Location
Named after a Spanish Missionarry who used it to bring Catholicism to the mountain people of northern Luzon. This 27 mile trail climbs over 5,000' from Santa Maria to Santa Fe along ridgelines large enough for foot traffic and horses only. It terminates to the junction with Route 5 and the Cagayan Valley.

Battle of Villa Verde Trail
After the American landing at Lingayen Gulf on January 9, 1945, Japanese forces of the 'Shobu Group' defended this location, including 10th Recconssaiance Regimen and survivors of the 7th Tank Regiment from the battle of San Manuel. The US Army 32nd Infantry Division's 127th Infantry Regiment advanced along this trail beginning on January 30, 1945.  The rough terrain made it impossible for vehicles to support the battle, Igorot laborers were employed to carry supplies and evacuate wounded.

Kongo Fortress
By February 23, they had reached the high ground. The Kongo Fortress, located four miles north Imugan was reached in early March. The fortress was the site of a three week battle that resulted in 1,000 Japanese KIA. 

Salacsac Pass
Area of steep slopes. Defenders of the 2nd Tank Division used eight removed turrets from their tanks as fixed pillboxes, fighting here until May 24th against American forces, loosing 2,300 from the 2nd Tank Division and 3,400 from other units.

Solvec Cove
On April 7th American fighters flew 130+ sorties in support of ground forces at Solvec Cove, Villa Verde Trail.

The 127th Infantry Regiment was relieved by the 128th Infantry Regiment, that fought on the trail until May 28th. The battle lasted 119 days, while outnumbered 2:1, and resulted in an estimated 8,900 Japanese KIAs.

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Last Updated
June 15, 2009