Camp John Hay Forest Bathing at the Yellow Trail

The Camp John Hay Forest Bathing Trail is just 5.2 km long, a distance that can be covered briskly in under an hour...

The Camp John Hay Forest Bathing Trail is just 5.2 km long, a distance that can be covered briskly in under an hour. But I lingered for nearly three hours, savoring every moment during my recent trip to Baguio with my family. I had explored parts of these trails before during trail runs, but this time, I was able to slow down and immerse myself in the healing energy of the forest.

Signage at the start of the trail

Mindful messages and signs along the trail

Shinrin-Yoku

The Japanese have a beautiful term for mindful walking in the forest: Shinrin-Yoku, or "forest bathing." It’s a way to destress, elevate mood, find clarity, and get in some gentle movement. The Baguio local government has rebranded one of Camp John Hay’s many trails as the “Forest Bathing Trail,” an effort to attract visitors while reshaping the city’s image beyond its reputation as a crowded mountain hub.

Forest glow at dawn

Art installations along the trail

The Yellow Trail

The Camp John Hay Forest Bathing Trail is located near the Camp John Hay Picnic Area. The entry and exit points are either beside the Rocky Mountain Arabica Coffee Company car park or near the Butterfly Sanctuary. Sadly, the torii gate near the sanctuary has been damaged by past typhoons and is no longer recognizable.

Mindful signages along the trail.

This trail follows the established Yellow Trail, which intersects with other paths like the blue and red trails. Even for first-timers, the trail is easy to navigate, making it a perfect introduction to Baguio's nature.

Basking in the beautiful light in the morning

Hugging Trees and Birdwatching

With several first-time visitors in our group, it made sense to stay within the Camp John Hay area, allowing them to enjoy Baguio’s famous pine trees and crisp mountain air. Our AirBnB was conveniently located near the trail’s entry points, so I made my way there easily.

I opted for a counterclockwise route, starting at the entrance near the parking lot. It was 6 AM, and I had the trail to myself. Occasionally, a trail runner would pass by, and I couldn’t help but envy those lucky enough to live near such a beautiful forest.

Despite the rain from the previous days, the trail was damp but not slippery. Clear signage offered directions and gentle reminders to disconnect and be present. It was easy to stay on course. Along the trail, coffee trees mixed with the pines, and I stumbled upon art installations inspired by Ifugao symbols. Emergency contact stations were also scattered along the path, providing reassurance for anyone unfamiliar with the area.

Lovely color and details of the leaves

When the sun began to filter through the trees, creating that magical moment of komorebi—the delicate dance of sunlight seeping through the leaves—it felt like a gentle embrace from nature. I paused to breathe it in, swaying with the trees, listening to the quiet rustle of leaves in the breeze. In return, I hugged the trees, deepening my connection with nature.

Fern filled trail

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker (left) and Brown Shrike (right)

As I ventured deeper, the trail shifted in character, transitioning from fern-fringed paths to neat rows of towering pines. About three-quarters of the way through, I reached a spot where fruit trees attracted birds. I lingered, observing mountain white-eyes, Philippine bulbuls, blue-headed fantails, Philippine pygmy woodpeckers, and yellow-vented bulbuls. Had I stayed longer, I’m sure I would have spotted even more.

Passing by the US Embassy Gates halfway to the trail (left) and the pine trail on the eastern side of the Yellow Trail (right)

Mountain white eye (left) and Philippine Bulbul (right)

Revitalized by Nature

I was surprised at how quickly time passed. I emerged near the Butterfly Sanctuary three hours later, conscious of the clock as we were set to check out of our AirBnB soon. Yet, despite hiking for over three hours on just water, without breakfast or snacks, I felt neither tired nor weary. Instead, I felt invigorated, refreshed, and somehow lighter—proof of nature’s ability to recenter us, helping us realign with the rhythms of the universe.