Elephant Mountain in Taipei is a must-do. Renowned for its sweeping city views, particularly the iconic Taipei 101, this trail offers a unique mix of natural beauty and urban landscape.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and essential tips to make the most of your hike on Elephant Mountain. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors while taking in some impressive sights, this guide has everything you need to prepare for this popular trek.
Compare prices on flights to Taipei flights with SkyscannerWhat is Elephant Mountain and Why You Should Hike It
Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan, is a 183-meter-high peak located in the southeastern part of Taipei. The mountain is part of the Four Beasts Mountain range, and its shape resembles an elephant, hence the name.
The Elephant Mountain trail is just under 2 kilometers round trip but involves a steep series of steps leading up to several viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of Taipei, including the famous Taipei 101 skyscraper.
Despite its relatively short distance, the Elephant Mountain hike can be challenging due to the incline, but the payoff is undeniable—spectacular city views that are particularly breathtaking at sunrise or sunset.
The trail is easily accessible from the city, making it a popular spot for both quick evening hikes and longer explorations of the surrounding mountains.
How to Go to Elephant Mountain Trailhead By Metro
The Elephant Mountain trailhead is conveniently located near the city center, making it easy to get to by public transport. Here’s how to reach it:
- Take the MRT: Ride the Taipei MRT to Xiangshan Station on the Red Line.
- Exit the Station: Use Exit 2 and walk for about 10 minutes towards the trailhead.
- Follow the Signs: As you walk, you’ll notice signs guiding you to Elephant Mountain Park.
The trailhead is located at the end of a small park, so it’s hard to miss. The area around the trailhead is also worth exploring, offering scenic spots before you even start your climb.
Elephant Mountain Taipei Hike – Personal Experience and Takeaways
Hiking Elephant Mountain was one of the highlights of my three days in Taipei. Despite the heat and the fact that I had already exerted myself on a food tour earlier that day, I decided to tackle the hike. The weather forecast had shifted, and I felt compelled to seize the opportunity before the rain came.
I made a quick stop at the Family Mart for supplies, grabbing a triangle nori snack and some fresh juice to keep my energy up. As I made my way to the Elephant Mountain trailhead, I could already feel the sweat building before I even started climbing. The walk up to the trailhead offered beautiful views, so be sure to stop and turn around to appreciate the scenery.
As I began my climb I remember thinking to myself that this wasn’t too bad. Then I was overtaken by a fit guy in crocs who seemed to float effortlessly up the trail. I quickly realized I was in for quite the challenge, especially given the humid conditions from the rain that had fallen earlier.
Though the heat weighed me down, reaching the first viewpoint was invigorating. Seeing Taipei sprawled out before me gave me the boost I needed to keep going. The sweltering humidity, however, was something else—no amount of conditioning could have prepared me for that!
The viewing platform at the top was amazing. I stayed for over an hour, captivated by the breathtaking views of the city skyline and especially Taipei 101 as it lit up against the dusk sky. The experience was akin to hiking Lions Head in Cape Town or Lions Rock in Sri Lanka but uniquely rewarding in its own right.
My 5 Tips for Tackling the Elephant Mountain Taipei Hike
Now that you know how to go to the Elephant Mountain trailhead, let me share my top tips from my Elephant mountain Taipei hike including one key stop before you head up that hill.
1) Stock Up Before You Head Out at the Family Mart Near the Trailhead
Before you start the climb, stop by the Family Mart near the Elephant Mountain trailhead to grab snacks and water. While the hike itself may be short, the steep incline and humidity can leave you parched, so it’s best to stay well-hydrated and fueled.
I grabbed an onigiri (triangle nori snack), fresh juice, and plenty of water from before I started my hike. You may also want to grab bug spray here as I found the mosquitos bad around sunset.
Klook.com2) Go at Sunrise or Sunset
The best time to hike Elephant Mountain is either at sunrise or sunset, when the temperature is cooler and the city is bathed in a warm glow and the views are truly mesmerizing. I hiked in the late afternoon, hoping to catch the sunset, and it was a picture-perfect experience. Watching the golden light reflect off Taipei 101 was a sight to remember.
If you’re an early riser, hiking at sunrise offers a quieter, more serene experience with cooler temperatures. Regardless of when you go, the views from the top make the timing absolutely worth it. You will also beat the crowds.
3) Hydrate
One thing I didn’t account for was how humid Taipei could get, even during the cooler months. Whether it’s hot or not, you’ll work up a sweat on this steep hike. Carry at least 1-2 liters of water, especially if you’re going up during the day.
I started feeling dehydrated halfway up the trail, so don’t make the same mistake—hydrate frequently!
4) Bring Bug Spray
Though the lush, jungle-like atmosphere of Elephant Mountain is beautiful, it also means you’re likely to encounter some bugs. I found the mosquitoes to be quite relentless, especially at the viewing platform.
Bring bug spray to avoid being distracted by bites, allowing you to fully enjoy the views.
5) Hike the Nearby Trails for Less Tourists and Great Views
While the Elephant Mountain hike is the star attraction, it’s worth noting that there is an entire trail system in the area waiting to be explored. Hiking these nearby trails can lead you to fewer crowds and equally impressive views.
One such trail is the Four Beasts Mountain, which offers a different perspective of the Taipei skyline. The Nangang Mountain and Qixian Mountain trails are also nearby and provide opportunities for more solitude and exploration.
While I enjoyed my time on Elephant Mountain, I also took the chance to explore some of these other trails. The additional views were worth the extra effort, and I found a new appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding Taipei.
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Seeing Taipei 101 From Afar and From Above
After descending in the fading light, I headed directly to Taipei 101 to compare views. While the tower offered its own spectacular sights, I ultimately preferred the perspective from Elephant Mountain. The hike had been grueling, but the views made it all worthwhile.
I found going to the top of Taipei 101 overly touristy. This was highlighted by the Instagram photo shoots happening around me.
That said, it still offers a unique perspective of the city and I highly recommend doing it. Plus the giant 660- metric ton Mass Damper that keeps the tower standing is an engineering feat to marvel to say the least.
If you decide to head up the tower (and you should despite the touristy bits), be sure to book your tickets online and in advance to skip line ups and save! Better yet, you take take a guided tour to get the full story behind the engineering marvel.
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Wrapping Up These Elephant Mountain Taipei Hike Tips
In the end, despite the grueling climb, hiking Elephant Mountain was one of my favorite experiences in Taipei. If you want a convenient and stunning outdoor adventure, don’t miss it. With its stunning views and proximity to the city, it offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty of Taiwan.
If you’re looking to enhance your experience, consider joining a tour that includes Elephant Mountain as part of a full-day itinerary. Check out this tour for a convenient way to explore Taipei’s highlights! And if you are up for a little exercise on your visit to Taipei, check out my write up on Taipei Bike Works Mourning Tour!
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Elephant Mountain in Taipei FAQ
Is Elephant Mountain Worth It?
Absolutely! The views from Elephant Mountain are some of the best in Taipei. The hike is relatively short but offers a rewarding experience, especially at sunrise or sunset. It’s a perfect way to see the city from a different perspective.
How Long to Hike Elephant Mountain?
On average, the Elephant Mountain hike takes about 30 minutes to an hour to reach the viewing platform, depending on your fitness level and pace. Don’t forget to factor in time to enjoy the views at the top before heading back down!
What Should I Bring?
Bring plenty of water, bug spray, and snacks. If you’re going for sunrise or sunset, also consider a flashlight for your descent.
How Do I Get to Elephant Mountain Trailhead?
Take the Taipei MRT Red Line to Xiangshan Station, then walk 10 minutes to the trailhead.
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