Jhenshan Trail in Guanwu: A Scenic Stroll with Holy Ridge in Sight
The Jhenshan Trail in Guanwu Forest Recreation Area is a hidden gem offering serene mountain views without the intensity of longer hikes. While Guanwu is famed as the gateway to Dabajianshan and Holy Ridge, Jhenshan provides a gentler alternative, perfect for casual explorers. At the observation deck, hikers can enjoy the sweeping panoramas of the Snow Mountain Range and the dramatic Holy Ridge.
This short, accessible trail winds through misty forests and tranquil landscapes, immersing visitors in the soothing sounds of nature. Whether you’re pausing from more challenging treks or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the Jhenshan Trail captures the beauty of Guanwu in a compact, unique experience.
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Table of Contents:
Trail Information: Jhenshan Trail in Guanwu Forest Recreation Area 榛山步道
Trail Name: Jhenshan Trail, or Zhenshan, Mt. Zhen, Mt. Hazel 榛山步道
Distance for the Loop (Easy One): 7.3 km (4.5 miles). The distance from the starting point of the West Branch of Dalu Forest Road to the Jhenshan Trailhead is around 1.6 km (1 mile).
Distance to Mt. Jhen (the More Challenging One): 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
Route type: Out-and-back and loop
Days/Hours Needed: 4-7 hours
Total Ascent/Descent for the Loop: 511 m/508 m
Total Ascent/Descent to Mt. Jhen: 744 m/741 m
Best Time to Go: Best Time to Go: All seasons. Guanwu Forest Area might be closed when a typhoon warning is issued. Check to see if Guanwu Forest Recreation Area is open before you go.
Permits: Not required
Difficulty Level for the Loop:
Difficulty Level to Mt. Jhen:
Distance for the Loop (Easy One): 7.3 km (4.5 miles). The distance from the starting point of the West Branch of Dalu Forest Road to the Jhenshan Trailhead is around 1.6 km (1 mile).
Distance to Mt. Jhen (the More Challenging One): 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
Route type: Out-and-back and loop
Days/Hours Needed: 4-7 hours
Total Ascent/Descent for the Loop: 511 m/508 m
Total Ascent/Descent to Mt. Jhen: 744 m/741 m
Best Time to Go: Best Time to Go: All seasons. Guanwu Forest Area might be closed when a typhoon warning is issued. Check to see if Guanwu Forest Recreation Area is open before you go.
Permits: Not required
Difficulty Level for the Loop:
Difficulty Level to Mt. Jhen:
Peaks or Places to Reach
- Observation Deck at 1.5 km on Jhenshan Trail.
- Mt. Jhen or Mt. Zhen 榛山 2,489 meters (8,166 feet) above sea level. Mt. Jhen is the highest mountain in Guanwu.
- Mt. Jhen North Peak or Mt. Zhen North Peak 榛山北峰, 2,468 meters (8,097 feet) above sea level
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Map/GPX Data, Transportation, and Accommodation in Guanwu
GPX Track to Mt. Jhen (the Difficult One)
Route map for Jhenshan Trail In Guanwu by Anusha Lee on plotaroute.com
GPX Track to the Loop (the Easy One)
Click Menu in the map to download, print, or share the map.
You can see more options after clicking the Play button.
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to change the speed to meet your condition.
You can see more options after clicking the Play button.
Click
to change the speed to meet your condition.
Public Transport and Accommodation in Guanwu
You can take Guanwu Route 台灣好行-觀霧線 to Guanwu. Those buses are small van and seats need to be booked in advance. Some people may find the drivers drive like crazy.
You can book your stay at Guanwu Villa. You can find a restaurant, a small shop, and a campground here.
Looking for great deals to explore Guanwu? Check out Guanwu travel packages on KKday Taiwan (affiliate link) for the best offers and hassle-free booking!
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Details of Jhenshan Trail Hike: Easy and Difficult One
Brief itinerary: Guanwu bus stop ➔ Guanwu Villa ➔ West Branch of Dalu Forest Road ➔ junction to Birdwatching Trail ➔ junction to Kueishan Giant Trees ➔ junction to Jhenshan Trail ➔ Observation Deck ➔ junction to Jhenshan Trail ➔ Guanwu Villa ➔ Guanwu bus stop
Start the Hike from Guanwu Villa
09:45 Start the hike from the bus stop.
I passed Guanwu Villa to check out the Holy Ridge. The weather was clear, and the ridgeline was so apparent, unlike my last visit. I stayed here for a while to enjoy the landscape.
09:59 I reached the 27.5 km mark, and it's also the entrance/gate of the West Branch of Dalu Forest Road 大鹿林道西線.
10:02 I passed the junction to Bird Watching Trail 賞鳥步道. Bird Watching Trail 賞鳥步道 is connected to the Guanwu Waterfall Trail 觀霧瀑布步道.
The entrance to Kuaishan Big Trees Trail 檜山巨木群步道 is not far away from here. When I did this hike, Kuaishan Big Trees Trail was closed under construction, another trail was on my waiting list.
10:09 I passed a yarder for the logging.
There are endemic Rhododendron formosanum Hemsl.台灣杜鵑 on the side of Dalu Forest Road. If you enjoy blossoms, you can visit Guanwu in April or May.
10:20 I reached the junction of Jhenshan Trail, where the 4.1 km hike starts.
A small bridge was ahead of me, and this was what I saw on the bridge. The pine trees were different from the jungle landscape in Taiwan.
10:26 Ascending for a few minutes, I reached the starting point of the loop trail. According to the map, it advises us to start clockwise.
The steps appear from here, which can be slightly steep for new hikers.
An Adventure to Mt. Jhen/Mt. Zhen - Seasoned Hikers Only
11:13 I saw a notice sign warning the unknown trail conditions ahead at 1.4 km. I checked my map, and this was the junction to Mt. Jhen or Mt. Zhen. I decided to explore and would return halfway if I ran out of time to catch the bus.
The trail terrain became rugged from here. I am not going to lie this was what I enjoyed.
Then, I saw an opening with the stunning Holy Ridge. I could see Mt. Dabajian, Mt. Xiaobajian, all the way to Xueshan. If you hike for the view, you can return after seeing this. The trail ahead is more rugged, and many dwarf bamboo woods are waiting for you without any views. I've marked this location on the map.
11:46 I passed a sign with the date 91.8.3, and the sign said it takes around 100 minutes to reach Mt. Jhen, which is accurate. It took me 98 minutes.
11:50 After the sign, I reached Mt. Jhen North Peak 榛山北峰 2,468 meters. There is no view here.
11:58 I reached another place with some view, but this side is slightly away from the Holy Ridge. If you hike further, there is no view from this point.
12:24 I reached Mt. Jhen 榛山, 2,489 meters. This peak is covered by trees, and there is no view at all. So, I quickly grabbed something to eat and left.
13:32 I went back to the junction. I sat on the log for more snacks, wondering whether I had enough time to finish the loop. At least I could see the observation deck, which was only 100 meters from the junction.
Great Views on the Observation Deck
13:48 I'm glad I pushed further because the views here are lovely! A sign tells you the story of how the Holy Ridge started. Xueshan was blocked by the trees a little bit, but seeing this view still made me excited.
Guanwu bus left at 16:10, so I decided not to take the loop back. If you do this trail, I suggest you do not hike to Mt. Jhen unless you look for more treacherous trails. Doing the loop hike and enjoying the views are great enough.
I took the same way back to the Jhenshan Trail.
When I passed the junction to Kuaishan Big Trees Trail, I thought about checking out the trailhead. However, hiking to Mt. Jhen wore me out a little, so I decided to do it the next time the trail reopened.
15:03 I returned to the 27.5 km gate.
When I returned to Guanwu Villa, the flowing clouds and fog replaced the crystal blue sky. I still had one hour, so I took this time-lapse video.
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About Guanwu and Jhenshan Trail
Guanwu, literally meaning Mist Gazing in Chinese, is the Land of Clouds. Nestled between Wufeng Township in Hsinchu County and Taian Township in Miaoli County, Guanwu is just a 2-3 hour drive from Hsinchu. This enchanting area, often shrouded in sea clouds and mist, has earned the nickname "The Homeland of Clouds," especially in the afternoon.
Located at approximately 1,800 meters, the Guanwu Recreation Area is the ideal starting point for breathtaking views of Mt. Dabajian and Holy Ridge, Taiwan's iconic peaks.
Historically, the Atayal people, specifically the Syakaro 霞喀羅tribe, called this mountainous area "Mogiri 茂義利," meaning "higher mountain ridges." During the Japanese era, it was poetically named "Hazy Beauty 朦朧美景." 1940, Guanwu became a logging site, which operated until 1980, leaving behind a striking landscape of orderly afforestation forests.
At the crossroads of the Dalu Forest Road, the East Branch leads adventurers toward Mt. Dabajian, while the West Branch ascends to Jhenshan, the highest point of the area. Both trails offer mesmerizing sights of the Holy Ridge, a dramatic skyline carved by the Snow Mountain Range.
The Checklists You Need to Hike Yushan and Other Hike Mountains
What now after you receive your hiking permit to Yushan and other high mountains?
Here's the thorough checklist that saves you 3+ hours of Googling. With those checklists, you will know what to do for your hikes within 10 minutes:
- A schedule to apply for permits and arrange your transport, accommodation, and catering service
- What to do during your hike, and more
- Gear list suggestions
- Snow season and mountain regulations
- Weather, temperature, and typhoon warnings
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Please also note that Taiwanese government agencies tend to change their URLs without bothering to redirect to the new ones. As a result, you will find some external sites on the Taiwan Hikes website are not working from time to time. Taiwan Hikes will try to update those URLs if possible.
Taiwan Hikes is not responsible for the content of external sites.
All content provided is for inspirational and informational purposes only. Creating, using, hiking, or traveling with Taiwan Hikes' suggested services or itineraries is at your own risk. Please use your best judgment and follow all safety precautions, as Taiwan Hikes and Anusha Lee are not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from using this information.
Please also note that Taiwanese government agencies tend to change their URLs without bothering to redirect to the new ones. As a result, you will find some external sites on the Taiwan Hikes website are not working from time to time. Taiwan Hikes will try to update those URLs if possible.
Taiwan Hikes is not responsible for the content of external sites.
