Lala Mountain Giant Tree Area (Lala Mountain National Forest Recreation Area) Introduction
The Fuba Ridge Trail is currently closed. >> For more details, please refer to the link (https://recreation.forest.gov.tw/forest/RA?typ_id=0200005). It is said that time is a blade, and standing amidst the giant trees located in Lala Mountain National Forest Recreation Area, gazing up at the epic scenery of millennia is truly breathtaking! The Lala Mountain Giant Tree area lies at the boundary of Fuxing District in Taoyuan and Wulai District in New Taipei, with an elevation ranging from 1,500 meters to 2,130 meters. There are a total of 24 giant trees, with ages between approximately 500 to 1,495 years, making it another giant tree protection area in Taiwan that rivals Alishan. Travelers can walk along the circular trail around the giant trees to get a close-up view of all the giants at once. Aside from Giant Tree No. 9, which is a Taiwan cypress, the rest are Taiwan red cypress. After a 700-meter walk on a gravel path from the Lala Mountain Visitor Center parking lot, you will see Giant Tree No. 1, showcasing the grandeur shaped by the passage of time. Upon entering the trail and appreciating the gift of this primitive forest, more surprises lie ahead. Continuing onward, you will reach Giant Trees No. 2 and 3, where the roots fiercely rise from the steep slopes, showcasing a wild display of strength and beauty. There is a resting area beside Giant Tree No. 4, where the sound of gently flowing creek water and birds chirping cleanses the fatigue of climbing. After a short break, turning right will lead you sequentially to each giant tree by their numbers, while a left turn will take you on a gentle slope towards Giant Tree No. 22. Continuing straight on the right leads to Giant Tree No. 5, which is made up of three merging red cypresses, the largest of which has an estimated age of about 848 years. Below its roots, there is also a naturally formed tree hollow. Standing before this century-old tree, one feels particularly small, evoking a sense of awe. The towering shade filters the sunlight gently; it not only prevents heat but also allows one to enjoy the coolness of the mountains. Continuing towards Giant Tree No. 9, the "Mother and Child" giant tree, is the rare Taiwan cypress. The original generation tree (the mother tree) has died, while the second generation tree (the child tree) continues to grow in this primitive forest, now over 440 years old. At this point, the trail begins to descend. Near Daguan Pavilion, Giant Tree No. 18 is formed by two thousand-year-old sacred trees, with a circumference of 20.8 meters, making it the largest giant tree in the area. The oldest tree in the park is the Giant Tree No. 24, a red cypress with an age of approximately 1,495 years, formed by the merging of four red cypresses. Lala Mountain Nature Reserve not only boasts a rich forest ecology but is also home to more than 60 species of birds and rare animals, such as the Formosan serow, muntjac, and the Swinhoe's frog. While hiking, try to spot these unique species to add fun to your journey.
