This old trail is actually located in Taroko Gorge national park, which is also a must visit in Hualien City of Taiwan. Taroko Gorge is very accessible from Hualien City, there are buses from Hualien bus station (next to train station with 1 to 2 mins walking distance). It's advisable to get one-day ticket(TWD250 per pax)/two days ticket (TWD400 per pax) as there are many stops in Taroko Gorge and it's more convenient and cheaper. Bus condition is good, only thing to take note is the bus schedule, the last bus from TianXiang is at 5pm. For more information, click here.
Apparently, Zhuilu Old Road (or some call it - Jhuilu Old Trail) is not that widely known to foreigners; including me. I started to do research on this after my first trip to Taroko Gorge and found out there's this suspension bridge at Yanzikou Trail which is locked with a signboard stating "permit required". From Taroko National Park website, I've finally came across this name "錐麓古道".
With certain level of efforts and research, due to limited information/blogs about this trail for foreigners; I've finally made it! Got all the permits (it isn't that troublesome to get the permit, only certain points to take note of) and we started our adventure!
The entrance is locked, so after alighting from bus; spot a hut with officers sitting there. REMEMBER to bring along a copy of the permits (both park and forestry permit) and passports for verification purpose. Another point to take note of (which is written on the park permit), visitors must enter the trail in between 7am to 10am. Please make sure you won't miss the timing, else your effort will be all wasted!!
After verification, officer lead us to the entrance and tada! We're on the suspension bridge! There were visitors at Yanzhikou trail who were wondering why are we allowed to get on the suspension bridge; I guess I looked exactly the same when I first visited last year, the stare of jealousy.
Entrance of Zhuilu Old Road (confusing. Taroko website calls it Zhuilu Old Road, but signboard says Jhuilu Road)
Us with the suspension bridge at entrance. Oh, it's not necessary to wear safety helmet for this trail, but compulsory for Yanzhikou trail. Although I still see quite many people not wearing it, well, better be safe than regret right? For those who are taking public transport, I think it's a better idea to borrow the helmet from Taroko park visitor centre/management office, it's FOC cause from what I understand from the officer, there are three places where you can borrow/return the helmet: (1)park visitor centre/management office (2)somewhere near YanZhikou which bus is not alighting (3)Tianxiang visitor centre
We took the bus from Hualien bus station at 8am, and by the time we reached YanZhikou was already 9am. We were in a rush to catch the bus at 8am, so we had our packed breakfast in the jungle. Nom Nom Nom! and let's start trekking!
Trail condition is good. The route is clear, don't really need a guide and unlikely to get lost in the jungle, just follow the stairs. Although it's not that steep, it's a non-stop uphill trekking for 3km which can be tiring for beginners.
Reached 1km of the trail. We were there during winter, and yes, I was just wearing t-shirt and shorts, and I'm glad I did. So much sweat!
Not long after the 1st KM, we've reached the first post - Badagang. This place was used to be a small community for travelers during Japanese occupation but now only some pillars and ruins remained.
Amazing view overlooking some mountains at Badagang post
Trek continues to another suspension bridge - Badagang bridge no.2
After that, it's just more stairs and stairs and stairs to climb.
A very slow progress of 500m from Badagang post.
View at approximately 1.5km of the trail
A mysterious cave and unknown bone found at 2K of the trail. If I was a kid, this would probably freak me out, imagining some cavemen or monster will chase and eat me.
Trail starts to get more interesting after 2K. With tunnel..
another bridge
stone wall
When you see this signboard, please give a clap to yourself and be amazed! The climax is here!
My amazed and excited face.
Ladies and gentlemen... so this is it! The cliff!!
Walking with the cloud
View from the cliff
There are some parts with railing and some part don't. Overall it's safe, if you're afraid of height then you might have a hardtime crossing the cliff. But believe me, it's stunning to overlook Taroko from the cliff at high level. Just beware of fallen rock, we almost got hit by a fist size fallen rock when we were crossing the cliff. Luckily we were briefed by some very kind Taiwanese we met along the trail, which is to stay close to the wall, to minimize the chance of getting hit by fallen rock.
Finally, 3.1K! Which is also the end of the trail, at Cliff outpost. This trail is supposed to be a 10km trail, unfortunately, it's been damaged by natural disaster and only the first 3km is accessible.
We took a break here and had our packed lunch before we returned to Yanzhikou. Total distance for the trek is about 6.2km and we finished it in 5 to 6 hours. I would say it's a very enjoyable trek, cooling weather, stunning view, not required to climb; just a bit long and many stairs to walk for beginners.
I personally love it. It kinda inspire me to do more research on other trails and to explore more of the beauty of Taiwan!
Now.. how to get the permits? To be continued...
Now.. how to get the permits? To be continued...
