Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert
Have you ever considered climbing one of Taiwan’s 100 Peaks? While many are intimidated by the idea, thinking it requires lots of gear and challenging terrain, there's an exceptional high-value option in Taiwan—Hehuan Mountain Range. It’s the perfect place for beginner mountaineers. Seize the opportunity to try it out and enjoy the stunning scenery of Hehuan Mountain.
Located at the border between Hualien and Nantou counties, Hehuan Mountain gets its name from the Japanese colonial period when the “Hehuan Crossing Road” was built during the Aborigine Management Plan—it’s now known as Provincial Highway 14A. The area around Hehuan Mountain was once a military communications base and now houses multiple telecom towers.
The surrounding seven peaks of Hehuan Mountain are collectively referred to as the Hehuan Mountain Range. Although all peaks exceed 3,000 meters in elevation, except for Hehuan West Peak, the others are suitable for beginners. Moreover, transportation to the trailheads is very convenient, and the mountain has several viewpoints, attracting large crowds during the flower season.
Although called the Main Peak, Hehuan Main Peak isn’t the highest or the hardest to summit in the range. Instead, it earns its name due to its incredible panoramic views—from the Hehuan cluster, Qilai Mountains, Central Peak, to even Yushan, everything is visible. Its trails mostly consist of gentle slopes with cement surfaces, making the hike as relaxing as a walk. Don’t miss the viewpoints along the way if you want to catch the sunrise, sunset, or sea of clouds. These spots are truly photo-worthy on Hehuan Mountain.
The trailhead for Hehuan East Peak is near Songxue Lodge and can also lead to Qilai Mountain. Although it’s the second-highest in the Hehuan range, the wooden boardwalk is very gentle, making it a great hike for all ages.
In the past, the eastern side of Hehuan East Peak once had a ski resort due to its favorable terrain. Though it’s been dismantled, it hasn’t reduced visitor numbers—the peak offers diverse scenery including Yushan rhododendrons painting the hills romantic pink in summer, snow-covered fir forests in winter, as well as pure fir woods and Yushan bamboo grasslands, ensuring a unique experience in every season.
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Hehuan Mountain Range Hiking Route – Hehuan Main Peak. (Photo / Taroko National Park)
Hehuan North Peak stands at 3,422 meters, making it the highest and most challenging peak in the range to summit. In spring, summer, and autumn, its rolling slopes are covered in bamboo grass, which transforms into glistening white snow in winter. The nighttime atmosphere here is entirely different—serene, peaceful, and filled with stars, it’s simply breathtaking.
Hehuan Mountain Range Hiking Route – Hehuan North Peak. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Shimen Mountain is known as the “easiest hike” in the Hehuan range. Drive along Provincial Highway 14A and you’ll find its trailhead. Why is it so friendly and easy? Because the path consists of comfortable boardwalks and stone steps, and it only takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit—a leisurely stroll in no time.
What attracts so many visitors to Shimen Mountain is the 360-degree view. On clear days, the sights are similar to those from Hehuan North Peak—you can see Central Peak, Nanhu Mountain, Hehuan Main Peak, and more. Even the sea of clouds, sunrises, and starry skies are beloved by photographers.
Hehuan Mountain Range Hiking Route – Shimen Mountain. (Photo / Taroko National Park)
Since you’re already at Hehuan Mountain, why not check out Little Qilai? Behind the Hehuan Mountain Ski Resort lies a trailhead to Qilai Mountain, and the initial section of the Little Qilai hiking trail is quite gentle. If you go during the Hehuan rhododendron season, you’ll first walk through a blooming rhododendron corridor before reaching the undulating Yushan bamboo grasslands—that’s Little Qilai Meadow. Among the views of Hehuan Mountain, Qilai Mountain, Yangtou Mountain, and Pingshan Mountain, the contrast between dark Qilai Mountain and the drifting sea of clouds is mesmerizing.
Hehuan Mountain Range Hiking Route – Little Qilai Trail. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Each route in the Hehuan Mountain Range has its own charm. The ones introduced here are all suitable for beginner mountaineers among the 100 Peaks. Listed from easiest to more challenging:
1. Shimen Mountain
2. Hehuan Main Peak
3. Hehuan Jian Mountain (Not a 100 Peak)
4. Hehuan East Peak
5. Hehuan North Peak
9. Little Qilai Trail
Compared to other routes, aside from Hehuan West Peak, the Hehuan Mountain peaks are great for hiking year-round. But as a beginner, always pay attention to seasonal conditions, your own ability, and gear. Do your homework before hitting the trail.
■ Spring: Frequent spring rain, short-term weather changes, bring rain gear. (Prefer raincoats over umbrellas—they’re impractical while hiking.)
■ Summer: Plum rains, mosquitoes, typhoon weather. (If typhoons or heavy rain occur, do not risk hiking—safety first.)
■ Autumn: Typhoons with autumn effects.
■ Winter: Northeast monsoon, snowfall. (Special attention needed for warmth—pack cold-weather clothing.)
Hohuan Mountain Range Hiking Routes – Season & Gear. (Photo / Tripbaa, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Before hiking in the Hohuan Mountain Range, please apply for a mountain entry permit through the National Police Agency’s online system within 5 to 30 days prior to your entry. On the day of the hike, be sure to carry your mountain entry permit (the Shimen Mountain Trail does not require an application).
■ All Hohuan Mountain Range hiking routes involve peaks above 3,000 meters. During the hike, please pay attention to your physical condition—such as altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, do not push yourself; safety comes first.
■ The mountain weather is unpredictable. Please bring a raincoat and avoid using lightweight ponchos due to potential issues such as excessive length or poor breathability.
■ Bring waterproof, breathable, and sun-shielding clothing.
■ To avoid venomous snakes and insects, carry first aid supplies and insect repellent.
■ Carry sufficient water and food.
■ Camping overnight is prohibited in most areas. If you plan to camp, please check the official Taroko National Park website for details.
■ Visitors wishing to stay at the Songxue Lodge or Xueshan Lodge must start booking online one month before their intended check-in date. For more information, please refer to the official National Forest Recreation Area reservation website.
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The Hohuan Mountain Range hiking routes introduced above are mostly beginner-friendly introductory “Hundred Peaks” trails. Even so, hiking itself requires good preparation. So, as a friendly reminder, before setting off, be sure to assess your physical and mental condition, keep up your fitness, and prepare adequately. This way, you can embark smoothly and enjoy the beautiful scenery without issue!
Authorized repost from [Tripbaa] Original article titled [Complete Guide to Hohuan Mountain Hiking Routes & Preparation]
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