Name: Mt Ugo
Elevation: 2200 MASL
Hours to Summit: 5-7 Hrs
Jump-Off/Exit Point: Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya or Brgy. Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet or Vice Versa
Features: Pine-forested trails, ridgeline, the sea of clouds, highland rice paddies, and village trails, stunning view of the Cordillera Mountain range
Mt. Ugo, sometimes Ugu, came from the Ibaloi word “Uguan” meaning “to cut the neck.” Oral tradition has it that Mt. Ugo was the site where the invading Spaniards were killed, in the fashion in which the mountain was named. It was on June 26, 1987 when an airplane of the PAL bounded for Baguio City crashed onto one of Mt. Ugo’s slopes while attempting to land in a monsoon, killing all 50 people onboard eventually led to the site’s discovery as an ideal place for hiking.
From the date of its discovery, many mountain climbers and adventure seekers have gone to explore the wonders crossing the borderline province of Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet with a length total of 33kms in an elevation of 2,200 M.A.S.L. The mountain has lower elevation compared to its neighbors, Mt. Pulag and Mt. Napulauan yet considered as one of the most popular destinations in the Cordillera region. Nevertheless, the mountain is at par with its neighbors when it comes to showcasing the beauty of nature. It boasts of enchanting forests that is home to tall pine trees offering breath-taking views.
At the summit, major Cordillera mountain can be seen. Mt. Singakalsa on the North, Mt. Pulag on the North and North East, Mt. Tabayoc behind and beside it. The other Benguet mountains NW may be obstructed and are too distant; Mt. Napalauan is eclipsed by Mt. Pulag. Prominent also is Mt. Sto. Tomas on the west. On a very clear day, a faint Mt. Arayat on the south can be seen. To orient yourself, the trail from Kayapa is Northeast and West for Itogon.