Taiwan

The hike to the Golden Grotto begins at San Zhan (三棧) township, the next river valley to the south of Taroko Gorge. San Zhan is a small town where three rivers converge before emptying into the Pacific, on Taiwan’s east coast in Hualien County. There is a parking area to the northwestern side of the town. From the parking area, head down a small path that descends to the waterfront and start hi...

When talking about high mountains, Taiwan probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind for most people. Yet this beautiful island is covered from north to south by prominent mountain ranges. In north central Taiwan, Shei-Pa National Park alone boasts an impressive 51 peaks over 3,000 meters, including Snow Mountain (3886m), Taiwan’s second highest peak.From the capital city of Taipei head ...

Getting There: The trailhead is super accessible by public transportation, or via Taxi. While the entrance isn't extremely well marked, if you put "Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail" into google maps, or ask any local you should be able to find the trailhead relatively easily. It's kind of tucked away behind some alleys, but I had no problem finding it. The Hike:  The hike is a series of steps tha...

You'll start off crossing the stunning marble gorge on a suspension bridge. An epic way to start any excursion. Several kilometers in, and perhaps a couple monkey spottings later, you'll feel on the top of the world, 90 centimeters between you and open air, looking down to the Liwu river hundreds of meters below, the force that carved the centuries-old marble gorge. The start of this hike is ea...

Wenshan Hot Spring is accessible via a short hike that branches off the Central Cross Island Highway (Highway 8) in Taroko National Park. Coming from Tianxiang village, you will come to a small parking lot along the road just before you enter a tunnel. Park here and walk along the road towards the tunnel and the trailhead will be on the right, just before the tunnel entrance. This pathway will ...

Yushan National Park is located in south central Taiwan, and is home to many of the island’s tallest mountains, with peaks from the Yushan and Central Mountain Ranges. Over 30 peaks within the park stand above 3,000 meters, the pinnacle being Jade Mountain (Yushan), which is Taiwan’s tallest mountain at an impressive 3,952m (12,966 ft).To climb Jade Mountain, you will first need to secure two p...

Wulai is super accessible from Taipei, with public buses going directly to the town (Bus 849). Once in town, walk down Wulai Old Street until you reach the bridge. After crossing the bridge, you should see signs for Wulai Waterfall; the trailhead begins there.  The actual hike is SUPER easy. The trail winds with the river for about 2 kilometers before reaching a pavilion with a view of Wulai Wa...

The Sanxiantai bridge is the most famous landmark on the East Coast of Taiwan. There are literally busloads of tourists depending on the time you visit. But don't let that dissuade you! Astonishingly, 95% of tourists don't go any farther than a photo-op at the front of the bridge. Continue over the 8-arched footbridge to a gorgeous island with caves, crashing waves, a lighthouse, and spectacula...

The Baiyang Waterfall trailhead is located near Tianxiang village in Taroko National Park. From Tianxiang village, head north on the cross-island highway. After just a couple of winding turns, you’ll drive under a covered section of road. The trailhead actually begins here, in a tunnel that will be on your left. In order to park, you’ll need to drive through the covered section of road and imme...