Elephant Mountain trailhead — Attraction in Taipei

Hello!

I recently hiked the Elephant Mountain trail and it was the best experience I’ve had as a beginner hiker! The trail offers incredible views and is well worth the effort. Here are some tips and details about my experience:

First, be cautious of the stairs, as some of them can be quite steep. Additionally, some of the bricks are loose due to age, so watch your step to avoid any mishaps.

One of the great things about this trail is that you don’t need to rush. There are multiple spots where you can take a break. You’ll find seats on both the left and right sides as you ascend the stairs, making it easy to rest and enjoy the surroundings.

In the first 15-20 minutes of hiking, you’ll reach the first checkpoint which offers a great view of the city. This is a perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the scenery. If you continue upwards, the views only get better. The next major checkpoint provides an even more impressive view of the city’s skyline, and it’s definitely worth the climb.

The highlight of the trail is the Elephant’s trunk viewpoint. Although the hike up might leave you a bit winded, the panoramic view of Taipei from this vantage point is absolutely stunning. I captured some amazing photos with my iPhone 14 Pro Max, which I’m excited to share.

If you’re visiting Taiwan and looking for a fun and rewarding activity, hiking the Elephant Mountain trail should be at the top of your list. The views are unbeatable, and it’s a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty surrounding...

The Elephant Mountain Trailhead offers one of the best views of Taipei, especially if you’re looking for an alternative way to appreciate the city beyond visiting Taipei 101. While the trail is relatively short, it can be quite steep, so it may not be ideal for beginners or those not used to uphill climbs. That said, the trail is very well maintained, with clear paths, steps, and even a small park with a playground and exercise equipment near the base, which adds a nice touch for families or locals looking to stay active. It’s highly recommended to go early in the morning when it’s cooler, as the heat can make the climb more challenging later in the day. Be sure to bring water with you or grab a bottle from the vending machines at the start of the trail as you’ll need it. Despite the effort, the view at the top is...

🚶‍♂️ As far as stairs go these beat the ones at the Chiang Kai Shek memorial. Varied heights, unexpected turns, surrounded by nature, 10/10 kind of stairs leading to a 10/10 kind of view, even on a gloomy rainy day.

Takes maybe 20 min to walk up, and walking down can be a choose your own adventure kind of event, as there are multiple paths leading down the other side(s) of the mountain.

It being Taipei, everything is clearly marked, so you can leave your "omg it's a jungle" fear at home and just wing it, collecting sights of temples as you go.👌

There is a whole seemingly abandoned monk complex on one bottom end of the path, a perfect set for a horror film. You'll get a bonus piece of stinky tofu from me if...