Mines View Park Baguio: Complete Guide + Travel Tips

Mines View Park offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Baguio City. Perched on a ridge overlooking the Cordillera Mountains and the abandoned gold and copper mines of Benguet, this iconic viewpoint has been capturing hearts (and Instagram feeds) for decades with its spectacular mountain vistas and cool mountain breeze.

You'll find more than just views here. The park has become a complete experience with traditional Igorot photo opportunities, friendly St. Bernard dogs, rows of souvenir stalls selling local handicrafts, and that unmistakable Baguio atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.

In this guide, we're covering everything you need to know about visiting Mines View Park – from entrance fees and best times to visit, to what you'll actually see and do here, plus the insider tips that'll help you make the most of your trip.

What Makes Mines View Park Special

The magic of Mines View Park lies in its elevated position on Baguio's eastern edge. From the viewing deck, you're looking out over layers of mountains disappearing into the distance, with the old mining areas of Benguet visible in the valleys below.

On clear days, you can see all the way to the South China Sea – though Baguio's famous fog often adds a mystical quality to the scene. The golden hour, whether at sunrise or sunset, transforms the landscape into something truly spectacular.

The park itself runs along the ridge, giving you multiple vantage points to take in the scenery. Pine trees frame many of the views, and the cool mountain air at this elevation makes it comfortable to linger and soak it all in.

The Traditional Photo Experience

One of Mines View's most distinctive features is the opportunity to dress up in traditional Igorot attire. You'll see attendants in colorful native costumes offering photo sessions where you can wear the traditional bahag (loincloth), vest, and elaborate headdresses.

It's touristy? Absolutely. But it's also become part of the Baguio experience for many visitors. The costume rentals are affordable (usually around ₱50-100), and the attendants are typically friendly and patient about helping you get that perfect shot.

The massive St. Bernard dogs are another photo attraction. These gentle giants are used to tourists and will pose with you for a fee (typically ₱20-50). If you or your kids love dogs, this is a fun addition to your visit.

Shopping the Souvenir Stalls

The entire length of Mines View Park is lined with stalls selling an impressive variety of local goods. You'll find woven crafts, silver jewelry, indigenous handicrafts, wooden carvings, woven bags and blankets, and an assortment of plants (succulents and bonsai are popular).

Prices are generally higher than at the public market, but the convenience and variety make it worthwhile for many visitors. Haggling is expected and part of the experience – vendors typically start high knowing there'll be negotiation.

The plant stalls are particularly popular with Filipino visitors looking for pasalubong. Succulents, strawberry plants, and ornamental plants make great souvenirs that'll remind you of Baguio's cool climate long after you get home.

Entrance Fee and Practical Information

Mines View Park charges a token entrance fee of ₱10 for adults and ₱5 for children as of 2025. This minimal fee helps with park maintenance and is collected at the entrance gates.

The park is open daily from approximately 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Early morning openings make it perfect for sunrise viewers, while the extended evening hours accommodate sunset watchers and those who want to visit after spending the day elsewhere.

Parking is available but limited, especially on weekends and holidays. If you're driving, arriving early or visiting on weekdays gives you better odds of finding a spot. Otherwise, taking a taxi or jeepney is often the more convenient option.

Planning your Baguio trip? Mines View is just one of many incredible viewpoints and attractions in the area. Our La Trinidad location puts you close to all the mountain's best views and cultural spots. Perfect for families and groups who want space to relax after a day of sightseeing. Check Availability

Best Time to Visit Mines View Park

Early Morning for Sunrise

The park opens at 5:00 AM specifically for sunrise chasers, and for good reason. The golden light washing over the Cordillera Mountains as the sun comes up is absolutely worth setting an early alarm.

Morning visits also mean fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. The vendors are just setting up, the air is crisp and fresh, and you'll have more space at the viewing deck for unobstructed photos.

If you're staying at JMGNest in La Trinidad, you're actually closer to Mines View than downtown hotels – just a 5-10 minute drive in the early morning when traffic is light.

Late Afternoon for Sunset

Sunset at Mines View rivals sunrise for stunning views. The late afternoon light creates dramatic shadows across the mountain ranges, and as the sun drops toward the horizon, the whole landscape seems to glow.

Sunset timing varies throughout the year, but generally you'll want to arrive by 4:30-5:00 PM to secure a good viewing spot. Weekends and holidays see larger crowds at this time, so weekday sunset visits are more relaxed.

The temperature drops quickly after sunset in Baguio, so bring a jacket even if the day has been warm.

Avoiding the Crowds

Mines View gets busiest on weekends, holidays, and during peak tourist seasons (especially December-January and the Panagbenga Festival in February). Midday weekends can see the viewing deck packed with tour groups.

For a more peaceful experience, visit on weekday mornings. You'll still get the views and the full Mines View experience, just without fighting for space at the railings.

The rainy season (June-September) sees fewer tourists but also more fog and clouds that can obscure views. It's hit or miss, but when the clouds part to reveal the mountains, it's magical.

What to Expect at Mines View Park

The Viewing Deck Experience

The main viewing deck is a concrete platform with railings where most visitors congregate. You're looking out over a dramatic landscape – the Benguet mining areas are visible as terraced cuts in the mountains below, remnants of the area's gold and copper mining history.

The abandoned mines themselves are no longer active, but they're part of what gives this area its name and character. The terracing creates an interesting pattern across the hillsides that's particularly visible in good lighting.

On exceptionally clear days (increasingly rare but still possible), you can supposedly see all the way to the South China Sea. More realistically, you'll see multiple layers of mountains fading into the distance – still spectacular even without glimpsing the ocean.

Beyond the Main Viewpoint

The park extends along the ridge with several smaller viewing areas and gardens. These spots are often less crowded and offer different perspectives of the same basic view.

Benches and small pavilions along the path give you places to sit and simply enjoy the scenery. Some visitors spend 30 minutes here, others linger for hours – there's no wrong way to experience it.

The gardens feature native plants and flowers, though they're not the main attraction. The focus here is definitely the mountain views and the overall atmosphere.

Combining Mines View with Nearby Attractions

Good Shepherd Convent

Just a 5-10 minute walk (or very short drive) from Mines View is the famous Good Shepherd Convent, home to Baguio's most beloved pasalubong. Their ube jam, strawberry jam, and peanut brittle are legendary, and no Baguio trip is complete without stopping by.

The convent store can get crowded, especially on weekends when they sometimes implement a queuing system. Visiting early or late in the day typically means shorter waits.

There's also a viewing deck at Good Shepherd with nice views of the pine-covered hills and the city. It's a pleasant spot to enjoy your treats after navigating the shopping area.

Creating an Efficient Itinerary

Mines View works perfectly in a morning or afternoon cluster with other attractions. You could combine it with Wright Park and The Mansion (10-15 minutes away), or Baguio Botanical Garden (also nearby).

For a more comprehensive day, check our guide on top things to do in Baguio to see how Mines View fits into a full itinerary. The park is typically a 30-60 minute stop, though you can easily spend longer if you're shopping or really soaking in the atmosphere.

If you're planning multiple days of sightseeing, our 3-day Baguio itinerary includes Mines View along with other must-visit spots arranged efficiently by location.

Where to Stay Near Mines View Park: Stay at JMGNest in La Trinidad and enjoy being just minutes from both downtown Baguio attractions and nearby spots like Mines View, Tam-Awan Village, and the Strawberry Farm. Our spacious property gives families and groups the room to spread out and relax between adventures. View Our Property

How to Get to Mines View Park

From Downtown Baguio

Jeepneys heading to "Mines View" or "Outlook" leave from near Malcolm Square (also called Magsaysay Avenue). The fare is around ₱13-20 and the ride takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

Tell the driver "Mines View lang po" to make sure they know where you're going. Most drivers are used to tourists heading here and will drop you right at the entrance.

Taxis are plentiful in Baguio and honest about using their meters. From downtown to Mines View typically costs ₱80-120 depending on your exact starting point. For groups, this is often more convenient than coordinating jeepney rides.

From La Trinidad

If you're staying in La Trinidad (like at JMGNest), Mines View is actually quite close – about 5-10 minutes by car depending on your exact location. Many La Trinidad accommodations are closer to Mines View than downtown Baguio hotels are.

You can catch a jeepney to Baguio and ask to be dropped at Mines View, or if you have a vehicle, it's an easy drive up.

Parking Considerations

The parking area at Mines View is limited and fills up quickly on busy days. If you're driving, arriving early (before 9 AM) or later in the afternoon gives you better odds of finding a spot.

Parking attendants may try to guide you to specific spots – they often expect a small tip (₱20-50) for "helping." This is optional but common practice at popular tourist spots.

Pro Tips for Your Mines View Visit

What to Bring

A light jacket is essential even on warm days – the elevation and wind can make it chilly, especially in the early morning or evening. Baguio's weather is famously unpredictable, so layers are your friend.

Bring cash in small bills for entrance fees, photos, and shopping. Most stalls don't accept cards, and having exact change makes transactions smoother.

Sunscreen and a hat are often overlooked because Baguio is cool, but the UV rays at this elevation are strong on sunny days. You'll be outside in the open for a while.

Photography Tips

The viewing deck railings are at a good height for photos, but they can be crowded. If you want unobstructed landscape shots, the early morning hours give you the clearest views and fewest people.

For the traditional costume photos, the attendants are experienced at positioning you for the best light and background. Don't be shy about asking them to take multiple shots until you get one you love.

The fog and clouds that sometimes roll through can actually create dramatic photos. If the view is obscured when you arrive, consider waiting 20-30 minutes – the weather often shifts quickly in the mountains.

Shopping Smart

The souvenir prices at Mines View are negotiable. A friendly approach to haggling typically works better than aggressive bargaining. Starting around 60-70% of the asking price is reasonable for most items.

Quality varies significantly among the stalls. Take time to compare items from different vendors – you'll notice differences in craftsmanship and materials that justify different prices.

The plants and succulents are popular but remember you'll need to carry them for the rest of your trip. If you're planning other activities that day, you might want to return specifically for plant shopping later.

Safety and Comfort

The steps and paths around Mines View can be uneven. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes – flip-flops and heels aren't ideal here.

Watch your belongings in crowded areas. While Baguio is generally safe, pickpockets do target busy tourist spots. Keep bags zipped and phones secure.

If you're sensitive to altitude, take your time and don't rush up steps or hills. Baguio sits at about 1,500 meters elevation, which can make some people feel slightly winded.

Is Mines View Park Worth Visiting?

For first-time Baguio visitors, Mines View Park is practically mandatory – it's one of the city's most iconic attractions for good reason. The combination of spectacular mountain views, the unique photo opportunities, and the shopping creates a quintessential Baguio experience.

Even if you're not normally into touristy spots, the actual views here are genuinely impressive. Yes, the costume photos and St. Bernard dogs are commercial, but the landscape itself is the real attraction.

Return visitors might find it less compelling unless you're bringing first-timers who need to see it. But catching sunrise or sunset here never gets old, even if you've been before.

For the minimal entrance fee and relatively short time investment (30 minutes to an hour typically), it's hard to argue against including Mines View in your Baguio itinerary. Just manage your expectations – it's a viewing spot and market, not a major park or all-day destination.

Your Perfect Mines View Experience

The best visits to Mines View Park combine good timing with the right mindset. Come for the views, stay for the experience, and don't overthink it.

Whether you're watching the sunrise paint the mountains gold, browsing for that perfect woven bag, or yes, even putting on the traditional costume for a fun photo – Mines View offers a slice of what makes Baguio special.

For more help planning your Baguio adventure, check out our complete Baguio travel guide covering everything from must-visit attractions to practical travel tips. And if you're wondering about the best season to visit, our guide on the best time to visit Baguio breaks down weather, crowds, and events throughout the year.

Ready to explore Mines View and Baguio's mountain wonders? Stay at JMGNest in La Trinidad – we're closer to Mines View and other cultural attractions than downtown hotels, with spacious accommodations perfect for families and groups. Full kitchen to save on meals, spectacular mountain views from your window, and authentic Cordilleran hospitality. Book Your Stay Today