Lala Mountain Giant Tree Area (Recreation Area) Introduction
The Fubayan Ridge Trail is temporarily closed. >> Details as per the link (https://recreation.forest.gov.tw/forest/RA?typ_id=0200005) Time is said to be a knife, and visiting the grove of giant trees located within the Lala Mountain National Forest Recreation Area, one can look up in awe at the epic thousand-year scenery, a stunning craftsmanship that is truly shocking! The Lala Mountain Giant Tree Area is situated at the border between the Fuxing District of Taoyuan and the Wulai District of New Taipei City, with an altitude ranging from 1500 meters to 2130 meters. There are 24 giant trees, with ages ranging from 500 to 1495 years, making it another giant tree protected area in Taiwan that is comparable to Alishan. Travelers walking along the circular trail of the giant trees can capture all the giant trees at close range. Apart from Tree No. 9, which is a Taiwan Cypress, the rest are all Taiwan Red Cedars. A 700-meter gravel path from the Lala Mountain Visitor Center parking lot leads to the Giant Tree No. 1, which is 1400 years old, about 41 meters tall, and has a circumference of 9.8 meters, requiring five adults to embrace it. Its magnificent form clearly shows the marks of time's passage. Upon entering the trail, after enjoying the initial greeting brought by this pristine mountain forest, the subsequent surprises spark even more expectations. Continuing forward, one reaches Giant Trees No. 2 and No. 3, where the roots thrusting up from the steep slope display a wild beauty and strength. Next to Giant Tree No. 4, there is a rest area, with the sound of flowing water by the cypress bridge and birds chirping, cleansing the fatigue of hiking. After a short rest, turning right will lead one sequentially to each giant tree by number, while turning left leads to a gentle slope toward Giant Tree No. 22. Going all the way to the end on the right reaches Giant Tree No. 5, which has the longest age, with a naturally formed large tree hole at its roots. Standing in front of this ancient tree with over a hundred years of history, humanity seems especially insignificant, evoking a deep sense of reverence. The towering canopy gently filters the sunlight, making it comfortable from the heat, allowing one to enjoy the coolness of the mountain. Continuing onward to Tree No. 9, the "Mother and Child" giant trees, which are rare Taiwan Cypresses. The original mother tree has died, and the second generation tree (child tree) continues to grow in this primeval forest, now 440 years old. The trail then begins to descend. Nearby at Daguan Pavilion, Giant Tree No. 18 is formed by two thousand-year-old sacred trees growing together, with a circumference of 20.8 meters, making it the largest giant tree in the area. The Lala Mountain Nature Reserve not only boasts rich forest scenery but also hosts more than 60 species of birds and rare animals, such as the Formosan Serow, Muntjac, and the Swinhoe's Tree Frog. While hiking, trying to spot these unique species adds extra fun to the journey.
