Priest’s Pools in Merizo, Guam is an interesting spot to visit and hang out. These seven freshwater pools from the Pigua river that cascade down the hill provide a refreshing dip on a hot Guam day. One pool is even deep enough for you to jump into!
While I’ve heard it referred to as a hike, it’s really nothing more than an easy 5 min walk from the parking area. However if you plan to climb down the pools it can turn into a short hike, but reaching the pools is super easy! . You can also combine this with the Faha & Tinta hike from the Best Treks on Guam book. It can also be combined with a stop at Inarajan pools.
Priest’s Pools got it’s name from the Spanish church at the bottom of the hike, San Dimas Catholic Church, and the Priests from there who would go bathe in the freshwater pools. From what I’ve found online this took place when the Spanish arrived on island back in the 1600’s.
Note it’s best to go visit these after it’s been raining or during the rainy season so that the pools are full and you get the most out of the experience.
You will park to the side of the road on Gabriel M. Mansapit Street. Park on the left side near the trees making sure not to block any driveways. It’s not a huge area to park in but we were able to easily park to larger vehicles there.
To get to the pools you’ll walk straight ahead on the path to the left of the driveway, please be mindful to stay off the private property. Once you get past the house area there will be a turn to the right, take that down into the valley and it will lead you right to to the pools. It’s really a super easy walk, about 5 mins and we had littles with us. It may be muddy if it has rained recently.
View as you walk down.
Once you reach the pools you’ll be at the upper pool area. The upper pool is the largest one and is also the deepest (approx. 8 ft deep) so your able to jump into it. Always get in and check it out before jumping. You can climb down and explore the other pools as well. The area around the pools is rocky so wear good shoes.
There is a path to the left but when we went it had rained the night before and it was too muddy & slippery to use. Use your judgement about how far your comfortable doing down. Our friend with littles would not have been able to climb down to the bottom with her little one in the carrier. We hung out on top and explored around there.
All the lower pools are on an incline so there is some climbing involved if you want to explore them.
On the walk back we took the first path up to the left and got this great scenic view! It also connected back to the original path towards the house/parking area.
Overall this is a fun and neat visit, especially combined with the history but it is however not really a ‘hike’ per se. It’s a fun way to cool off on a hot day in Guam though!
Know Before You Go
What: Priest Pools – Merizo, Guam
Hike Info: Rated – Easy, Length – 0.6 mile, Elevation change- 120 feet both up and down.
How To Get There: Easiest way is to use the provided google map. If you want to try without the map head to Merizo and at the big white church turn right up the hill. Up the hill you’ll turn left onto Gabriel M. Mansapit Street and drive to the end. Here is a google map to the parking area HERE it’s from Andersen but you can change the from on the left hand side.
Bring: Water! Clothing: Bring swimsuit if you want to swim. Also sunscreen, & snacks. Visor/hat/sunglasses are optional. Also waterproof bags for cellphones, at a bare minimum as zip lock bag so it doesn’t drown if you get caught in a downpour!
Parking: Parking is on the left side of the road near the trees, take care to not block any driveways.
Cost: Free
Traveling with little kids: This hike is fairly easy and can be done with littles at least to the upper pool. We had 2 littles with us and once you get to the pool area there really wasn’t a great flat spot for my friend to set her hiking pack with toddler down in it. Also it was to steep and slippery for her to attempt to down down the pools to the bottom. So if going with littles I’d plan on doing it without a carrier (it’s super easy) and staying at the upper pools.
How long: Plan on at least 1 hour to hike to the pools and explore the area.
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