Escape the hoards of tourists taking selfies at that most famous of Taipei's scenic views by exploring beyond elephant mountain. This easy route takes you higher to muzhi mountain and 95 peak, all the while offering great vantage points and lots of hidden shrines to discover.
TAIWAN
DINOSAURS IN A POOL
Welcome to perhaps the coolest pool in Taipei (assuming you like dinosaurs as much as I do).
YANG CHO FOREST TRAIL (羊稠森林步道)
An enjoyable stroll through shady forest with views of the HSR.
KEELUNG MOUNTAIN (基隆山)
A different way to experience the famous tourist town Jiufen.
MOUNT SHAMAO TRAIL (紗帽山)
An easy spring hike in Yangmingshan national park for lizard lovers to enjoy. If you go at the right time of day, you can soak your feet (and body) afterwards in the public hot spring baths.
LIDONG SHAN AND TAPUNG CASTLE VIA DAHUN SHAN (大混山/李棟山)
A many-layered mountain forest trail leads up to an old fortress and a slice of Taiwan's history.
STEGOSAURUS RIDGE (劍龍稜/茶壺山)
An exhilarating (and rule breaking), straddling of the dinosaur's spine. Not one for the faint-hearted.
XIAOCUKENG ANCIENT TRAIL TO SHIMEN HILL (小粗坑古道/石門山)
A moderate afternoon hike up an old cattle path with a minor peak at the top.
XIHU TO DA LUN WEI HILL (西湖往大崙尾山)
A pick-your-own-ending style ramble around the hills north of Neihu.
JIALI MOUNTAIN (加里山)
Expect beautiful scenery and splendid forest as you climb up to the summit of Miaoli's Jiali Mountain.
NIULIAOPU to TOUGH GUY PEAK (牛寮埔 / 硬漢嶺)
The not-so-tough route up to Tough Guy Peak.
JIAOKENG HIKING TRAIL TO QINGTIANGANG (礁坑古道)
Forested ridges, wide open grasslands, cows - this short hike has lots to offer.
WU LIAO JIAN (五寮尖)
A very exciting full body hiking experience with great views and challenging climbs.
CUEI LAKE AND NEIGOU SHAN TRAIL (翠湖/內溝山步道)
Fun scramble through a hidden valley just to the east of Taipei.
PAOZILUN HIKING TRAIL AND SILONG WATERFALL (炮子崙步道/四龍瀑布)
A chance to test your navigation skills as you wander through hillside farmland.
