Takhilo Falls (Tak'hilo Falls)

Merizo / Mt Sasalaguan, Guam, Micronesia

About Takhilo Falls (Tak’hilo Falls)


Hiking Distance: about 5.5 miles (8.8km) shuttle hike
Suggested Time: at least 7 hours

Date first visited: 2022-11-19
Date last visited: 2022-11-19

Waterfall Latitude: 13.27829
Waterfall Longitude: 144.69613

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Takhilo Falls (or Tak’hilo Falls) is said to be the tallest waterfall on Guam (at least 200ft according to my topo map).

It’s situated near the summit of Mt Sasalaguan, which translates as “hell” in the Chamorro (CHamoru) language, and I can totally appreciate why after having gone on a trek to earn my visit!

Sasalaguan_120_11182022 - Takhilo Falls (or Tak'hilo Falls)
Takhilo Falls (or Tak’hilo Falls)

There are various options for experiencing the Takhilo Falls, but all of them involve a very high degree of difficulty largely due to sharp elevation changes, “swimming” through swordgrass (neti), and rugged terrain (with unsure footing).

Moreover, there’s complications that come with tropical hiking such as heat and humidity, intense sun, and sudden changes in weather (due to passing squalls that produce sudden thunderstorms, slippery surfaces, mud, and flash flooding).

Among the routes to choose from, the book “The Best Tracks on Guam” suggests an out-and-back hike taking in the summit of Mt Sasalaguan as well as a two-hour “side trip” that drops into the head of the valley to the base of Tak’hilo Falls.

However, the route that I went on with a trekking group (see directions below) was one-way, and it started with an ascent to the top of Mt Sasalaguan, then descended the “Heavenly Hill” plus a series of ridges to the main road.

Sasalaguan_076_11182022 - The ridge fronting the reefs off the southern shore of Guam is the so-called 'Heavenly Hill', which is where we can witness Takhilo Falls
The ridge fronting the reefs off the southern shore of Guam is the so-called ‘Heavenly Hill’, which is where we can witness Takhilo Falls

Since the endpoint was not at the same spot at the start of the hike, this option was a “shuttle” hike, and our guide needed to hitch a ride back to the trailhead to recover the van to pick the rest of us up as we waited.

Overall, the logistics of this trek involved a grueling 7 hours of hiking time (over 8 hours if you include the frequent rest breaks we took), but it only went a distance of about 5.5 miles (according to my GPS logs).

That should tell you the level of commitment involved on this hike, and I admit that I might have been overly ambitious doing this hike the very next day after arriving in Guam all jetlagged and fighting a cold.

Indeed, you’ll need at least 4L of water, snacks (to keep the energy up), first-aid (in case of cuts and scrapes getting infected as well as possible cramps or sprains), and good gear (i.e. hiking boots, long-sleeves, long pants, hat, and gloves).

Sasalaguan_098_11182022 - It is very easy to get lost as we're 'swimming' through tall blades of swordgrass, which is the main reason why it's best not to do this hike without someone who knows what they're doing.  Oh yeah, the swordgrass is also sharp enough to cut you up!
It is very easy to get lost as we’re ‘swimming’ through tall blades of swordgrass, which is the main reason why it’s best not to do this hike without someone who knows what they’re doing. Oh yeah, the swordgrass is also sharp enough to cut you up!

Most importantly, you’ll definitely need to do this hike with someone who knows what they’re doing, because it’s very easy to get lost on this hike (especially where the swordgrass is high and thick).

Timing A Visit For Takhilo Falls

In addition to the difficulty of earning a sighting of Takhilo Falls, there’s also the uncertainty of flow because the waterfall doesn’t drain a very large area by the summit of Mt Sasalaguan.

Even though I had timed my visit for mid-November (which is still in Guam’s so-called “Wet” Season), we were actually uncertain if the waterfall would be flowing at all.

It was only when we got to witness it from the “Heavenly Hill” (opposite the head of the valley responsible for the Alayan River) did we finally confirm that the waterfall was indeed flowing (albeit lightly; as you can see in the photos on this page).

Sasalaguan_134_11182022 - Descending the swordgrass-riddled ridge towards a peak informally called 'Heavenly Hill', where we could see Takhilo Falls and its light flow situated in a bowl at the head of a valley beneath the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Descending the swordgrass-riddled ridge towards a peak informally called ‘Heavenly Hill’, where we could see Takhilo Falls and its light flow situated in a bowl at the head of a valley beneath the peak of Mt Sasalaguan

That said, there’s a catch-22 regarding this waterfall because if you want to see it in higher flow, you’ll have to contend with taller swordgrass blades, muddy (i.e. slippery) terrain, and poor visibility if you’re caught in a rain squall or even just clouds.

If you come in the “Dry” Season usually after the calendar flips in January, then the waterfall might not be flowing much though the terrain and weather might be more benign.

So as you can see, not only is it challenging to do the hike, but even finding the right timing to get the best of both worlds of high waterflow and benign trail conditions is not trivial.

So assuming you’re prepared and up for the epic hike to tackle both Mt Sasalaguan and Tak’hilo Falls, we’re going to delve into the words eye description of how I was able to do it (with the help of a trekking group).

Sasalaguan_001_11182022 - The hike to Mt Sasalaguan started off by going into the swordgrass to the left of the Ija Research and Education Center
The hike to Mt Sasalaguan started off by going into the swordgrass to the left of the Ija Research and Education Center

The hike began from a gate entrance for the Ija Research and Education Center though there was no other signage or indication of any hike let alone for Mt Sasalaguan throughout the drive (see directions below).

We then avoided going through the property by following a trail-of-use that went to the left side of the fencing into an already pretty thick grove of swordgrass.

It was pretty apparent in this stretch that you’ll definitely need to cover up (including wearing gloves) to avoid getting cut up by the vegetation.

This stretch lasted for about the first 3/4-mile until the swordgrass relented and we found ourselves in somewhat of an opening right on the boundary of the vegetation (it may have been cut and maintained by the research center to this point).

Sasalaguan_017_11182022 - The group following a faint 4wd track along a ridge of exposed red dirt and grass with smaller blades towards the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
The group following a faint 4wd track along a ridge of exposed red dirt and grass with smaller blades towards the summit of Mt Sasalaguan

Then, we continued with the hike as we dove right back into the swordgrass on a faint trampled path (our guide and some participants placed some colored tape on some of the grass blades for others in the group as well as for future reference).

As we continued with the somewhat gentle-to-moderate ascent, I noticed that the grass was lower in height, and we even started to follow some red dirt 4wd tracks that hadn’t been overgrown (yet).

We then proceeded for about another 0.4-mile as this stretch of the hike was considerably easier to follow.

Eventually, we got up to a small ridge with our first good look at Mt Sasalaguan in the distance as well as back towards the ocean in the opposite direction, and this was where we took a brief break as well as some photo ops.

Sasalaguan_037_11182022 - Steep ascent as we made our way up some of the steepest parts of the elevation gain leading to the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Steep ascent as we made our way up some of the steepest parts of the elevation gain leading to the peak of Mt Sasalaguan

Continuing on, we then followed a combination of more dirt track and trampled swordgrass as well as some pretty steep undulations (some of which had some tricky and slippery footing).

The steepest parts of the climb involved ascending up to more ridgelines because that was where the volcanic soil was poorest (i.e. rockiest), which meant the vegetation was less thick, and that helped to make the hiking terrain more manageable.

This pretty much lasted for the next 3/4-mile before we took our next extended break as we were already in the midst of climbing up the steep and swordgrass-laden incline that might have earned the name “hell” as far as Mt Sasalaguan was concerned.

While on this steep ridge, there were also some nice views to the south past the knife ridge of “Heavenly Hill” opposite the ravine carved out by the stream that Tak’hilo Falls fell into.

Sasalaguan_061_11182022 - The group continuing to follow a ridge leading us up to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan through some undulations along the way
The group continuing to follow a ridge leading us up to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan through some undulations along the way

We still couldn’t see the waterfall from here, but I was assured that when we would descend onto that ridge, we’d finally get a more direct look at Guam’s tallest waterfall.

Anyways, the climbing here was quite slow going, and it took us at least another 30 minutes to go less than 0.2-mile before taking a much-needed break higher up on a steep and narrow ridge.

Eventually after another half-hour of hiking, the ascent ultimately petered out, but then we had to deal with more swordgrass before reaching an abandoned bunker atop Mt Sasalaguan.

On the way, we actually made a somewhat fruitless detour to an abandoned bunker or defunct communication building that was very thickly surrounded by swordgrass, which took a bit more out of some of us that made that extra effort.

Sasalaguan_017_iPhone_11192022 - The trekking group taking a lunch break near an abandoned bunker at the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
The trekking group taking a lunch break near an abandoned bunker at the summit of Mt Sasalaguan

Anyways, it took us around under 3 hours to reach the top of Mt Sasalaguan, where we took a bit of an extended (and much needed) lunch break while also checking out the views from a swordgrass-laden spot even higher up.

From the lunch break spot, we were able to look towards the south and southeast in the direction that we had initially hiked from.

However, at the higher viewpoint spot, we were able to look more to the south and southwest at some impressively colored reefs totally reminded me of the kinds of views you’d get of the lagoons surrounding the main island of Bora Bora.

Trail Description – Hiking The Knife Ridge To View Takhilo Falls

After a bit of a recovery from the summit of Mt Sasalaguan, we then got right back into the boonie stomping as we went around the abandoned bunker (which seemed to still have remnants of some communications equipment) and right into more swordgrass.

Sasalaguan_104_11182022 - Upon descending from Mt Sasalaguan towards 'Heavenly Hill', we had to deal with perhaps the worst stretch of swordgrass as well as treacherously steep and slippery terrain
Upon descending from Mt Sasalaguan towards ‘Heavenly Hill’, we had to deal with perhaps the worst stretch of swordgrass as well as treacherously steep and slippery terrain

In fact, the path would generally descend steeply as it would persist going through swordgrass (many of which had blades taller than me).

It turned out that this 1/2-mile stretch descending around 240ft was perhaps the most challenging stretch yet because it involved trying to “swim” through tall swordgrass while also trying to maintain unsure footing (since you can’t really see the ground).

In more than a few instances, I would have to play a game of “Marco Polo” just to try to hear where the group was at.

In a few occasions, I had lost the trail and had to backtrack to find the correct path (with the aid of some group members who stayed with me).

Sasalaguan_114_11182022 - The group following a narrow knife-like ridge on the so-called 'Heavenly Hill', which was where we managed to get our best views of Tak'hilo Falls
The group following a narrow knife-like ridge on the so-called ‘Heavenly Hill’, which was where we managed to get our best views of Tak’hilo Falls

Indeed, this was one section of the hike where I really had to rely on people who had done this hike before and knew where they were going.

It definitely drilled into my mind that attempting to do this hike on my own would not be very wise, especially if I hadn’t done this before.

Anyways, as we eventually descended the so-called “Heavenly Hill”, we ultimately found ourselves on a narrow ridge with dropoffs on both sides.

However, to our left was the head of the valley that would eventually feed the Alayan River, and that was where we could finally witness Takhilo Falls (Tak’hilo Falls) making its dramatic vertical drop into the cirque-like volcanic bowl.

Sasalaguan_123_11182022 - Context of Takhilo Falls as seen from the knife-like ridge of 'Heavenly Hill'
Context of Takhilo Falls as seen from the knife-like ridge of ‘Heavenly Hill’

Throughout this part of the ridge, we were able to see the waterfall from different positions (being careful not to get too close to the vertical dropoffs separating our viewing spot and the falls itself).

And we’d ultimately have to climb another peak on the ridge at around 840ft in elevation before continuing another steep descent (for more than 240ft) on its southeast-facing side.

During that descent, we’d probably get our last glimpses of Takhilo Falls, and then we’d continue swimming through more swordgrass while generally descending until we had to make another climb towards a peak called Gugae (at 696ft in elevation).

By this point, we were roughly another 3/4-mile from the summit of Mt Sasalaguan, and we took another much-needed break.

Trail Description – Finishing The Hike

Sasalaguan_137_11182022 - The final 2.25-mile section of the Mt Sasalaguan-Takhilo Falls hike involves following a series of ridges to minimize needing to swim through more swordgrass and muddy terrain, but it also meant extending the overall length of the route
The final 2.25-mile section of the Mt Sasalaguan-Takhilo Falls hike involves following a series of ridges to minimize needing to swim through more swordgrass and muddy terrain, but it also meant extending the overall length of the route

From the summit of Gugae, we could see across the valley to the east the starting point of our hike.

However, I learned that the remainder of the hike wouldn’t go back to the starting point, and that it would follow a series of ridges and peaks for the final 2.25 miles to the main road near the southern tip of Guam.

Although I at first thought that perhaps this route was superfluous and was an unnecessary addition to the whole hike, I learned that following this ridge minimized our exposed to more steep and muddy slopes as well as thick groves of swordgrass.

In fact, the 4wd jeep tracks were much easier to follow as long as we stayed along the ridges and peaks, but the drawback was that it did involve more undulating terrain.

Sasalaguan_035_iPhone_11192022 - The group descending through more gravel and grassy terrain to reach the Hwy 4 on the far southern tip of Guam
The group descending through more gravel and grassy terrain to reach the Hwy 4 on the far southern tip of Guam

By this time, the uphills really took a toll on me, and it took the guide’s brother to remind me to use my trekking poles for pushing off on the uphills and maintaining balance on the downhills.

Heck, as I was struggling with fatigue, dehydration, and muscle cramps (forcing us to make more stops along the way), the group even insisted that I give up my Sony Mirrorless Camera to another member while giving up my day pack to the troop leader.

That helped to ensure that all of us would be successful on this hike, and that I didn’t jeopardize the effort with my struggles.

The last mile or so involved more steep descending over gravel and exposed volcanic rock before diving right into another patch of swordgrass and mud near some residences.

Sasalaguan_139_11182022 - The group recuperating by someone's residence adjacent to Hwy 4 while awaiting our guide Chris to return with the van so we could go back to our respective residences and accommodations
The group recuperating by someone’s residence adjacent to Hwy 4 while awaiting our guide Chris to return with the van so we could go back to our respective residences and accommodations

Ultimately after over 4 hours since leaving the summit of Mt Sasalaguan, we finally made it to the Hwy 4 (the main road going around the south of Guam).

As the group tried to take rest and recover from the long day hike, our guide talked with a resident here about giving him a ride back to the trailhead to recover the van and then pick us up to return to our respective residences and accommodations.

Topo Map and GPS log of the Mt Sasalaguan and Takhilo Falls trek

Authorities

Takhilo Falls (or Tak’hilo Falls) resides near Mt Sasalaguan in the village of Merizo in Guam. It may be administered by the Guam Department of Agriculture. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, you can try visiting this website.

Sasalaguan_004_iPhone_11192022 - Making our way south towards the trailhead of Mt Sasalaguan early in the morning
Sasalaguan_003_11182022 - The initial part of the trek to Mt Sasalaguan involved going through a pretty thick grove of vegetation that included swordgrass, which will cut you up if you're not covered up in long-sleeves and gloves, and in some cases, people wore bandanas to cover the face along with sunglasses to cover the eyes
Sasalaguan_005_11182022 - Every so often our trekking group would place colored ribbons to provide visual clues for members of the group further behind as well as to serve as a reference for future hikes. This is necessary due to the rate of vegetation growth in tropical places like Guam
Sasalaguan_006_11182022 - Looking back towards the Pacific Ocean in the general direction of Inarajan early on in our hike to Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_007_11182022 - The group continuing to make their way through faint trails of use among the tall grass (including swordgrass or neti) as we generally ascended en route to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_010_11182022 - The group still needing to navigate through some pretty tall grass though it was starting to thin out the further along and the higher we went en route to Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_011_11182022 - A clearing that provided us a brief respite from the swordgrass, but we'd eventually have to dive right back in and continue the hike towards the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_013_11182022 - Another look towards more clearing, which I'd imagine might be maintained by the Ija Research and Education Center who manage much of the lands around the trailhead for the Mt Sasalaguan hike
Sasalaguan_014_11182022 - The group continuing the hike towards Mt Sasalaguan (seen in the distance) but at least the grass seemed to be less taller the further we went
Sasalaguan_015_11182022 - Continuing on the path to Mt Sasalaguan, where we still battled through some tall grass though the 4wd track seemed to be more noticeable
Sasalaguan_018_11182022 - Eventually the hike to Mt Sasalaguan followed more obvious red dirt, which made the hiking considerably easier and faster for the time being
Sasalaguan_019_11182022 - Looking ahead towards the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_020_11182022 - Looking back at some of the hikers in our group following the red dirt surface towards our first major resting point. The building in the background I believe is the Ija Research and Education Center
Sasalaguan_024_11182022 - The group continuing to follow faint 4wd tracks as we generally ascended towards a series of ridges leading us closer to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_026_11182022 - The group continuing to traverse through the grass on the way towards the fringes of some exposed red dirt up ahead with Mt Sasalaguan in view towards the left
Sasalaguan_028_11182022 - The group passing through another grassy area as we continued climbing towards another hill on the way up to Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_029_11182022 - Having to deal with some tricky (i.e. slippery) and loose terrain in the red dirt field on the way to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_082_11182022 - Closer look at a particular steep and slippery decline where one hiker opted to sit, scoot, and slide her way down
Sasalaguan_031_11182022 - Looking back at some of the hikers having to deal with a particularly steep and slippery descent on the red dirt, where it was helpful to have trekking poles for better traction and balance
Sasalaguan_032_11182022 - Looking way in the distance towards the Pacific Ocean in the general direction of what I think might be Inarajan Bay
Sasalaguan_083_11182022 - The group continuing to follow some obvious red dirt terrain on our way to Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_084_11182022 - The group approaching the next tricky incline and hill before continuing on with the ridge hiking up to the top of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_033_11182022 - The group continuing to traverse through more red dirt terrain as we were about to go up some of the steepest parts of the incline leading up to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_035_11182022 - Making the next steep climb up the swordgrass on the way to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_038_11182022 - Scaling the next hill as the trail continued to undulate and climb up to the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_040_11182022 - Looking back at the context of the hikers in the back of the group and the terrain we had to traverse to get up to this point of the ridge with the Pacific Ocean backing the scene
Sasalaguan_042_11182022 - Looking ahead at the context of the ridge traverse that still was before us as we made our way up to the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_045_11182022 - Even though we were generally going uphill to Mt Sasalaguan, the trail undulated through some steep and slippery descents, which further made this a tough hike given the non-monotonic elevation profile
Sasalaguan_046_11182022 - Still continuing to follow the ridge and some steep slopes towards the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_047_11182022 - More navigating through grassy terrain towards the next hill on the way up to the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_050_11182022 - More following faint trails of use towards the next hills as we continued following the ridge to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_051_11182022 - Another look back towards the hikers in the back of the group and the ridge hiking we had done so far en route to the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_016_iPhone_11192022 - Looking ahead at more of the ridge hiking in context with Mt Sasalaguan (in the cloud shadow in this picture) as we took another break before resuming the climb
Sasalaguan_053_11182022 - It was hard to believe that people have driven vehicles in such rugged terrain, but it was exactly these tracks that helped to 'pave' the way towards hiking up to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_055_11182022 - Looking ahead towards the peak of Mt Sasalaguan still looking so close yet so far away
Sasalaguan_057_11182022 - The group continuing to ascend more hills and ridges on the way up to the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_058_11182022 - The group tackling more steeper inclines on the way up to Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_060_11182022 - Context of the trampled grass as the group made a switchback course to lessen the blow of the steep incline on the way up to Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_062_11182022 - Looking back in the distance towards some forested terrain that we had avoided so far on the way up to Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_064_11182022 - Looking back towards the hikers in the back of the group that had to carefully descend another steep undulation on the climb up the Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_066_11182022 - The group getting even closer to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan still looking so close yet so far away, especially with that incline just ahead of us!
Sasalaguan_068_11182022 - The group still having to deal with some swordgrass as we undulated and approached the last and steepest incline on the way up to the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_071_11182022 - Looking ahead at the peak of Mt Sasalaguan and the 'Heavenly Hill' as we were now in the midst of the steepest part of the climb yet
Sasalaguan_072_11182022 - Context of the group approaching the steepest part of the climb up to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_075_11182022 - Looking towards 'Heavenly Hill' fronting some impressive-looking coral reefs in the distance as we climbed up to Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_078_11182022 - The group taking another much-needed break during the steep climb up to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan as we surveyed the scenery below us
Sasalaguan_080_11182022 - The peak of 'Heavenly Hill' almost at eye-level with us, which afforded us more glimpses of the reef behind it as we continued ascending towards the peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_085_11182022 - Finally making it up to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan nearby an abandoned bunker with some comm equipment inside
Sasalaguan_086_11182022 - Looking out towards the scenery to the south and southeast of us from the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_087_11182022 - Looking back at the hiking group that partook in the Mt Sasalaguan-Tak'hilo Falls challenge
Sasalaguan_089_11182022 - Looking out to the east towards another abandoned communications bunker or building that some of us had made the mistake of going to before getting to the summit of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_088_11182022 - The group going on a brief jaunt up through some more swordgrass towards a lookout at the very peak of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_090_11182022 - By this point of the experience, swordgrass was just something we had to accept and deal with atop Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_091_11182022 - Looking out towards the south-southwest of Guam and the reef system just off shore as seen from the top of Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_092_11182022 - Another look towards the impressive reefs somewhere offshore from Merizo as seen from Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_021_iPhone_11192022 - Yet another look over swordgrass towards the reef system offshore from Merizo as seen from atop Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_095_11182022 - We noticed in the distance that there was a grass fire though we weren't sure what caused it (a hunter perhaps trying to snuff out feral deer or something?)
Sasalaguan_096_11182022 - Another look at the abandoned bunker or shelter atop Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_097_11182022 - Looking inside the comm bunker or shelter at some of the dilapidated equipment atop Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_099_11182022 - The trekking group descending from Mt Sasalaguan through some pretty tall and thick blades of swordgrass as we went onto 'Heavenly Hill'
Sasalaguan_100_11182022 - Context of the group clinging onto steeply sloping terrain that was full of swordgrass on the 'Heavenly Hill'
Sasalaguan_102_11182022 - It wasn't all downhill as we made our way through 'Heavenly Hill' and ultimately some views of the Tak'hilo Falls
Sasalaguan_103_11182022 - Looking out towards the reef system south of Guam while traversing the swordgrass-laden Heavenly Hill
Sasalaguan_105_11182022 - Context of the group still navigating through swordgrass on 'Heavenly Hill' with that grass fire still in the distance
Sasalaguan_106_11182022 - Another contextual look at the thick swordgrass that we had to navigate through on the way down to the knife-like ridge before Tak'hilo Falls
Sasalaguan_108_11182022 - Looking down towards our first glimpse of Takhilo Falls, which was surprisingly flowing during our mid-November 2022 visit
Sasalaguan_109_11182022 - More focused look at Takhilo Falls proving that it was indeed flowing (albeit lightly) during our mid-November 2022 visit
Sasalaguan_116_11182022 - The group descending the knife-like ridge on 'Heavenly Hill' as we were also starting to get better views of Takhilo Falls to our left
Sasalaguan_118_11182022 - The group approaching the next incline on 'Heavenly Hill' after they had their fill of the Tak'hilo Falls
Sasalaguan_119_11182022 - The views of Tak'hilo Falls were improving the further down the 'Heavenly Hill' ridge we went
Sasalaguan_025_iPhone_11192022 - Looking towards Tak'hilo Falls from the perspective of an iPhone as seen from atop 'Heavenly Hill'
Sasalaguan_121_11182022 - Looking at the full height of the main drop of Takhilo Falls from the 'Heavenly Hill' ridge
Sasalaguan_124_11182022 - Another look at the main drop of Takhilo Falls, which is said to be the tallest waterfall on Guam
Sasalaguan_127_11182022 - Looking back at the context of the 'Heavenly Hill' ridge and Takhilo Falls to the right of it
Sasalaguan_128_11182022 - Another look back at the context of Takhilo Falls and the faint track that we followed to get to this view from Mt Sasalaguan
Sasalaguan_027_iPhone_11192022 - Another contextual look back towards Tak'hilo Falls through the iPhone
Sasalaguan_129_11182022 - The group continuing to descend through even more swordgrass as we continued making our way down from 'Heavenly Hill' towards the latter half of the long marathon hike
Sasalaguan_130_11182022 - Lower perspective of Takhilo Falls as we continued to descend further from 'Heavenly Hill' on the latter part of the Mt Sasalaguan-Tak'hilo Falls hike
Sasalaguan_132_11182022 - Another parting look back at Tak'hilo Falls in light flow
Sasalaguan_135_11182022 - The trekking group taking another much-needed breather and water break after having gone through the 'Heavenly Hill'
Sasalaguan_136_11182022 - The group approaching another incline. By this point of the hike, each incline took a lot out of me as I was struggling with keeping my energy up
Sasalaguan_029_iPhone_11192022 - The group approaching a series of peaks and ridges on the long latter half of the return hike from Mt Sasalaguan and Takhilo Falls
Sasalaguan_030_iPhone_11192022 - The group following the series of ridges on the return hike back from Mt Sasalaguan and Takhilo Falls
Sasalaguan_031_iPhone_11192022 - Looking in the general direction of the southeast where the Alayan River would eventually empty to the Pacific Ocean
Sasalaguan_034_iPhone_11192022 - The trekking group navigating through grassy ridges that were more soil poor so thankfully the grass blades weren't very tall
Sasalaguan_038_iPhone_11192022 - Chris finally retrieving the hiking van to pick us up and take us back to our respective residences and accommodations
Sasalaguan_046_iPhone_11192022 - Enjoying the late afternoon views of the Pacific Ocean as we were driven back towards Tamuning and Tumon
Sasalaguan_048_iPhone_11192022 - Finally making it back to Tumon Bay to end a very long day


Takhilo Falls (or Tak’hilo Falls) can be witnessed as an add-on to the Mt Sasalaguan hike.

As I mentioned in the write-up above, if you’re not already familiar with the routes and the terrain in Guam, it’s probably best to join a trekking group, hire a guide, or go with someone who has already done this hike before (and know what they’re doing).

Sasalaguan_010_iPhone_11192022 - The drive to the start of the Mt Sasalaguan hike involved following the coastal road to the south of Guam before heading east through Merizo and towards Inarajan
The drive to the start of the Mt Sasalaguan hike involved following the coastal road to the south of Guam before heading east through Merizo and towards Inarajan

The way we managed to get in touch with our guide was that we contacted the Guam Tourism Board to get a list of candidates that might actually engage in this sort of thing.

If you do any research on hiking in Guam, you’ll find that the most obvious choice would be to join a Guam Boonie Stompers excursion, where you look up their Facebook page and learn what hikes are coming up in the schedule.

Then, you’d meet them at some agreed upon meeting spot (usually spelled out on their page) before showing up and paying them a modest fee in cash to participate.

The problem with doing these hikes is that you’re slaved to their schedule (i.e. they may not do a hike that you want to do in your limited time visiting Guam).

Sasalaguan_012_iPhone_11192022 - The Hwy 4 going along the south of Guam is less developed and more rural as the mountainous interior looms throughout the drive
The Hwy 4 going along the south of Guam is less developed and more rural as the mountainous interior looms throughout the drive

Moreover, I’ve been told that on their more difficult hikes, they tend to take a more military mentality and approach to their treks, which may leave you little time to rest or even take pictures as you struggle to keep up.

In my particular experience, we hired a guide named Chris Choi from Guam Trekking Tour (basically the only operator that responded to our inquiries when we reached out to the list of candidates gleaned from the Guam Tourism Board).

We then coordinated with Chris through WhatsApp on the logistics (i.e. meeting time, cost, schedule, etc.), and then he picked us up from our accommodation and guided us on our excursions before we paid him in cash at the end of the day.

That said, if you are curious about the driving directions on how to reach the Mt Sasalaguan trailhead, we basically followed the Marine Corps. Drive (Hwy 1) south from Tumon to a traffic light, where we turned left onto Hwy 2A.

Sasalaguan_014_iPhone_11192022 - Somewhere between Merizo and Inarajan, we took a rural road towards the Ija Research and Education Center
Somewhere between Merizo and Inarajan, we took a rural road towards the Ija Research and Education Center

Then, we followed Hwy 2A towards another junction with the Hwy 2, and then we followed that road along the southwestern coastline of Guam.

The road eventually became Hwy 4 at the village of Merizo, where we then continued another 4.5 miles past the Merizo Bell Tower to an unsigned turnoff for the Ija Experimental Farm Road on the left.

Finally, we followed this narrow road for the remaining mile to the gated entrance for the Ija Research and Education Center, where our guide parked in a grassy area before the entrance gate.

According to my trip logs, this drive took us around 75 minutes from the resort area of Tumon Bay though we did make a handful of stops to pick up other trekking participants along the way.

Sasalaguan_015_iPhone_11192022 - The Ija Research and Education Center was where we ended the drive, did some warm-up stretches and yoga-like movements, and then embarked on the marathon hiking excursion that took all day
The Ija Research and Education Center was where we ended the drive, did some warm-up stretches and yoga-like movements, and then embarked on the marathon hiking excursion that took all day

For geographical context, Merizo Village was about 8km (under 15 minutes drive) west of Inarajan, 44km (over 45 minutes drive) south of Tamuning, and 46km (1 hour drive) south of Tumon Bay.

Find A Place To Stay

Right to left sweep from the reef view towards Tak'hilo Falls


Another right to left sweep starting with the reef and ending with the full height of the Tak'hilo Falls


Another right to left sweep from the start of a climb on another swordgrass ridge with a view back towards Tak'hilo Falls at the end

Related Top 10 Lists

No Posts Found

Trip Planning Resources

No Posts Found


Nearby Accommodations



Tagged with: sasalaguan, merizo, knife ridge, swordgrass, heavenly hill, hell mountain, guam, waterfall, neti



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

No users have replied to the content on this page


Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

No users have submitted a write-up/review of this waterfall


Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls

The Waterfaller Newsletter

The Waterfaller Newsletter is where we curate the wealth of information on the World of Waterfalls website and deliver it to you in bite-sized chunks in your email inbox. You'll also get exclusive content like...

  • Waterfall Wednesdays
  • Insider Tips
  • User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month
  • and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls


How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps

Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.