Casino Peak Hiking Trail
Rocky Peak is a panoramic 2,715-foot summit on the border between Los Angeles and Ventura counties in the Santa Susana Mountains. The county line-straddling peak stands at the center of a 4,800-acre park bearing the same name. The shortest hike to Rocky Peak takes Rocky Peak Trail from Rocky Peak Road through Rocky Peak Park. The Blue Trail, or East Peak Lake Trail, is approximately a 2.5 to 3 hour long, 3.8 mile round trip hike that’s a bit more difficult. A great day hike, but if you have night vision binoculars and goggles, then you can treat yourself to one of the best night hikes around. Rose Summit: The highest peak on the north shore of Lake Tahoe Basin (10,778’), this strenuous 5.2 each way hike offers excellent views of the lake, the city of Reno and the surrounding area. Take Hwy 431 from Incline Village to Mt. Look for the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) sign, park on the north side of the road.
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Cebu: Osmeña and Casino Peak, One Day Hike
I know all of you are very familiar with the highest peak in Cebu Province, the Osmeña Peak. However, its neighboring peak, the Casino Peak or Lugsangan Peak is almost as beautiful as its counterpart. Thus, I visited them myself to see the beauty of these natural wonders.
Casino Peak Hiking Trails
On the verge of my weekend escapade planning, I suddenly realized that I have never been to the summit of Osmeña Peak. It had been on my Cebu Bucket List for a while but for some reason that hiking plan had never put into action not until two months ago. I googled information about this highest peak in Cebu and found out that its neighboring summit is very doable in a day hike too. Thus, this “One Day Hike to Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak” come to place.
Most of the tourists who have summited Osmeña Peak suggested to climb before sunrise or before sundown to witness an epic view on top. However, it was pretty much midday when I and my friends summited the two peaks of Dalaguet. So if you guys have plans to climb Osmeña Peak or/and Casino Peak, better check the weather, time of the year, and yourself. Though it is a short hike but always remember, “Prevention is better than cure.”
The hike towards Osmeña Peak is a piece of cake and is very much achievable by people of all ages. Once you arrive at the jump off point, you have to register at the Osmeña Peak Tourism Center and pay the 30Php environmental fee to start your ascend. If you are not confident enough and you think you need a guide to be able to reach the top, the tourism center has many friendly and accommodating guides to accompany you. But of course, with an additional fee of 150Php plus tip.
However, as what I have mentioned earlier, the trail towards the summit is short and it is well-marked. Thus, navigating to Osmeña Peak is doable even without a guide. In more or less 20 minutes, you can see the breathtaking view of Cebu Island on the top. Snap some pictures and breathe in some fresh air. Enjoy the view. For people who are into outdoor activities, Osmeña Peak has a camping ground where you can stay overnight and experience the night and morning view from the summit. Just bring your own tent, food, water and other things needed to go camping.Camping fee is 50Php. But if you have no plans to camp on top of Osmeña Peak, then start your descend and head to the neighboring summit, the Casino Peak or “Lugsangan Peak”.
From Osmeña Peak Tourism Center, you can hail a motorbike that will send you to your next peak. Once you arrive at the Casino Peak or Lugsangan Peak jump off point, pay another 30Php registration fee, signed the visitor’s Log Book, and start climbing to the top.
Casino peak is a short hike as well. However, unlike Osmeña Peak, this next peak is a bit steep and has a much more rocky trailway.Thus, you have to be more cautious when you climb Casino Peak. But once you summit the Casino Peak, you’ll realize it is worth the climb.
Osmeña Peak, is the highest mountain in Cebu and it is the spot from which you can witness a stunning 360-degree views of Cebu island. Many have said that Osmeña Peak is the most famous and has a beautiful viewpoint on Cebu. I agree, but in my point of view, Casino Peak showcase a much better scenery from the top. One of my favorite hikes so far. You will witness a wide array of rocky-hill formations and village’s farms that seems like the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. No wonder this place is dubbed as the “Chocolate Hills of Cebu”
Casino Peak Hiking Trail Map
If I had the time, I could have stayed longer on top and see the breathtaking sunset view from Casino Peak. Maybe next time! Maybe next time I will try camping and experience stargazing on the summit of either of the beautiful mountains. Also, before I forget, you can check out Kandungaw Peak for a more adventurous hike. It is tedious but worth checking out. Thus, if you are reading this and would love to hit these mountains sooner or later, give me a heads up. I would like to climb again.
How to get there:
Osmena Peak
Lugsangan/Casino Peak
Dalaguete is a two-hour to three-hour bus ride from Cebu. From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, take any bus going to Oslob or Santander. Bus fare is around 110Php. Just inform your bus driver or bus conductor to drop you off at Dalaguete junction for Osmeña Peak. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) to take you to Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak. If you are climbing Osmeña Peak only, fare is 100Php per way. However, if you want to climb both peaks like me, fare is 150Php per way. From the junction to the Osmeña Peak Tourism Center, the ride is more or less 45minutes. The road is not smooth, some parts are rough and ugly and bumpy. So prepare yourself and hold tight.
You can also rent a private car for this trip for 3000Php to 5000Php per day. On the other hand, if you know how to drive a motorbike, renting a scooter for 300Php per day is much more economical.