Tirad Pass National ParkTirad Pass National Park at a Glance
About Tirad Pass National Park
Tirad Pass National Park is a protected area in the Cordillera Administrative Region of northern Luzon, Philippines. It covers the mountain pass known as Tirad Pass, a narrow highland route with steep slopes and strategic views.
The area is noted for steep ridgelines and panoramic viewpoints along the pass that look down into surrounding valleys. Trails and short hikes lead to lookout points and a small memorial marking the battlefield; views are the primary draw rather than developed facilities.
The pass is best known for the December 2, 1899 rearguard action during the Philippine-American War, in which General Gregorio del Pilar and a small force attempted to delay American troops to allow President Emilio Aguinaldo to withdraw. The battlefield has since been marked by monuments and memorial plaques commemorating those events.
Geographically the park sits in the central highlands of northern Luzon within the Cordillera Administrative Region. It occupies a high mountain pass that provides a natural route through the surrounding ridges and is reached by mountain roads from nearby provincial towns.
- Battle site: Site of a rearguard action on December 2, 1899, where General Gregorio del Pilar and his troops delayed pursuing U.S. forces during the Philippine-American War.
Best Time to Visit Tirad Pass National Park
The best time to visit is during the cooler, drier months (November-May) when trails are safer and weather is more predictable.
Weather & Climate near Tirad Pass National Park
Tirad Pass National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 26°C. Heavy rainfall (2657 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 14° - 23° | 18° | 27 mm | some cloud | 77% | 3.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.1h |
| February | Ideal | 14° - 23° | 19° | 26 mm | some cloud | 75% | 3.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.5h |
| March | Excellent | 15° - 25° | 20° | 64 mm | some cloud | 71% | 3.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 17° - 26° | 21° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 2.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Very Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 254 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| June | Good | 18° - 25° | 22° | 352 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.0h |
| July | Good | 17° - 25° | 21° | 290 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.9h |
| August | Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 603 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 17° - 24° | 21° | 422 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 17° - 24° | 20° | 248 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Very Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 182 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.0h |
How to Get to Tirad Pass National Park
Tirad Pass National Park is reached by road from nearby municipal centres in the Cordillera region. Visitors usually travel by car or jeepney from larger towns-local tourism offices can provide current road conditions and directions.
Tips for Visiting Tirad Pass National Park
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds at the monument and to see the light on the pass.
- Combine a visit with the local museum or interpretive centre that covers the 1900 battle and Gregorio del Pilar's last stand.
- Be prepared for steep, sometimes slippery paths and variable mountain weather.