may not be the climb for solo travellers.

This peak doesn’t pose any specific threats to women but is generally a peak to be climbed in groups and preferably with a guide.