Malunshan is the second tallest peak among the Seven Heroes of Guguan.
The trail passes through the remnants of a 1960s logging camp, where abandoned iron cables and building foundations are still visible.
The summit offers a panoramic view that includes the peaks of the Central Mountain Range and Xueshan.
The trail's diverse microclimates support a wide variety of ferns and mosses that change in density as elevation increases.
The name 'Malun' is derived from the Atayal indigenous word for this area.
The Malunshan Trail is one of the 'Seven Heroes of Guguan', a group of seven challenging mountain peaks surrounding the Guguan hot spring area in Taichung. The 7-kilometer round-trip trail features a steep elevation gain of approximately 1,250 meters, climbing from an altitude of 800 meters to the 2,305-meter summit. Much of the path follows an old logging track, passing through secondary-growth forests and historic ruins of logging facilities. Hikers encounter varying terrain, including wooden stairs, dirt paths, and sections with ropes. The final section requires navigating through a bamboo forest to reach the peak. The route provides access to the rare bird species and distinct flora characteristic of the Dajia River basin's middle-altitude mountainous ecosystem.
The observation deck and the summit marker at the peak of Malunshan.
Start as early as possible to finish the hike before sunset, as the trail is long and physically demanding.
Bring trekking poles to assist with the significant knee strain caused by the sustained incline and decline.
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person, as there are no reliable water sources along the trail.
Attempting the summit if the weather forecast predicts rain, as the steep, exposed sections become extremely slippery and hazardous.
Leave no trace; remove all trash, refrain from disturbing local wildlife, and stay on marked paths to prevent erosion.
