Hiking in Taiwan
Including Taroko Gorge (Zhuilu Old Trail), Xueshan (Snow Mountain) Main Peak, and Yangmingshan National Park (Qingtiangang). On the map.
The vibe
Steep jungle ridges and marble gorges give these mountain tracks an intense, vertical drama quite unlike gentle European paths. Autumn brings crisp air and steady dry days that make steep ascents far more forgiving. You log onto an online portal a few weeks ahead for peak backcountry routes, though casual day trails need zero paperwork.
Online park entry registration for high-mountain routes
Taroko Gorge (Zhuilu Old Trail)
Hualien County
ktanaka / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This historic trail is carved into the sheer marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge, offering vertigo-inducing views 500 meters above the Liwu River. It is a thrilling canyon-rim walk that provides an unparalleled perspective of Taiwan's most famous geological wonder.
Access. Located near the Swallow Grotto in Taroko National Park; entry requires a specific park permit.
Notes. Permits are limited and must be applied for weeks in advance; trail may close during heavy rain or seismic activity.
Xueshan (Snow Mountain) Main Peak
Taichung
lienyuan lee / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The second-highest mountain in Taiwan, Xueshan offers a spectacular alpine trek through the Black Forest and vast glacial cirques. The trail is renowned for its unique high-altitude flora and the dramatic topography of the glacial valley.
Access. Starts from the Wuling Farm trailhead; requires a national park entry permit.
Notes. Snow can be present in winter requiring crampons; high altitude requires acclimatization.
Yangmingshan National Park (Qingtiangang)
Taipei
edwin.11 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
This volcanic park features rolling grasslands, sulfur vents, and crater lakes just a short distance from Taipei. The Qingtiangang area offers gentle, scenic loops across high-altitude meadows that are remnants of ancient volcanic activity.
Access. Easily reached via public bus from Taipei's Shilin district.
Notes. Weather changes rapidly; sulfur vents can be hazardous if trails are left; popular on weekends.
Yushan National Park (Jade Mountain)
Nantou County
Rong-Yuan Lin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
As the highest peak in Northeast Asia, Yushan offers a world-class alpine trekking experience through dramatic ridgelines and ancient hemlock forests. The ascent to the summit is a challenging but well-maintained multi-day expedition that rewards hikers with breathtaking views above the clouds.
Access. Accessible via the Tataka Trailhead; requires advance park entry and mountain climbing permits.
Notes. Strict permit system with daily quotas; altitude sickness is a risk; best hiked from April to November.