The Elephant's Head

One thing about Taipei is that it spoils even the stuffiest of hiking enthu- siasts! On one parti- cularly lazy morning, I found myself with a sudden urge to explore the mountains around Taipei. But the late hour would mean I wouldn't be on the trails until well in the older side of the afternoon. Fortunately, you don't actually have to leave the city to go hiking. Four animals mountain starts right at the base of Taipei 101, finding any late sleeper without an excuse as to why they aren't hiking that day.

The trek up Four Animals Mountain begins with a short introduction to the several species protected here. (Ironically enough, the four animals for which the mountains are named- Elephant, Tiger, Lion and Leopard- are not found in the park. They are named as such for the striking resemblance the mountains have for these four animals. Please note these names are also served with a heaping dose of imagination.) A former park ranger, I found this to be interesting and opted for a short read. One particular animal which caught my eye was the Taipei Tree Frog. A seemingly unspectacular creature at first, turns out to be amusingly interesting when one happens to glance at its Latin John Hancock: Rocophorus taipeianus. Sorry- not butt jokes here, I think the name speaks for itself.


Ok, now that we have gotten all that infantile humor out of the way, back to Four Animals Mountain. With my giggles shaken away, I proceeded up the main path to the first outlook in about fifteen minutes: Elephant's Head Mountain. This litterally scales an upward ascent parallel to Taipei 101, giving some outstanding views of the building and the city.


Furthermore, this vantage point allows you to see just how BIG Taipei 101 is compared to the surrounding buildings. Sometimes it's difficult to guage its height and the scale is somewhat vague when you stand right below it. But, from this angle, you can truly appreciate its massive worth.


The trek continued on, somewhat unimpressively, through the mountain tops before dispensing me in the western edge of the Xinyi district. I got home, cleaned up, and joined a few good friends for some delicious, albiet extremely expensive, pizza at NY Pizza Kitchen. From your late start to happy ending (more giggles?) hiker who never left the city except in spirit, Michael.