Yushan, Taiwan’s highest mountain, is also one of its easiest to climb
Mountains in Taiwan are famous for their sunrises, but often it’s the sunsets that are the most unforgettable
Early morning on Mount Tao, Wuling Quadruple
Jade Mountain is both an exciting climb and a surprisingly easy one
Let me start by saying I’m no expert at hiking Taiwan’s high mountains! Of the Top 100 Peaks (a list of one-hundred mountain peaks from the 270-odd summits in Taiwan that exceed 3,000 meters in height), I’ve so far only done 29 – a lot less than some hiker friends of mine. However I’m acutely aware that starting out on the Top Hundred can be be a bit daunting – the difficulty of the peaks on the list varies hugely, and while two or three summits on the list are within the ability of all able-bodied people, and a further ten or twenty can be conquered by anyone that’s reasonably fit and has a few Taiwan day-hikes under their belt, after that the difficulty level quickly goes through the roof, and inexperienced hikers could easily find themselves in serious trouble if they pick the wrong trek.
So, since I’ve nearly exhausted the easier peaks on the list, I thought it might be useful to make a personal list of eight trips for those starting out on the Top Hundred. Experienced hikers with the right gear will have no trouble starting out on intermediate hikes like the Mount Nanhuda group, Mount Baiguda, or Mount Qilai North and Main peaks; less confident walkers would be well advised to start at the bottom and work up. So here goes: a personal rating of the eight easiest high mountain peak treks, in approximate order of difficulty. The multi-day routes featured below all have mountain huts and a reliable water supply (with one exception), so there’s no need to bring heavy camping gear and water, which makes many of the other treks extra strenuous. There’s a complete list of the Top Hundred Peaks, a brief history of how they came to be selected, and detailed information about some of the more popular treks, in Taiwan 101 volumes 1 and 2 (above left)
High Mountains for Complete Beginners (one day or less):
1. Hehuan Main, North and East Peaks, Mount Shimen
Mount Hehuan East Peak (right) is an easy hour-long hike from the road, despite its formidable profile from this side
The summit of Mount Hehuan East Peak
By a long way the easiest of the Top Hundred summits, the only challenge for most people when climbing the four ‘easy’ Mount Hehuan peaks is the altitude. Easiest of all is Mount Shimen (石門山; 3,237 meters; no. 70 on the list of Top Hundred peaks, at the bottom of this blog entry), a gentle 20-minute stroll along a trail parallel to Taipei’s highest motorable road, with a magnificent view at the top. Only a little more taxing is Mount Hehuan Main Peak (合歡山主峰; 3,417 meters; no. 37), reached by a gentle 40-minute climb up a surfaced road (closed to public vehicles), with a couple of short-cut trails. A small notch harder, but more rewarding is Mount Hehuan East Peak (合歡山主峰; 3,421; no. 35), a rather steeper hike than the first two summits, but up wooden boardwalk steps for much of the way. Allow 2 hours for the return hike.
Flowering azaleas are a beautiful feature of Mount Hehuan East and North peaks each year in April
Climbing Mount Shimen is an easy 20-minute walk from the road, making it the easiest of Taiwan’s Top Hundred peaks to climb
By far the most rewarding of the four ‘easy’ Mount Hehuan summits, though, is Mount Hehuan North Peak (北合歡山; 3,422 meters; no. 34), a three-hour return hike that’s moderately steep in parts, but on a ‘natural’ dirt trail all the way, which is a relief after the roads and developed trails of the other peaks here. The view from the top is inspirational on a clear day, with eight or ten other Top Hundred peaks visible. In March and April, the summit area is covered in flowering azaleas, which make an amazing show (the flowering shrubs grow on the East Peak too). From here the trail continues to the fifth and last Mount Hehuan peak on the Top Hundred list, the West Peak (see no. 7 below) although this is a far tougher walk than the other four, and should only be attempted by fit hikers.
The view from Mount Hehuan Main Peak, another very easy hike
*****
These four aren’t the only Top Hundred peaks that can be tackled in a day. Others include Mounts Junda and Xiluanda (nos. 61 and 92), Mounts Yangtou and Bilu (nos 96 and 39) and Mount Tao (no. 49, the easiest of the Wuling Quadruple (see no. 8, below, to climb). Apart from Mount Junda, however, these are all fairly strenuous climbs, so do a few easier high summits before tackling any of them. The highest summit of all, Yushan Main Peak, is also often done as a day hike, mainly because procuring permits are easier for the one-day ascent than for trying to get one for the usual two-day hike; the drawbacks are it’s exhausting and requires a high degree of fitness, and by the time you reach the summit, the mist will most likely have come in, and there’s a good chance there’ll be no view.
Before Typhoon Moraokot played havok with the area in 2009 (damage which has yet to be cleared up), the Southern Three Stars mountains (南橫三星; nos. 72, 77 and 85) were probably the easiest of the Top Hundred peaks to climb after the four Hehuan peaks, taking between two and six hours to climb. Unfortunately they, and a number of other nearby peaks on the list, are still (officially) out-of-bounds to trekkers, although local hikers do still sneak in and climb all three.
Multi-day Treks for Beginners:
2. Yushan (Jade Mountain: Main and West Peaks
It’s (a lot) easier than it looks! Climbing Jade Mountain is exciting, but it’s also remarkably easy, thanks to a very well engineered trail all the way to the summit
The trail up Jade Mountain is a scenic and relatively easy hike the whole way
It just so happens that Taiwan’s (and northeast Asia’s) highest peak is one of the easiest high mountains in the world to climb. Certainly easier than those other popular climbs in the Far East, Mount Rinjani (Lombok, Indonesia) and Mount Kinabalu (Malaysian Borneo), and much more pleasurable than the ‘tourist’ route up Mount Fuji in Japan. Apart from the altitude, the 2-day trek to the summit of Yushan (Jade Mountain; 玉山主峰; 3,952 meters, no. 1) and back is pretty simple, with excellent trails, no very steep gradients, and a relatively short distance (the more popular trail to the summit, from Tatajia, is just under 10 kilometers long). Apart from obtaining the permits (a true nightmare), climbing Jade Mountain (at least in good weather) is no major challenge as long as you prepare a bit in advance: lots of stair climbing, a few hikes with a daypack filled with bottles of water etc. To stand a reasonable chance of getting that permit, try to go midweek (when a number of permits are set aside for foreigners) and apply for the permit four months in advance.
Fabulous scenery and a safe, well-made trail make Jade Mountain a great high mountain for beginners
The main peak of Jade Mountain from the trail to the West Peak. Not quite as iconic as the famous view from the mountain’s North Peak, but a lot more accessible!
Most first-timers are content with reaching the main (highest) peak, at 3,952 meters, but assuming you reach Paiyun Lodge (the hut where hikers overnight on the mountain) before 2:30 pm, and still have some energy left, the side trail from Paiyun to Yushan West Peak (玉山西峰; 3,518 meters; no. 25) is fairly straightforward. The trail is rougher than anything on the main trail to the summit, and care is needed on a short section near the start, but it’s not long or difficult, and there’s a fantastic view of the main peak about two-thirds of the way along, as the trail crosses a hillside meadow.
*****
Nearer the start of the trail to Yushan Main Peak, close to the three-kilometer marker, a signpost on the left points the way to Yushan Front Peak (玉山前峰; 3,239; no. 69). The peak is less than a kilometer from the main trail, but it’s a very steep and tiring climb up a long boulder slope (allow 2 hours return, and don’t rush it), and best not tackled unless you’re fit. Bagging Yushan North Peak (玉山北峰; 3,858; no. 4) and Yushan East Peak (玉山東峰; 3,869 meters; no. 3) is also possible while climbing the main peak, on the morning of the second day after summiting, although the trails to both are rough and and steep – definitely not for beginners.
Getting to the remaining four Yushan peaks on the Top Hundred list (nos. 5, 9, 38 and 100) is a much more strenuous proposition than the main peak trail, and only for for fitter, experienced hikers.
3. Snow Mountain Main and East Peaks
Snow Mountain is a less exciting climb than Jade Mountain, but it’s every bit as beautiful
Snow Mountain East Peak has a tremendous view of the main peak high above
The trail from Wuling Farm to Snow Mountain (雪山主峰; 3,886; no. 2), Taiwan’s second highest mountain) is steeper than the trail up Jade Mountain, but is still within the range of any reasonably fit beginner, at least outside the snow season (December – April), when deep snow can make the last push to the summit difficult and risky. On the way, the trail passes over Snow Mountain East Peak (雪山東峰; 3,201; no. 75), which isn’t much of a summit in itself, but offers a great view across and up to the main peak, and, in the other direction, the amazing cliffs of Mount Pintian and the other Wuling Quadruple peaks (see 8, below).
Approaching the summit of Snow Mountain, Taiwan’s second highest point, and one of its most straightforward treks
4. Jiaming Lake (Mounts Sancha and Xiangyang)
Magnificent Jiaming Lake is the main focal point of a short and easy trek that also passes two peaks on the Top Hundred list
Although this gorgeously blue, egg-shaped mountain lake is the main goal of hikers attempting this 2-3 day trek, just a few minutes off the route are two peaks on the Top Hundred list: Mount Xiangyang (向陽山; 3,602 meters; no.17) and Mount Sancha (三叉山; 3,496 meters, no. 28). After a fairly steep climb on the first day, it’s a fairly easy trek, and a very beautiful one. Unfortunately it’s also a very popular hike, and it can be hard getting permits. Frustratingly, foreign hikers intending to do this route need to have one Taiwanese national in each group of five hikers to apply for permits to climb.
Near the summit of Mount Xiangyang
*****
Beyond Jiaming Lake, experienced trekkers can continue east to the remote Mount Xinkang (新康山; no. 47) or north along the South Second Section (南二段), one of Taiwan’s finest but most strenuous high mountain treks, bagging another eight peaks on the list, and taking about 7 days. Needless to say, both these treks are for experienced, fit trekkers only!
5. Qilai South Peak and Mount Nanhua
The glorious rolling grasslands of Mount Qilai South Peak, seen from the trail to Mount Nanhua, at sunrise
Near the trailhead of the trek to Mount Qilai South Peak and Mount Nanhua
Another easy and gentle 2-day trek, with no especially steep sections, and fabulous scenery if the weather’s clear. On the down side, it’s a slightly longer trek than either Jade or Snow Mountains, and since it stands near the east coast, right over the Pacific Ocean, it’s even more prone to bad weather than peaks further west and south. In good weather though the grasslands beside the trail to the two peaks on the route, Qilai South Peak (奇萊南峰; 3,358 meters; no. 41) and Mount Nanhua (南華山; 3,184 meters; no. 76) offer spectacular views and one of the easiest high mountain treks in Taiwan, although the long walk back to the trailhead on the second day is a bit of a slog. Stupid Forestry Bureau rules mean that, as on the Jiaming Lake trek, above, foreign hikers must include at least one Taiwanese national in each group of five.
Beautiful scenery and easy walking conditions are a feature of the 2-day Qilai South Peak trek
Sunset on the trail to Mount Qilai South Peak
*****
From Mount Nanhua, the Andongjun Trail (安東軍縱走) continues south along the spine of the Central Mountain Range, bagging another five peaks, and usually spread over 5 or 6 days. It’s a tough trek though, apparently, with no huts on the way, and strictly for the experienced and very fit!
6. Dabajianshan (Mounts Dabajian, Xiaobajian, Jiali and Yize)
Magnificent Dabjianshan, open again after a four-year closure
Taiwan’s most iconic mountain summit, closed for four years after typhoon-induced landslides wiped out the access road to the trailhead, opened once again in late 2016. Unfortunately damage caused by the great earthquake of 1999 to the road leading to the trailhead closed the last 19 kilometers off to hikers. That stretch now has to be walked, making a much longer hike of what was, pre-September 1999 one of Taiwan’s easiest and most beautiful two-day treks. En-route to Dabajianshan (大霸尖山; 3,492 meters; no. 29) itself, the trail passes very close to two more Top Hundred Peaks, Mount Jiali (加利山; 3,112 meters; no. 86) and Mount Yize (伊澤山; 3,297 meters; no. 53), while a short, exciting clamber around the base of the summit cliffs of Dabajianshan itself leads to the top of Xiaobajianshan (小霸尖山; 3,418 meters; no. 36). By the way there’s no longer any access to the summit of Dabajianshan, since the ladders and ropes that once led to the top were taken down several decades ago.
7. Hehuan West Peak
The trail to Mount Hehuan West Peak is a far more strenuous proposition than the remaining four peaks nearby, although still within the range of less experienced hikers who want a challenge (looking east back towards Hehuan North Peak from the trail)
The trail to Hehuan West Peak (西合歡山; 3,145 meters; no. 82) is a great deal more strenuous that the remaining four peaks (described in 1, above). Leaving the North Peak, the trail soon dives steeply down the first of a series of rough descents, and follows a tiring switchback course up and down the often deeply eroded northern escarpment of the Hehuan ridge. It’s rough and slow-going, and although it’s possible to get out to the modest green hump of the West Peak and back in one day, it’s nicer to camp overnight on the grassy heights of the Mount Hehuan North Peak, and walk out and back on the second day. Bring all your water and camping gear from the trailhead.
An Easier Intermediate Trek:
8. Wuling Quadruple (Mounts Tao, Kalaye, Chiyou and Pintian)
Dabajianshan, viewed from the summit of Mount Tao
The famous Chiyou Tree, on the Wuling Quadruple trek
The four peaks of the Wuling Quadruple are often hiked as two pairs, each of the two treks taking two days. Either trek is fabulously scenic, with tremendous views over some of Taiwan’s most rugged and beautiful mountainscapes in clear weather. More interesting (but also more strenuous) is to do all four in one 3-day trek. There’s a choice of ways up from Wuling Farm, both long and relentlessly steep, but the more westerly route up to Sancha camping spot and on to the Xinda Hut is the easier option. From here it’s a steepish but short clamber up rocks to the stunning view atop Mount Chiyou (池有山; 3,303 meters; no. 52), with its famously photogenic tree nearby. Further west there’s a rough, exciting climb down and back up to the highest of the four peaks, Mount Pintian (品田山; 3,524 meters; no. 24). The final section of the trail requires a head for heights and confidence in easy but moderately exposed scrambling, with fixed ropes. This trail is the beginning of one of the several routes of the famed Holy Ridge, all of which follow part or all of the tremendous ridge connecting Dabajianshan (see 6, above) and Snow Mountain (3). Heading west from Mount Pintian though, the route includes several tall and apparently terrifying cliffs that must be climbed down or up (I’m not brave enough to try this route, and haven’t been), so this route is for experienced and very confident trekkers only!
The final climb to the summit of Mount Chiyou is a steep but short clamber up a boulder slope
On Mount Tao
The hardest part of the whole Wuling Quadruple trek is probably the lengthy high-level stretch that connects Mount Chiyou with Mount Tao, crossing some mildly awkward, rocky country, with some steep and long climbs. Eventally the trail reaches Taoshan Hut, just a few minutes from the summit of Mount Tao (桃山; 3,325 meters; no. 49). From where a lengthy there-and-back walk leads out to the last of the four peaks, Mount Kalaye (喀拉業山; 3,133 meters; no. 84), although hiking groups often miss this last peak if time and energy are running short!
The last section of the route to Mount Pintian features an exciting and exposed but fairly easy climb down and then back up a pair of rock faces, which require confidence but are not at all technical
_____________________________________________________
Taiwan’s TOP HUNDRED PEAKS (Taken from Taiwan 101, volume 2)
| Rank | Name & summit coordinates | Height
(meters) |
Trekking time (days) | Trailhead(s) | National park |
| 1 | Yushan (玉山; Jade Mountain, Mount Morrison)
23.469870, 120.957330 |
3,952 | 2 | Tatajia (塔塔加), Chiayi
Dongpu (東埔), Nantou |
Yushan |
| 2 | Xueshan (雪山; Snow Mountain, Mount Sylvia)
24.383270, 121.229630 |
3,886 | 2 | Wuling Farm (武陵農場), Taichung | Shei-Pa |
| 3 | Yushan East Peak (玉山東峰)
23.471710, 120.963840 |
3,869 | 2-3 | See no. 1 | Yushan |
| 4 | Yushan North Peak (玉山北峰)
23.487220, 120.959130 |
3,858 | 2-3 | See no. 1 | Yushan |
| 5 | Yushan South Peak (玉山南峰)
23.447800, 120.959400 |
3,844 | 3-4 | Tatajia (塔塔加), Chiayi | Yushan |
| 6 | Mt. Xiuguluan (秀姑巒山)
23.498030, 121.059430 |
3,805 | 6-7 (4)
South Second Section |
North: Dongpu (東埔), Nantou
South: Xiangyang (向陽), South Cross-island Highway, Taitung |
Yushan |
| 7 | Mt. Mabolasi (馬博拉斯山)
23.520430, 121.067070 |
3,785 | 8 (4-5)
Mt. Mabolasi ridge trek |
Dongpu (東埔), Nantou | Yushan |
| 8 | Mt. Nanhuda (南湖大山)
24.359270, 121.434330 |
3,742 | 7
Mt. Nanhuda trek 3-4 North First Section |
Siyuan Yakou (思源埡口), Yilan | Taroko |
| 9 | Mt. Dongxiaonan (東小南山)
23.439640, 120.960800 |
3,711 | 4-6
Yushan peaks trek |
See no. 5 | Yushan |
| 10 | Mt. Zhongyangjian (中央尖山)
24.309310, 121.416120 |
3,705 | 7
North First Section |
See no. 8 | Taroko |
| 11 | Xueshan North Peak (雪山北峰)
24.414690, 121.240280 |
3,703 | 3+
Snow Mountain & Sacred Ridge treks |
See no. 2 | Shei-pa |
| 12 | Mt. Guan (關山) ₁
23.228150, 120.911310 |
3,668 | 1-2
South First Section |
North: Jinjing Bridge (進涇橋), South Cross-island Highway, Kaohsiung
South: Shishan Forest Road (石山林道), Kaohsiung |
Yushan |
| 13 | Mt. Dashuiku (大水窟山)
23.473820, 121.038840 |
3,642 | 6-7 (4)
South Second Section |
See no. 6 | Yushan |
| 14 | Mt. Nanhuda East Peak
(南湖大山東峰) 24.365080, 121.452650 |
3,632 | 4
Mt. Nanhuda trek 7 North First Section |
See no. 8 | Taroko |
| 15 | Mt. Dongjunda (東郡大山)
23.625740, 121.093110 |
3,619 | 10
Danda-Dongjun trek |
East: Ruisui Forest Road (瑞穗林道), Hualien
West: Junda Forest Road (郡大林道), Nantou |
|
| 16 | Mt. Qilai North Peak (奇萊北峰)
24.119650, 121.335660 |
3,607 | 3 | Highway 14甲, Hohuanshan, Nantou | Taroko |
| 17 | Mt. Xiangyang (向陽山)
23.284310, 120.992180 |
3,602 | 3
Jiaming Lake trek 6-7 South Second Section, |
See no. 6 | Yushan |
| 18 | Mt. Dajian (大劍山)
24.340820, 121.201150 |
3,594 | 4-5
Snow Mountain South Ridge trek |
Wuling Farm (武陵農場), Taichung | Shei-pa |
| 19 | Yunfeng (雲峰)
23.352950, 120.974290 |
3,564 | 6-7
South Second Section |
See no. 6 | Yushan |
| 20 | Mt. Qilai (main peak) 奇萊主山
24.085380, 121.323810 |
3,560 | 3 | See no. 16 | Taroko |
| 21 | Mt. Malijianan (馬利加南山)
23.521470, 121.117310 |
3,546 | 8
Mt. Mabolashi trek |
See no. 7 | Yushan |
| 22 | Mt. Nanhubei (南湖北山)
24.383730, 121.437150 |
3,536 | 4
Mount Nanhuda trek 7 North First Section |
See no. 8 | Taroko |
| 23 | Daxueshan (大雪山)
24.330760, 121.121090 |
3,530 | 6
Snow Mountain West Ridge trek |
Wuling Farm (武陵農場), Taichung | Shei-pa |
| 24 | Mt. Pintian (品田山)
24.427970, 121.266900 |
3,524 | 2-3
Wuling Quadruple trek |
Wuling Farm (武陵農場), Taichung | Shei-pa |
| 25 | Yushan West Peak (玉山西峰)
23.473520, 120.932860 |
3,518 | 1-2 | See no. 1 | Yushan |
| 26 | Mt. Touying (頭鷹山)
24.359620, 121.140650 |
3,510 | 6
Snow Mountain West Ridge trek |
See no. 23 | Shei-pa |
| 27 | Mt. Nanhu South Peak (南湖大山南峰) 24.342910, 121.436880 | 3,505 | 7
North First Section |
See no. 8 | Taroko |
| 28 | Mt. Sancha (三叉山)
23.297150, 121.028350 |
3,496 | 3
Jiaming Lake trek 6-7 South Second Section |
See no. 6 | Yushan |
| 29 | Dabajianshan (大霸尖山)
24.457360, 121.257860 |
3,492 | 3-4 | Zhenxibao (鎮西堡), Hsinchu or
Gwanwu (觀霧), Miaoli County |
Shei-pa |
| 30 | Mt. Dongluanda (東巒大山)
23.648060, 121.079810 |
3,468 | 10
Danda Dongjun trek |
See no. 15 | |
| 31 | Mt. Wuming (無明山)
24.255590, 121.383780 |
3,451 | 5
North Second Section |
730 Forest Road (七三0林道), Taichung | Taroko |
| 32 | Mt. Baba (巴巴山)
24.339780, 121.440250 |
3,449 | 7
North First Section |
See no. 8 | Taroko |
| 33 | Mt. Maxi (馬西山)
23.484500, 121.173420 |
3,448 | 8
Mt. Mabolashi trek |
See no. 7 | Yushan |
| 34 | Mt. Hehuan North Peak (北合歡山) 24.181070, 121.281580 | 3,422 | 3 hours | Highway 14甲, Hohuanshan (合歡山), Nantou | Taroko |
| 35 | Mt. Hehuan East Peak (合歡山東峰) 24.135460, 121.281050 | 3,421 | 2 hours | See no. 34 | Taroko |
| 36 | Xiaobajianshan (小霸尖山)
24.455580, 121.251870 |
3,418 | 3-4
Dabajianshan trek |
See no. 29 | Shei-pa |
| 37 | Hehuanshan Main Peak (合歡山)
24.142450, 121.271380 |
3,417 | 90 minutes | See no. 34 | Taroko |
| 38 | South Yushan (南玉山)
23.430590, 120.926830 |
3,383 | 5-6
Yushan peaks trek |
See no. 5 | Yushan |
| 39 | Mt. Bilu (畢祿山)
24.213510, 121.347120 |
3,371 | 1-2 | 820 Forest Road (八二0 林道)¸ Central Cross-island Highway, Nantou | Taroko |
| 40 | Mt. Zhuosheda (卓社大山)
23.833950, 121.113890 |
3,369 | 5-6
Mt. Ganzhuowan trek |
North: Wanda Forest Road (萬大林道), Nantou
South: Wujie Forest Road (武界林道), Nantou |
|
| 41 | Mt. Qilai South Peak (奇萊南峰)
24.060760, 121.280010 |
3,358 | 2 | Tunyuan (屯原), Lushan, Nantou | |
| 42 | Mt. Nanshuangtou (南雙頭山)
23.346210, 121.015290 |
3,356 | 6-7
South Second Section |
See no. 17 | Yushan |
| 43 | Mt. Nenggao South Peak (能高山南峰)
23.965300, 121.277760 |
3,349 | 6
Andongjun Ridge trek |
North: Tunyuan (屯原), Lushan, Nantou
South: Aowanda (奧萬大), Nantou |
|
| 44 | Mt. Zhijiayangda (志佳陽大山)
24.357790, 121.251230 |
3,345 | 3 | Huanshan (環山), Highway 7甲, Taichung | Shei-pa |
| 45 | Mt. Baiguda (白姑大山)
24.202330, 121.108920 |
3,341 | 3 | Hongxiang (紅香), Wushe, Nantou | |
| 46 | Mt. Batongguan (八通關山)
23.490160, 121.008610 |
3,335 | 6-7
South Second Section |
See no. 6 | Yushan |
| 47 | Mt. Xinkang (新康山)
23.316170, 121.127810 |
3,331 | 6 | South: Xiangyang (向陽), South Cross-island Highway, Taitung
East: Walami (瓦拉米), Hualien |
Yushan |
| 48 | Mt. Danda (丹大山)
23.600520, 121.213490 |
3,325 | 10
Danda Dongjun trek |
See no. 15 | |
| 49 | Mt. Tao (桃山)
24.432600, 121.304640 |
3,325 | 1-3
Wuling Quadruple trek |
See no. 24 | Shei-pa |
| 50 | Mt. Jiayang (佳陽山)
24.306520, 121.188010 |
3,314 | 4-5
Snow Mountain South Ridge trek |
See no. 18 | Shei-pa |
| 51 | Mt. Huoshi (火石山)
24.381830, 121.175200 |
3,310 | 6
Snow Mountain West Ridge trek |
See no. 26 | Shei-pa |
| 52 | Mt. Chiyou (池有山)
24.431050, 121.287940 |
3,303 | 2-3
Wuling Quadruple trek |
See no. 24 | Shei-pa |
| 53 | Mt. Yize (伊澤山)
24.469990, 121.244060 |
3,297 | 3-4
Dabajianshan trek |
See no. 29 | Shei-pa |
| 54 | Mt. Beinanzhu (卑南主山) ₁
23.050860, 120.874620 |
3,295 | 6 | See no. 12 | |
| 55 | Mt. Ganzhuowan (干卓萬山)
23.875850, 121.138320 |
3,284 | 5-6
Mt. Ganzhuowan trek |
See no. 40 | |
| 56 | Taroko Mountain (太魯閣大山)
24.080640, 121.419810 |
3,283 | 6
Qilai East Ridge trek |
West: Highway 14甲, Hohuanshan, (合歡山), Nantou
East: Taroko Gorge, Hualien |
Taroko |
| 57 | Mt. Lulu (轆轆山)
23.391230, 120.998110 |
3,279 | 6-7
South Second Section |
See no. 6 | Yushan |
| 58 | Mt. Kaxipanan (喀西帕南山)
23.463010, 121.192760 |
3,276 | 8
Mt. Mabolashi trek |
See no. 7 | Yushan |
| 59 | Mt. Neilinger (內嶺爾山)
23.579320, 121.195930 |
3,275 | 10
Danda Dongjun trek |
See no. 15 | |
| 60 | Mt. Lingming (鈴鳴山)
24.244440, 121.351900 |
3,272 | 5
North Second Section |
See no. 31 | Taroko |
| 61 | Mt. Junda (郡大山)
23.577340, 120.962420 |
3,265 | 1 | Junda Forest Road (郡大林道), Shuili, Nantou | Yushan |
| 62 | Mt. Nenggao (能高山)
23.991870, 121.260060 |
3,262 | 6
Andongjun Ridge trek |
See no. 43 | |
| 63 | Mt. Wandong West Peak (萬東山西峰, 火山)
23.852240, 121.185160 |
3,258 | 5-6
Mt. Ganzhuowan trek |
See no. 40 | |
| 64 | Jianshan (劍山)
24.293830, 121.168890 |
3,253 | 4-5
Snow Mountain South Ridge trek |
See no. 18 | Shei-pa |
| 65 | Mt. Pingfeng (屏風山)
24.155140, 121.342370 |
3,250 | 3 | Dayuling (大禹嶺), Central Cross-island Highway, Hualien | Taroko |
| 66 | Mt. Xiaoguan (小關山) ₁
23.151480, 120.876350 |
3,249 | 6
South First Section |
See no. 12 | |
| 67 | Mt. Yixiqingmazhi (義西請馬至山)
23.585680, 121.153260 |
3,245 | 10
Danda Dongjun trek |
See no. 15 | |
| 68 | Mushan (牧山)
23.863190, 121.158850 |
3,241 | 5-6
Mt. Ganzhuowan trek |
See no. 40 | |
| 69 | Yushan Front Peak (玉山前峰)
23.475460, 120.916970 |
3,239 | 1-2 | See no. 1 | Yushan |
| 70 | Mt. Shimen (石門山)
24.152460, 121.284640 |
3,237 | I hour | See no. 34 | Taroko |
| 71 | Mt. Wushuang (無雙山)
23.591590, 121.058790 |
3,231 | 10
Danda Dongjun trek |
See no. 15 | |
| 72 | Mt. Taguan (塔關山) ₁
23.252170, 120.941060 |
3,222 | 4 hours | 144.1 km mark, South Cross-island Highway, Taitung | Yushan |
| 73 | Mt. Mabishan (馬比杉山)
24.348450, 121.485310 |
3,211 | 7
North First Section |
See no. 8 | Taroko |
| 74 | Mt. Dafenjian (達芬尖山)
23.432990, 121.012950 |
3,208 | 6-7
South Second Section |
See no. 6 | Yushan |
| 75 | Xueshan (Snow Mountain) East Peak (雪山東峰)
24.388550, 121.271820 |
3,201 | 2 | See no. 2 | Shei-pa |
| 76 | Mt. Nanhua/Mt. Nenggao North Peak (南華山; 能高山北峰)
24.040020, 121.285910 |
3,184 | 2 | See no. 41 | |
| 77 | Mt. Guanshanling (關山嶺山) ₁
23.270540, 120.959470 |
3,176 | 2 hours | Yakou (埡口) tunnel, South Cross-island Highway, Taitung | Yushan |
| 78 | Mt. Hainuonan (海諾南山) ₁
23.184430, 120.911350 |
3,175 | 6
South First Section |
See no. 12 | |
| 79 | Zhongxueshan (中雪山)
24.336300, 121.078200 |
3,173 | 6
Snow Mountain West Ridge trek |
See no. 23 | Shei-pa |
| 80 | Shuanshan (閂山)
24.258680, 121.309850 |
3,168 | 5 (1-2)
North Second Section |
See no. 31 | Taroko |
| 81 | Ganshufeng (甘薯峰)
24.289460, 121.390180 |
3,158 | 5
North Second Section |
See no. 31 | Taroko |
| 82 | Hehuanshan West Peak (西合歡山)
24.177670, 121.244590 |
3,145 | 1-2 | See no. 34 | Taroko |
| 83 | Mt. Shemazhen (審馬陣山)
24.380190, 121.417450 |
3,141 | 3-4
Mt. Nanhuda trek 7 North First Section |
See no. 8 | Taroko |
| 84 | Mt. Kalaye (喀拉業山)
24.451160, 121.321800 |
3,133 | 2-3
Wuling Quadruple trek |
See no. 24 | Shei-pa |
| 85 | Mt. Kuhanuoxin (庫哈諾辛山) ₁
23.271920, 120.896940 |
3,115 | 6 hours | Jinjing Bridge (進涇橋), South Cross-island Highway, Kaohsiung | Yushan |
| 86 | Mt. Jiali (加利山)
24.459500, 121.216020 |
3,112 | 3-4
Dabajianshan trek |
See no. 29 | Shei-pa |
| 87 | Mt. Baishi (白石山)
23.907510, 121.274860 |
3,110 | 6
Andongjun Ridge trek |
See no. 43 | |
| 88 | Mt. Panshi (磐石山)
24.106170, 121.391060 |
3,106 | 6
Qilai East Ridge trek |
See no. 56 | Taroko |
| 89 | Mt. Patuolu (帕托魯山)
24.099410, 121.466550 |
3,101 | 6
Qilai East Ridge trek |
See no. 56 | Taroko |
| 90 | Mt. Beidawu (北大武山)
22.626930, 120.761430 |
3,092 | 1-3 | Route 106, Taiwu, Pingtung | |
| 91 | Mt. Dafen (塔芬山)
23.406080, 121.026730 |
3,090 | 6-7
South Second Section |
See no. 6 | Yushan |
| 92 | Mt. Xiluanda (西巒大山)
23.694010, 120.947260 |
3,081 | 1 | Renlun Forest Road (人倫林道), Shuili, Nantou | |
| 93 | Mt. Liwuzhu (立霧主山)
24.124980, 121.444920 |
3,070 | 6
Qilai East Ridge trek |
See no. 56 | Taroko |
| 94 | Mt. Andongjun (安東軍山)
23.872880, 121.265310 |
3,068 | 6
Andongjun Ridge trek |
See no. 43 | |
| 95 | Mt. Guangtou (光頭山)
23.938590, 121.272100 |
3,060 | 6
Andongjun Ridge trek |
See no. 43 | |
| 96 | Mt. Yangtou (羊頭山)
24.208200, 121.379780 |
3,035 | 1 | Tz-en Bridge (慈恩橋), Central Cross-island Highway, Hualien | Taroko |
| 97 | Mt. Bulakesang (布拉克桑山)
23.232710, 121.078850 |
3,025 | 6 | See no. 47 | |
| 98 | Mt. Jupen (盆駒山, 駒盆山)
23.547770, 121.032560 |
3,022 | 8
Mt. Mabolashi ridge trek |
See no. 7 | Yushan |
| 99 | Mt. Liushun (六順山)
23.724090, 121.239190 |
2,999 | 3 | Wanrong Forest Road (萬榮林道), Hualien | |
| 100 | Lushan (鹿山)
23.451600, 120.985380 |
2,981 | 6
Yushan Peaks trek |
See no. 5 | Yushan |
₁ Route still currently (early 2016) closed, after trail was destroyed by Typhoon Morakot in 2009
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 
The permits for Jade, Snow, Jiaming & Daba are harder to get than the trek/climb!
Exactly, Ray! Permits are the bane of hiking in Taiwan…
Hi Richard, Just wanted to let you know Ray4 is still playing piano. He plays at church and accompanies the community choir.
Ray is also writing a novel. It starts here: https://rayhebererblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/prologue-1/
Also, any Piano recitals coming up this winter? next Spring?
Cheers Ray! Great to hear about Ray, although I hope he’s still pushing himself and developing his technique! No recital date yet, but there’ll be at least one in 2017! I’ve been easy on myself for too long!