Alpine Trail Running in Taiwan: Trail Experiences on Hehuan Mountain and the Qilai Main and North Peaks

Taiwan is an island of mountains, with over 200 peaks above 3,000 meters in elevation, offering a world-class high-altitude trail running environment. For city runners, the distance from riverside parks to Hehuan Mountain is not just 200 kilometers geographically—it is also a leap for both body and soul.

Hehuan Mountain Trail Running Routes

Route Overview

Features of Hehuan Mountain

Hehuan Mountain is located in central Taiwan, with its main peak at 3,417 meters above sea level. It is one of the most accessible high-altitude mountains in Taiwan (Provincial Highway 14A allows driving up to the Hehuan Mountain Lodge at 3,275 m). This makes it an excellent choice for those attempting high-altitude trail running for the first time.

Breathing training for high-altitude running: At elevations above 3,000 m, the oxygen concentration in the air is approximately 70% of that at sea level. Runners must adjust their breathing rhythm, focusing on deep nasal breaths, and reduce their cadence to about 80% of what they would use at lower elevations.

Season selection:

• Spring (April–May): Alpine rhododendrons in full bloom, clear visibility
• Summer (June–August): Frequent afternoon thunderstorms; be sure to start early and return early (descend before 2 PM)
• Autumn (September–October): The best season for mountain running, with crisp, clear weather
• Winter (November–March): Possible snow accumulation; crampons or micro-spikes required

The Qilai Main and North Peaks Route: A Test for Experts

Route Overview

Qilai Main Peak (3,560 m) and Qilai North Peak (3,607 m) are among Taiwan’s most renowned and formidable mountains, known as the “Black Qilai”—so named for their frequent cloud cover and treacherous terrain, with a historically higher rate of mountaineering accidents. But for well-prepared trail runners, this is Taiwan’s most spectacular high-mountain running trail.

Standard route: Hehuan Mountain Lodge → Songxue Lodge → Heishuitang → Qilai North Peak → Qilai Main Peak → Return via the same route

• Total distance: approximately 22 km (round trip)
• Cumulative elevation gain: approximately 1,400 m
• Suggested time: 8–10 hours

The Elevation and Challenges of the Qilai Main and North Peaks

Wind on the ridgeline: The Qilai ridgeline is notorious for strong winds, with gusts sometimes reaching 15–20 m/s. Running under such conditions requires good balance and the ability to move with a low center of gravity.

Altitude acclimatization: It is recommended to spend a day at 3,000 m beforehand to allow the body to adapt to the high-altitude environment and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Complete Gear List for High-Altitude Trail Running

Clothing Layers (Three-Layer System)

1. Base layer (moisture-wicking): Merino wool or synthetic fibers to quickly wick away sweat
2. Mid layer (insulation): Down vest or fleece jacket, easy to put on and take off
3. Outer layer (windproof and waterproof): 15D ultralight waterproof jacket, weighing under 200 g

Shoe Selection

For high-altitude trail running, it is recommended to choose:

• Waterproof uppers (GTX material): to handle wet trails and grassy slopes
• A firm midsole: to protect the feet from impact on rocky terrain
• Deep lugs on the outsole: to ensure traction on muddy or grassy slopes

Safety Gear

• GPS device (watch or navigation unit)
• Emergency survival blanket
• Headlamp (even if starting during the day, in case you cannot descend before sunset)
• First aid kit
• Satellite communication device (cell phone reception is unreliable in Taiwan’s high mountains)

The Code of Conduct for High-Altitude Trail Runners

1. Mountain entry permit: The Qilai Main and North Peaks require a prior application for mountain area entry
2. Never enter high-mountain environments alone
3. Strictly adhere to LNT (Leave No Trace) principles
4. Complete the high-point sections before 1 PM to avoid afternoon thunderstorms

Running in the high mountains of Taiwan is a profound gaze into the heart of the island. The wind, the rock, and the clouds there teach you what it means to be small—and also what it means to be strong.

Related Reading

• Recommended Trail Running Routes in Taiwan’s Mountains: Around Taiping Mountain, Snow Mountain, and Yushan
• High-Altitude Cycling on Hehuan Mountain: Physiological Responses to Hypoxia and Pacing Adjustments
• Cycling Around Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks: Accessible Routes on Hehuan Mountain and Snow Mountain
• Recommended Trail Running Training Spots in Taiwan: Suitable Routes Across the North, Central, and South