Lushui Wenshan Trail

This is a very rigorous trail! But it is a nice way to get acquainted with Taroko national park. We started the hike from Lushui. We took a bus from the Taroko stop to the Lushui stop and started hiking from there. We are so happy we did this. Although the first 1.5k were very difficult to climb up, we were grateful that we did not have to climb down the steep stairs. The trail is very well maintained until the last 1.5km where there are very dramatic ups and downs. At this point in the hike you have to use either a chain or rope to stabilize yourself. After we finished the hike we had to walk 2km down to Tianxiang. This was a little bit scary as some parts of the road did not have ample shoulder. It took us 2:45 to finish the trail. We stopped about 5 times to catch our breath, the view or snack. We only saw a few other hikers along the way.

Great trail, quite sportive, steep, but never dangerous and no vertigo. Be fit indeed and take water and some snack. I made the whole thing in 2 hours and half, I think 5 hours is way too much. The trail actually starts 30-mn walking on the road after the last bus stop, called Tianxiang. Maybe you can find a car to drive you there, but take this into account.

Very nice small trail!nNot difficult but really feels natural, no concrete path on the ground, small dark tunnel, indications about the flora/fauna, and gorgeous view on the valley.nnMy pictures are just thumbnails of the real thing

We did the trail from Wenshan to Lushui. We are avarage fit for our age but no regular hikers. We did bring enough water and had proper shoes. It took us a bit more than 4 hours, including breaks for food and some pictures.nnThe first two km on the trail are technical. The road climbs and descends constantly. There are ropes, and you need them. Don't expect great views, you will be watching where to put your feet down or which rock to grab anyway. After you get to the little pond and the suspension bridge, the trail gets a lot easier. There is one last big climb, and then you have a relaxed walk for the next two kilometers. With some nice views. The last km is steep down, but the trail is ok. Its mostly walking down a staircase. We were happy doing this part downhill, it must be brutal climbing this part up.nnPractically, there are two busses leaving from the Taroko visitorcenter in the morning going to Wenshan. (on 12/05/2019) Bus 1126 at 7.30 and 1141 at 9.40. Or an hour earlier from Hualien train station. The bus drops you of in front of the tunnel, the trail starts at the third side exit in the tunnel.nnIf you finish at Lushui, it is worth to continue on the Lushui trail. The trail is flat, short and has amazing views. The trail was partially closed, but it was still worth going as far as allowed.nnThere is a servicecenter in Luishi where they sell ice cream and mango shakes.nnWe only took pictures when we felt safe to take the camera or phone out. The trail is harder than the pictures show.

Difficult hike at both ends, quite relaxing in the middle. Took me about 3 hours to hike up, 1-1.5 hours to walk back down along the road to my scooter.