Mountain bikingPhilippinesCamp John Hay Trails

Camp John Hay Trails

Also known as: Yellow Trail, Baguio MTB

Pine woodland (Benguet pine), quiet 'forest bathing' corridor, Scout Hill, views over Baguio. VERIFY

NetworkCross-country / singletrack
Distance
Network approx 19 km of trails (Camp John Hay, Yellow, Gidaya); Yellow Trail loop approx 5.2 km. VERIFY
Climb
212 m
Typical time
1-2 hr for a Yellow Trail loop; half day to link the wider network. VERIFY
Men cycling on a mountain trail with scenic city view backdrop. Perfect for fitness, adventure, and outdoor themes.

Who in your group rides what

Whether everyone in your group gets a day at Camp John Hay Trails - the grades on offer, the named zones, and how mixed abilities split up.

What this network spans
Grades 2 to 42-4 (est; Yellow Trail to Embassy is Trailforks 'blue' intermediate singletrack, moderate physical)
Local grading

Trailforks blue (intermediate); some sources note black downhill sections used for local DH events. VERIFY

Zones & variants

Beginners: out-and-back on Yellow Trail forest section, turn back where path meets private property. Advanced: link Yellow-to-Embassy and DH lines. No formal shuttle.

Accessibility & group fit

Walk-in access within Camp John Hay estate; suits intermediate riders and mixed hiker/biker groups on Yellow Trail. Note shared use with hikers/forest bathers.

The riding

Terrain

Pine-forest singletrack, roots, mossy woodland, dirt.

Technical demands

Rooty forest singletrack, some steep pitches used for local downhill races; low exposure, forested. VERIFY

Navigation

Named colour trails (Yellow Trail marked); parts pass private American Residence / Scout Hill boundary and dead-end at private property. GPS advised.

Crowds

Weekday mornings quiet; weekends busier with hikers/forest bathers spilling from popular Camp John Hay spots.

Season & conditions

Open window

Year-round (no snow); wet-season (Jun-Oct) mud and typhoon disruption. VERIFY current access.

Best season

Nov-May (dry season, less mud, clearer skies)

Seasonal specials

Cool pine-forest microclimate; occasional local downhill events on the Yellow Trail. VERIFY

Wet-season mud, fog, and typhoon-related closures; cool temperatures at altitude.

Getting there & gear

Estate/eco-trail access may require a fee or registration; trails have been subject to temporary closures 'until further notice' (bridge collapse, private-property limits). VERIFY current status.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Trailhead access

Inside Camp John Hay special economic zone, Baguio City; reachable by taxi/private vehicle from central Baguio (approx 10-15 min).

Transport & shuttles

No dedicated MTB shuttle; taxi/jeepney to Camp John Hay gate. VERIFY

Bike & gear

Standard trail-riding kit; carry water; mobile coverage generally good near the city. VERIFY

Facilities

Camp John Hay estate has cafes, hotels, parking nearby; limited facilities on the trail itself.

Operators

Baguio City bike shops and local MTB community; Camp John Hay estate operators. VERIFY specific names.

Hazards & rescue

Hazards

INTERMITTENT ACCESS - Baguio PIO has posted 'Camp John Hay Trails CLOSED until further notice'; portions cross private property and a collapsed bridge closed the eco trail. Confirm before travel. VERIFY

Guiding

Not required; self-guided common. Local guides available in Baguio. VERIFY

Emergency & rescue

Urban proximity to Baguio hospitals; estate security/PIO issues closures and notices. VERIFY rescue arrangements.

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand mountain-bike network report. Coordinates are approximate.

Also in Philippines

Ride Camp John Hay Trails with your crew
Manta plans the trails, the uplift and the rest days so a mixed-ability group all get a great trip.
Plan a riding trip