My Unforgettable First Journey to Ana-an Falls and Pinatubo Summit
by Nicole | Intern
I can’t wait to share this incredible adventure with you! From start to finish, our journey to Ana-an Falls and the Pinatubo Summit was nothing short of amazing. Every step of the way was filled with breathtaking scenery, thrilling challenges, and moments that made us feel truly alive.
Where is Pinatubo Summit jumpoff?
The excitement started even before the trek. At our meetup point in SM Clark, my friend and I were buzzing with anticipation, ready for another adventure. From SM Clark, we headed to the 4x4 parking area, a 1-hour ride that felt like a rollercoaster ride as we braced for 4x4 adventure on steep lahar trail and river crossing.
Our trek to Ana-an Falls
What made the trek even more special was an unexpected reunion—we ran into January, our tour guide from our previous trip to Tutulari Avatar Gorge! Seeing her again instantly brought back memories of our past adventure, and knowing she’d be guiding us once more made us even more excited for the journey ahead.
The 30-minute hike to Ana-an Falls was an absolute thrill, especially when we had to cross parts of the river. We laughed as we carefully stepped on rocks, trying (and sometimes failing) to keep our shoes dry. But the cool water was refreshing, and the trail itself was easy enough to enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Majestic Ana-an Falls
And then, we finally arrived—Ana-an Falls was even more breathtaking in person. Hidden deep in nature, it felt like a secret paradise, its cascading waters surrounded by lush greenery. We stood there in awe, taking it all in, grateful to have discovered such a beautiful place.
But the adventure wasn’t over yet—Pinatubo Summit was waiting for us. This part of the journey took another three hours, and we definitely felt the challenge, especially during the steep climb after Ana-an Falls.
5-minute break on our Mt. Pinatubo hike
Having January there to guide and encourage us made all the difference. We pushed forward, motivated by the thought of the reward that awaited us at the top. Once we conquered that tough ascent, the rest of the trek—crossing rivers, stepping over boulders—felt more like an epic exploration than a struggle. And the best part? Wooden bridges were built along the way, making the hike even easier and more enjoyable.
Reaching Mt. Pinatubo summit
Then came the moment we had been waiting for—the summit. As we reached the crater, we were left speechless. The sight before us was surreal: a calm, turquoise lake cradled by towering cliffs, looking like something straight out of a postcard. Standing there, gazing at the view, we felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Every step, every climb, every challenge has been worth it.
This journey was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. And if you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you in awe, challenge you just enough, and reward you with views you’ll never forget—this is it. We’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Will you take on the adventure too?
