Zhuilu Old Trail will leave you speechless. With sweeping views of Taroko Gorge, this epic trek deserves a spot on your bucket list. Built in 1914 by Taiwan’s Governor-General, this trail originally connected two sides of Central Mountain Range to support military deployment during Japanese rule.
Officials at Taroko Gorge National Park opened trail access in 1986 to hikers seeking a bird’s-eye view of the impressive marble gorge. Nowadays, anyone who wants to hike Old Zhuilu needs to secure a mountain entry permit. Because they limit the quantity of these permits, you’ll want to secure them well in advance of your hike with the help of a local partner.
Crossing the Suspension Bridge
As for us, we couldn’t be more excited! We presented our permits and passports to gain entry. Security guards unlocked the wood security gate, and we carefully descended two flights of wet deck stairs. At the bottom of these stairs, the impressive Jinheng Suspension Bridge welcomed us to Zhuilu Old Trail.
With a lengthy span of 82 meters, this emerald green suspension bridge crosses over the river near Swallow Grotto. As we looked over the edge of the bridge, we marveled at the ornate marble slopes scattered with greenery lining the river gorge below.
Steep Climb Ahead
After crossing the bridge, our rigorous hike began. Zhuilu Old Trail ascends for roughly 3 kilometers though loose rock, steep steps and inclined passageways. We quickly approached a series of steep steps. Each step measured nearly a foot high, which was a big stretch for my tiny legs. Only 15 minutes into the hike, my quadriceps already burned!
Our steep steps up the mountainside eventually gave way to a narrow passage lined with large marble rocks. We continued to scramble up the mountainside as we wound our way through the vegetation.
Rustic Bridge Along the Trail
We ran into one set of trail steps after another of various shapes, makes and size. Eventually we rounded a bend, and found ourselves standing before a rustic suspension bridge. As we entered the threshold, signs alerted us to the presence of bees. Great!
Keep Going Up
As we stepped off the bridge, we continued to ascend flight after flight of trail steps.
Our makeshift wooden staircases soon transitioned to marble as we continued out ascent. Up, up, up!
Before too long, we had a scenic reprieve from our ascent as the trail leveled out. Mysterious mountain peaks shrouded in fog emerged above the vibrant shrubbery.
Narrow Tunnels Emerge
Narrow tunnels emerge as Zhuilu Old Trail passes through the side of the mountain cliff. Each of these small tunnels offers just enough room for one or two hikers to pass through. We crossed through our first tunnel.
After passing through the tunnel, our trail eventually crossed a fixed metal bridge. Our trail bed then emerged from the vegetation and transitioned from dirt to loose rock.
As we approached Zhuilu Cliff, signs warned us of the dangers ahead. Given the narrow, rocky trail ahead, safety guidelines offered welcome security. After hiking rocky trail, we approached another tunnel. With low tunnels like these, my height offered a serious advantage along this segment of trail!
Wow! Zhuilu Cliff!
Emerging from the dark tunnel, we found ourselves face-to-face with a magnificent, panoramic view of Taroko Gorge. No doubt, this trail was hard work on a hot and humid day. However, these incredible views of the gorge easily justify all of that hard work!
From here, Zhuilu Old Trail becomes a bit more technical running at angles along the cliff. A fine mist permeated the air as the clouds above reached maximum capacity.
At this point, the weather concerned me. If the sky let loose, we would be in for a slippery descent. For now, the weather held up.
For our risk, Zhuilu Old Trail rewarded us with the experience of a lifetime.
A Slippery Descent
Just after the Zhuilu Cliff, we found a landing and enjoyed a simple lunch of onigiri and green tea. While dining, our fine mist became a firm drizzle. We put away our cameras and carefully descended the slippery marble slope. We watched our footing every step of the way, as a steep ascent begets a steep descent. Though we moved slowly, we made it back before nightfall.
On our way out, we waved goodbye to the beautiful Jinheng Suspension Bridge that carried us to and from the Zhuilu Old Trail of Taroko Gorge.
Hike Zhuilu Old Trail Yourself
- One month before your trip, obtain a permit from Taroko Gorge National Park. Daily permits are limited to just 96 permits on weekdays and 156 on the weekend.
- Plan to arrive at the trailhead by 10:00 in the morning. Given the length of the hike, officials cut off entry at this time to ensure all hikers return by nightfall.
- Bring both your passport and permit for presentation on entry.
- Bring enough food and water for a full day of hiking.
- Marble rock on the trail can be slippery, so wear grippy hiking shoes.
- Consider borrowing a helmet on site to prevent injury from falling rock. Bring along a basic first aid kit appropriate for a day hike.
- If you’re a photographer, you’ll appreciate having a wide angle lens handy on this hike!
