The mountain's name, 'Huoyan,' translates to 'Flame Mountain' in Chinese due to its vivid reddish-orange hue.
It is geologically composed of conglomerate and sandstone deposited during the Pleistocene epoch.
The area is an officially designated Nature Reserve to protect the unique geological landforms and the native Formosan sweet gum forest.
The steep terrain is highly prone to erosion, meaning the exact shape of the peaks changes significantly after heavy rainfall.
It is a primary habitat for the endangered Chinese pangolin in central Taiwan.
The mountain forms part of the western foothills of the Central Mountain Range.
Huoyan Shan is a distinctive mountain range in Miaoli County characterized by its deep red, jagged peaks formed from weathered conglomerate and sandstone. It serves as a protected nature reserve due to its fragile geology and unique ecosystem. The topography is defined by intense soil erosion that creates dramatic, canyon-like ravines and sharp, narrow ridges. The terrain is unstable, making it highly sensitive to human intervention and weather conditions. Vegetation is sparse on the eroded faces, showcasing the exposed, rust-colored rock layers. The hiking circuit traverses the ridge line, offering panoramic views of the coastal plains and the Taiwan Strait. Its appearance is often likened to a flame-colored landscape, particularly during sunset.
The high ridge section overlooking the Daan River and the surrounding valley.
Wear high-traction hiking boots, as the trail surface consists of loose, slippery gravel and steep, sandy slopes.
Bring at least two liters of water per person, as the trail is fully exposed to the sun with virtually no shade.
Use trekking poles to maintain balance on the unstable, pebbly descent sections.
Attempting the hike immediately after or during heavy rainfall when the path becomes dangerously unstable and prone to landslides.
The trail is frequently closed during extreme weather alerts, such as typhoons or heavy rain, to protect the fragile geology.
Stay strictly on the marked trails to prevent soil erosion; do not disturb or collect the loose geological specimens.
