YAPAK101.BLOGSPOT.COM: MT. DAMAS

Mt. Damas - San Clemente, Tarlac

Mt. Damas : 685+ MASL
Specs : Major Climb
Difficulty level : 6/9
Trail class : 1-4
Day Hike : 4 - 5 Hours
Date Climbed : April 3, 2016
"Mt. Damas side-trip to Ubod Falls"

Mountains level of difficulty won't depend on their height. If Mountain is too high, it doesn't mean that it's already for a Major climb. Mt. Damas is considered as a small but terrible mountain with its elevation of 685+ MASL I didn't expect that it would be that challenging. So never under estimate, knowing that each mountain has their own unique features.

Mt. Damas is situated at San Clemente, Tarlac and considered as one of the most scenic mountains on it's stretch. It includes 2-3 hours river trek with a few rock climbing and rope segments, 1-2 hours assault trail going to summit with only few trees and a lot of Cogon grass. This mountain has two possible jump-offs, first is in Sitio Dueg, San Clemente, Tarlac, second is from Brgy., Papaac, Camiling Tarlac.

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OUR ITINERARY

We started the trek earlier than our Itinerary along with the rough road there are few houses and we've seen this stretch of mountains including Mt. Damas. A prelude scene going to Mt. Damas Peak.

Stretch of mountains including Mt.Damas - way to Mt. Damas

The community means of livelihood is more on agriculture. They have root crops, they plant beans, grains and a lot fruits and veggies where water source is just one step away.

Locals means of livelihood in San Clemente, Papaac, Tarlac.

After almost an hour of walk, second part of the trail is river trekking this includes various rocks and river crossings. This segment would last's for 3-4 hours depending on pace. It is mostly covered by big trees, no need to ask for the sun's absence.

River trekking with rope segments - way to Mt. Damas

A lot of rocks and smooth stones can be seen in this part, which is a bit critical because not all rocks are safe to step on to, they become slippery because of moss or when wet and some have poor foundation of stability so just be careful on every step for safety. This part also includes a few rock climbing/scrambling and rope segments, endurance must kept out of your nerves.

The trail is rewarding, you'll cross multiple small/baby falls and locals call these 5 to 10 feet waterfalls as "sibul" with clear and cold water thru it's stream.

"sibul"

None of this is the Ubod Falls. Multiple falls can be seen along the trail. River trekking would consume more time than the assault part going to the peak and after that almost 4 hours of river trekking, the non-stop 2 hour assault starts!

Near it's peak, there are 2 Trees where you can stay and hide under the scorching sun.
Here is the 1st one ...

One of the only 2 trees near the peak of Mt. Damas

After the 1-2 hours assault trail. I'm sure you would love to stay under this tree most specially for Photo Ops and selfies, it also has this Mt. Arayat look-a-like views with tall grasses or Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) -"it's leaves are like blades, narrow to sharp point at the top that will cause tiny slices/scratches on skin".

We also notice a rock formation on the other side of Mt. Damas peak also a perfect spot for Photo Ops with amazing scenes of long stretch of mountains and city views from a far.

After a quick Photo Ops we decided to leave the peak immediately because we are all hungry.
We plan to have our lunch at the Ubod falls.

At the Peak of Mt. Damas - Captured via GoPro Hero 4

Back trail - descent, up until the last river that we crossed and a quick wash up, we also decided to changed our foot gears from shoes to sandals because again multiple waterfalls are expected.

This is one of my favorite Spot & Shot (S&S).

Near this almost 5 ft.wide streamed baby waterfalls (sibul), here comes the second largest falls
Si-el Falls.

Si-el Falls - way to Mt. Damas

from Si-el Falls, it would only take 10-15mins.river trek to reach Ubod Falls,

Ubod Falls - Side-trip to Mt. Damas

You can only take a full picture of Ubod Falls from a far or if you will be using an action camera/GoPro. My neck got weary looking at the top of this approximately 160 ft.waterfalls.
It has cold fresh water and a big pool area for about 2 to 3 feet depth and surrounded with smooth stones, A quite place to rest and relax. Don't swim on the dark part of the water beside where the water flows. It's a bit deeper, caution! for those who don't know how to swim.

We took our lunch here and rest for almost 2 hours before going back to the jump-off
(back trail) we arrived safely before the sunset. Thanks GOD!

END OF ITINERARY

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"I never regret joining the team for this hike even I'm a last joiner because way to Mt. Damas and side-trip to Ubod Falls is such a great experience."

MT. DAMAS - DAYHIKE ITINERARY: