The Conquest of Mt. Pinatubo

There was something about hiking and conquering mountains that urged me to give Mt. Pinatubo a shot. Although it is not an ideal hike for first time hikers, my friends and I decided to tackle this adventure. I found this deal on Ensogo and started to buy vouchers for friends.
The journey to Mt. Pinatubo was a loooooonnnnnngggggg one. The drive to the jump-off point was somewhere around 2-3 hours. After the the long drive to the jump-off point, we rode 4x4s to the start of the trail.

4x4 Ride

The 4x4 ride was alright. It was bumpy but the sights to the trail (yes, the trail was still far off) were awesome! The lahar drenched landmarks gave the place a distinct look. Nature's wrath can bring out the beauty in a place in the strangest of ways. The 4x4 ride took somewhere between 40-50 minutes.

That feeling after a long and arduous ride

After almost an hour, we finally got to the start of the trek to the crater. The trail was crazy to say the least. Rocks everywhere, lahar, streams, sand, gravel, and whatnot.

Another arduous journey after an arduous ride

As if the rocks, sand, streams, lahar, and whatnot were not enough, the scorching sun blazed down on us. The Pinatubo trail did not have any trees for shade. After the lahar filled trail, we started going up the mountain. The trail after the rocks and lahar turned into an uphill battle up a mountain. "What did we get into?" was the lingering feeling we all had. To top it all of, once we got to the lip of the crater that led to the lake there was a long flight of steep stairs. Our non-existent legs were about to give in but the sheer majesty of the crater lake will DEFINITELY hold anyone in awe.

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

The World is Awesome!

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

Photo courtesy of Nats Cacnio

We stayed at the crater for a good 2-3 hours before we started our descent. We took a dip in the lake which was surprisingly cool. You can opt to take the boat and boat around the crater lake for a fee, I forget the actual price but it was somewhere between P300-500 or maybe lower.
Somethings to take note of:

1. There is only one bathroom going up and down the mountain.
2. Bring lots of water especially during the summer season. We went last April 2012. 
3. Bring extra clothes.
4. We spent approximately P1,800 each. We got a deal from Ensogo that costs approximately P990 for the 4x4 and environmental fees. The van with lunch (adobo) costs P800. 

Overall, Mt. Pinatubo is a great hike to kick start your hiking escapade. Just be prepared for the grueling hike up and down the mountain.