Kennon Road
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Kennon Road Viewpoint Baguio

4.4
·664 reviews·Baguio, Philippines

A scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramas of Kennon Road's famous zigzag and the iconic Lion's Head landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, clearer views

CrowdLow
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Kennon Road

Kennon Road Viewpoint Baguio

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, clearer views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramas of Kennon Road's famous zigzag and the iconic Lion's Head landmark.

4.4
(664 reviews)

"Awesome view on the famous zigzag! The best place to stop when entering Baguio City."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive with Caution

Kennon Road has sharp turns & steep inclines. Drive slowly & be aware of your surroundings.

📸 Capture the Views

The viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the zigzag road & Lion's Head. Perfect for photos!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Zigzag Road Panorama

Zigzag Road Panorama

Kennon Road Viewpoint

Marvel at the iconic serpentine curves of Kennon Road from a bird's-eye perspective. A truly breathtaking sight!

Lion's Head Landmark

Lion's Head Landmark

Kennon Road Viewpoint

Spot the majestic Lion's Head, a famous landmark carved into the mountainside, offering a unique photo opportunity.

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Along Kennon Road

Witness the cascading beauty of Bridal Veil Falls, especially powerful during the rainy season. A natural spectacle!

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Kennon Road

Kennon Road can be a challenging drive, especially for new drivers. Be prepared for steep inclines, sharp turns, and potential traffic. Consider using navigation apps and checking road conditions before you go, as landslides can cause closures.TikTok+2

Best Viewing Times

For the clearest views and fewer crowds, aim for early mornings, especially on weekdays. This allows you to appreciate the zigzag road and Lion's Head without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist times.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, clearer views
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings (weekends)
Why
Beat the weekend rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Life hurts, nature heals🍃 ang ganda mo 📍Kennon road, Baguio city🐅 @@unknown #kennonroad #kennonroadbaguiocity #fyp #foryou
@_itsme.bev
69.4K likes • 595.3K views

🚗 Drive with Caution

Kennon Road has sharp turns & steep inclines. Drive slowly & be aware of your surroundings. TikTokReddit

📸 Capture the Views

The viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the zigzag road & Lion's Head. Perfect for photos! TikTok

View mo kapag dumaan ka ng kennon road pa Baguio. #kennonroadbaguiocity #ride #baguio #roadtrip #abcxyz
@condepo24
56.4K likes • 853.3K views
⛰️⛰️⛰️ . . . #longweekend #motocamping #wheninBaguio #kennonroad #weekendride #bmwmotorrad #r1250gs #gelandestrasse #onroadoffroad #tripleblack #denali #quadlock #insta360 #kriega #ridemanila #naturehike #mobigarden #adventurekings #ridemanila #bmwmotorace #makelifearide #twowheelin #lifeon2wheels #SCP #SCPoverland #baybayinscript #lakwatserongpinoys
2_wheelin_
16 likes • 0 views

☕ Grab a Coffee

Positivity Cafe nearby offers great views & affordable snacks. A lovely stop! Reddit

💧 Rainy Season Caution

Heavy rains can cause landslides & flash floods. Check conditions before traveling. TikTok+2

The Lions Head Along Kennon Road Baguio City #lionshead #kennonroadbaguiocity #baguio #travel
@wrapandgobykim
32.8K likes • 1.4M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive with Caution

Kennon Road has sharp turns & steep inclines. Drive slowly & be aware of your surroundings. TikTokReddit

📸 Capture the Views

The viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the zigzag road & Lion's Head. Perfect for photos! TikTok

☕ Grab a Coffee

Positivity Cafe nearby offers great views & affordable snacks. A lovely stop! Reddit

💧 Rainy Season Caution

Heavy rains can cause landslides & flash floods. Check conditions before traveling. TikTok+2

👮‍♀️ Police Checkpoint

A police station & checkpoint are located near the viewpoint for safety. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(664 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Kennon Road Viewpoint for its stunning panoramic views of the famous zigzag road and the iconic Lion's Head. It's considered a great, often-missed stopover with a convenient cafe and restroom facilities. However, some note that the viewpoint area itself could benefit from further development and maintenance.

"Very nice viewdeck of the zigzag road of Kennon. You can view the Lion's Head from up here. It's also a memorial of the Japanese and Filipinos that build the road way back then."

Nico Aguilar

"It is one of the best stop over spots in Kennon road that most tourists misses because it is not as popular as the Lion's head. The view deck is next to the police station and check point area along Kennon road. Passed by the view deck around 7am during the weekend, noticeably there were no tourists that time. Nice place to have a bird's eye view of the famous zigzag road, lion's head and vehicles traversing the mountainous landscape at the view deck. It was indeed a wonderful spot to see the rays of sunlight shedding light on the dark side of mountains. The place is not swarmed by tourists unlike the lion's head. If you're feeling hungry the vicinity has a coffee shop called positivity cafe that offers affordable food with many choices. The coffee shop is so lovely because it has a great view of the kennon road."

Joely Ronquillo

"Still one of those view decks to see when in Kennon Road. Awesome view on the famous zigzag!"

Sheryll Ico

What People Like

Amazing zigzag road views
Iconic Lion's Head sighting
Convenient stopover point

What People Dislike

Needs more development

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kennon Road is one of the main routes into and out of Baguio City. You can drive your own vehicle or take a taxi. The viewpoint is situated along the road, often near a police checkpoint.Reddit

While scenic, Kennon Road features steep inclines, sharp curves, and can be prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season.TikTok+3 New drivers might find it more comfortable to use Marcos Highway as an alternative.Reddit

Road conditions can vary. Landslides, falling debris, and hazardous conditions are reported, leading to temporary closures.TikTok+1 It's crucial to check for updates before your trip.

While buses and jeepneys use Kennon Road, getting directly to the specific viewpoint might require a short walk or a taxi from a drop-off point. Taxis are readily available in Baguio City.

Limited parking is usually available near the viewpoint, especially when it's not crowded. Arriving early can help secure a spot.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no entrance fee to access the main viewpoint area. It's a roadside attraction.

The viewpoint is accessible anytime as it's an open roadside attraction. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.

While not explicitly stated in all reviews, small fees for comfort room usage are common in tourist spots in the Philippines. It's advisable to have small change ready.

Yes, you can visit during the Panagbenga Festival, but expect significantly higher crowds and potential traffic congestion on Kennon Road.TikTok

Positivity Cafe is a commercial establishment, so there's no admission fee to enter, but you would pay for food and drinks ordered.

📸 📸 Photography

The main viewpoint offers excellent vantage points for the zigzag road and Lion's Head. Look for slightly elevated spots for wider shots. TikTok

Early morning light is ideal for capturing the landscape without harsh shadows and with fewer people. The golden hour before sunset can also be beautiful.

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances and be mindful of other visitors and potential flight restrictions near checkpoints or residential areas.

Definitely capture the sweeping view of the zigzag road, the iconic Lion's Head, and the surrounding mountainous terrain. The Bridal Veil Falls is also a great subject.TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on the Lion's Head. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sky and landscape colors.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a coffee shop called Positivity Cafe located near the viewpoint that offers affordable food and drinks with a great view of Kennon Road.Reddit

Positivity Cafe offers a variety of choices, including snacks and coffee, making it a convenient stop for a quick bite while enjoying the scenery.

Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally allowed. However, be sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.

While the viewpoint itself has Positivity Cafe, more extensive dining options are available once you reach Baguio City proper.

It's generally advisable to stick to established eateries like Positivity Cafe for food safety, especially given the road's conditions and potential for contamination.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Kennon Road Viewpoint offers a brief but engaging stop for families. Kids will likely be fascinated by the winding road and the large Lion's Head landmark. It's a good spot for a quick stretch and to let children marvel at the mountain scenery before continuing the journey into Baguio City. The nearby Positivity Cafe provides a convenient place for a snack or a restroom break.Reddit

However, the drive itself on Kennon Road can be intense for young children due to the sharp turns and steep inclines. If your children are prone to motion sickness, consider taking the Marcos Highway instead, which is generally a more straightforward drive. Ensure everyone is buckled up and prepared for a winding route if you choose Kennon Road.

🏍️ Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycle riders often find Kennon Road a thrilling route, with many enjoying the scenic curves and the sense of adventure.TikTokInstagram The viewpoint offers a perfect spot to pause, take in the views, and capture photos of their bikes against the stunning backdrop. It's a popular stop for weekend rides and group excursions.

Riders should be extra cautious due to the road's condition and potential for debris. Maintaining proper speed, checking tire pressure, and ensuring good braking are paramount. The presence of a police checkpoint can also be a point of reference for riders. Many riders appreciate the opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Cordillera mountains up close.

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who love a good road trip, Kennon Road is a must-experience. The dramatic landscape, the iconic zigzag, and the historical significance make it a memorable part of any journey to Baguio.TikTok+1 The viewpoint serves as an excellent first stop to appreciate the engineering marvel and the natural beauty you're about to immerse yourself in.

It's advisable to plan your trip, especially if you're driving a larger vehicle or are less experienced with mountain roads. Having a reliable vehicle and checking for any road advisories are crucial steps. The drive offers a unique perspective on the Philippines' mountainous terrain and is a highlight for many travelers seeking scenic routes.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Construction of Kennon Road

Kennon Road, originally known as the Benguet Road, is a historic highway that connects the city of Baguio to the lowlands of Luzon. Its construction began in 1903 and was a monumental undertaking, involving significant labor and engineering challenges. The road was built by American soldiers and Filipino laborers, with a significant portion of the work done by hand.TikTok The project aimed to create a more accessible route to the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City, facilitating easier travel for American officials and tourists.

The road's design is a testament to early 20th-century engineering, featuring numerous switchbacks and tunnels carved into the mountainous terrain. This unique zigzag pattern is what makes it so visually striking today. Over the years, Kennon Road has undergone various improvements and repairs, especially after typhoons and earthquakes that have impacted the region. The construction of rock sheds, like the one seen along the road, is a measure to protect motorists from falling debris.TikTok

Despite its historical significance and scenic beauty, Kennon Road has also been a site of challenges. Its steep gradients and susceptibility to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season, have led to frequent closures and detours.TikTok+2 These closures often redirect traffic to the Marcos Highway, another major access route to Baguio. The ongoing maintenance and safety efforts highlight the continuous effort to keep this vital artery open and safe for travelers.

Navigating Kennon Road: A Driver's Perspective

Driving Kennon Road is an experience in itself, often described as both thrilling and demanding. For those new to the route, it's essential to be prepared. The road is characterized by its steep ascents and descents, coupled with sharp, hairpin turns that require constant attention and careful maneuvering.Reddit Many drivers recommend using a lower gear to maintain control, especially on downhill stretches, to prevent brake overheating.

Visibility can be a concern, particularly during foggy weather, which is common in Baguio. Drivers are advised to use their headlights and reduce speed significantly. The presence of the Lion's Head landmark and the Bridal Veil Falls offers natural points of interest, but the primary focus should remain on the road. Social media content often showcases unexpected off-road sections or temporary detours due to road damage, emphasizing the need for flexibility and awareness.TikTok+1

For a smoother and potentially safer experience, especially for less experienced drivers, alternatives like Marcos Highway are often suggested.Reddit However, for those who embrace the challenge, Kennon Road offers unparalleled views and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching Baguio. Always check for real-time road updates and advisories before embarking on your journey, as closures due to landslides are not uncommon.TikTok

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