Located in the town of Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur formerly known as Conception during the time of Philippine-American time. Tirad Peak towers above the historical trail of Tirad Pass with an altitude of 4550ft above sea level for a total of 14km backtrail from the jump off to the summit.
The trail starts from the ‘Old Spanish Trail’ characterized by pine trees set on a Benguet like setting wide enough for horses to pass through. It was named as such because during the Spanish era it was used as a major route to the Cordilleras. References and signages of the historical battle can be found along the trail. One can also find a cave right before the Tirad Pass Shrine which also serves as the campsite. From there on, one will pass the “Lonely Trail” which then leads to the “Sniper’s Knoll” where the American sniper shot del Pilar to his demise.
After the "Old Spanish Trail" one would enter a very forested woodland which are at times winding but still established enough characterized by moderate to steep assault at some portions. Some parts have loosed soils and rocks until reaching an open grassland which leads to another forested part just before the foot of Tirad Peak for a total distance of 5km (from the campsite) and 7km (from cemented road jump off point) with a total elevation gain of 2400ft.
The final assault to Tirad Peak is characterized by a very steep inclination at almost 80 degrees which requires bouldering on rocky portion and some loose rocks on other parts, thus a rope was set in place to aid hikers during ascent and most especially descend since one wrong move could mean life and death. From the standpoint, it is a continuous downward plunge to a ravine just beneath, it was one of those summit peaks where my knees literally became feeble as if refusing to move.
The summit has become smaller in recent years due to landslide caused by loose soil and rock that can only accommodate 5 people at a time. It is characterized by ravines on all side set on an unstable ground thus, extreme precaution is advised at all times. Dangerous as it is, the summit offers a 360degree view of Ilocos Sur, Abra, and Benguet with surging wind speeds comparable to 60-70kph.
 |
| As viewed from the summit |
 |
| Tirad Peak |
 |
| Team Deuter |
 |
| Team Deuter: Mary, John Paul & Lyod (photo credits: JP Pring) |
 |
| Obligatory pic, grabe nkakatakot |
 |
| Cemented pathway at the start of the trail. Uwian na. |
How to Get There:
1. From Manila ride a bus bound to Candon, Ilocos Sur
2. Ride a jeep bound to Gregorio del Pilar (register at the Police station). It is much better if you take a rented that will take your team to the jump-off site.
***I joined an event organized by Mary FG Styles of Team Deuter
