Lala Mountain Giant Tree Area (Forest Recreation Area) Introduction
The Fuba Yueling Trail is also temporarily closed. >> See link for details. They say time is a knife; when you visit the ancient trees located within the Lala Mountain National Forest Recreation Area, and look up at the epic scenery of millennia, this knife’s meticulous carving will undoubtedly leave you in awe! The Lala Mountain Giant Tree Area is situated at the border of the Fuxing District of Taoyuan and the Wulai District of New Taipei City, with an altitude ranging from 1,500 to 2,130 meters. There are a total of 24 giant trees, with ages ranging from 500 to 1,495 years, making it another giant tree conservation area in Taiwan that rivals Alishan. Travelers can follow the circular trail around the giant trees to catch sight of all the giant trees up close. Besides the No. 9 giant tree, which is a Taiwan Cypress, the rest are all Taiwan Red Cypresses. A scenic 700-meter gravel path from the Lala Mountain Visitor Center parking lot leads to the No. 1 giant tree, which is 1,400 years old, about 41 meters tall, and has a circumference of 9.8 meters, requiring five adults to embrace it. Its magnificent form vividly demonstrates the imprints of time. Upon entering the trail, after appreciating the welcoming gifts brought by this primitive forest, the continuous surprises become even more anticipated. Proceeding onward, visitors will reach the No. 2 and No. 3 giant trees, where the roots that fiercely rise from the steep slope showcase a wild display of strength and beauty. Next to the No. 4 giant tree, there is a resting area, where the gentle sound of flowing water from the cedar bridge and the cheerful chirping of birds refresh the weary hiker. After a brief rest, turning right leads you sequentially to each giant tree by number, while turning left takes you on a gentle slope to the No. 22 giant tree. Continuing to the end of the right path takes you to the No. 5 giant tree, the oldest in the area, where there is also a naturally formed large tree hole at its base. Standing in front of this hundred-year-old giant, one feels especially small, and a sense of reverence naturally arises. The towering canopy gently filters the sunlight, so moving through it not only avoids the heat but also allows one to enjoy the coolness of the mountain. Continuing on, you reach the No. 9 "Mother and Son" giant trees, which are rare Taiwan Cypresses. The original tree (the mother tree) has died, while the second generation tree (the son tree) continues to grow, having reached an age of 440 years in this primitive forest, symbolizing the passage of generations. The trail then begins to descend. Near the Daguang Pavilion, you will find the No. 18 Divine Tree, which is formed by two millennial giant 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 is also home to more than 60 species of birds and rare animals, such as the Formosan Serow, the barking deer, and the Wu Sho frog. While hiking, looking for these unique species can add more enjoyment to your trip.
