太魯閣峽谷Taroko Gorge

太魯閣峽谷Taroko Gorge

【簡介INTRODUCTION】

太魯閣國家公園以雄偉壯麗、幾近垂直的大理岩峽谷景觀聞名。沿著立霧溪的峽谷風景線而行，觸目所及皆是壁立千仞的峭壁、斷崖、峽谷、連綿曲折的山洞隧道，大理岩層和溪流等風光。
四百萬年前，菲律賓海洋板塊與歐亞大陸板塊碰撞而成台灣，慢慢降起的中央山脈表層岩層受到風化侵蝕作用而剝離，大理岩因而露出地表。這些大理岩受到立霧溪長期侵蝕下切作用與地殼不斷隆起上升，形成幾乎垂直的Ｕ型峽谷。公園內巨峰林立，從清水到南湖大山頂，落差達3,742公尺，造就了層次複雜的植物林相，並提供野生動物棲息活動的空間。瀑布是太魯閣國家公園重要的景觀，從太魯閣口到文山間，瀑布相當多，最著名的要屬白楊瀑布、銀帶瀑布、長春瀑布、綠水瀑布等，還有許多不知名的小流瀑。燕子口和九曲洞，是太魯閣峽谷最讓人心動的自然奇觀，也是峽谷最窄的兩段，臨溪側闢有人行步道供遊客漫步欣賞。燕子口對岸大理石峭壁上可見到許多小洞穴，每當春夏之際，常有小雨燕和洋燕在峭壁間穿梭鳴唱，或在洞穴內築巢，故而得名燕子口。而九曲洞「如腸之迴、如河之曲」的隧洞景觀，遊客可沿迴轉曲折的半明半暗路線欣賞峽谷風光。

Taroko is famous for its spectacular mountains and marble canyons. Cliffs and canyons stretch along Li Wu River. Four million years ago, the island of Taiwan was formed by the collision of plates. After millions of years of wind erosion, the marble rocks were exposed and cut by Li Wu River, creating impressive grand canyons. From Tsing Shui to Nan Hu Peak, the drop height is 3,742 meters. Such special geography has also bred special flora and fauna in this area. The waterfalls characterized Taroko National Park and the most famous ones are Pai Yang Waterfall, Yin Tai Waterfall, Chang Chun Waterfall, and Lu Shui Waterfall. Yen Tze Kou and Chiu Chu Tung are the most impressive natural scenes in Taroko and the canyons here are the narrowest. Tourists can appreciate the natural beauty along the tour track. Swallows nest on the cliff, chirping and flying back forth.

【景點SIGHTSEEING SPOTS】

太魯閣台地──太魯閣台地位在立霧溪出海口的北岸，立霧溪沖積扇三角洲的頂端，面積約三公頃，蘇花公路與中橫公路在此交會。台地上設有難易程度不同的步道，分為南北兩段，約環繞太魯閣台地270度，供民眾漫步或健行。步道長度1007M （無障礙步道700M、環教館至警察隊307M）。所需時間約30分鐘。南段步道鄰近立霧溪，從遊客中心旁大草坪經過遊客中心後方，延伸至太魯閣警察隊為止；沿途可見到立霧溪緩緩由群山中流出，向東注入太平洋。北段步道則從大型車停車場至行政中心旁，緊靠山邊，穿梭在密林中，除了可享受清涼的森林浴，也可觀賞偶而出現的台灣彌猴。

Taroko Terrace──The Visitor Center locates at the right wing of the entrance of Central Cross-Island Highway. It's red brick outlook design is very noticeable. There are the upper and lower halls in the Visitor Center. The center of the building is occupied with key exhibition area, such as Our Environment Hall, Humans in the Environment, Environmental Education Hall and Special Exhibition Room to provide educational and travel related information. Visitors are welcomed and recommended tocome to the Visitor Center to get useful information before leaving for the inside beauty of Taroko. The sales booth on the first floor not only sells food and drinks, but also various books (on the second floor) about the national park and related souvenirs. If visiting as a group, the Briefing Room in the Visitor Center can be booked in advance. Remember the Taroko Headquarters visitor center closes on the second Mondays of each month. The open hour is from 8:45 to 16:45.

長春祠流瀑──駛出中橫公路長春隧道西口，折轉南向的立霧溪谷峭崖邊階，建有紀念開闢中橫公路殉職人員的長春祠，祠旁溪溝長年流水成散瀑，公路局取名為「長春瀑布」，成為中橫公路具特殊意義的標的。長春祠供奉著中橫公路興建工程殉職的212位榮民靈位，唐式風格建築依地勢嵌入山壁間，清新的泉水自山壁湧出，形成一道飛瀑。周圍具環形步道，可飽覽峽谷及曲流風光，祠後有一石梯，高380階，可通往觀音洞，而祠下方的飛瀑，是由於河水不段的撞擊、掏挖坡腳，使邊坡呈平行的方式後退。一九八七年溪溝峭壁崩坍，落石擊毀祠旁涼亭，十年後才再度整建通置及亭閣，恢復入祠參觀。祠後峭壁闢有階道，循階上觀音洞、太魯閣樓、鐘樓、再過一吊橋可至禪光寺，俗稱為「天堂步道」。禪光寺側溪谷內呈葫蘆狀，而叫「葫蘆谷」。

Changchun Shrine (Eternal Spring Shrine) ──Drive from the west exit of the Changchun Tunnel of the Central Cross-Island Highway, then turn south(left) to Liwu River Valley, you can see the Changchun (Eternal Spring) Shrine which commemorates the 212 personnel (the late veterans) died during the construction of Central Cross-Island Highway (1956~1960). Spring water adjacent by the Changchun Shrine become the scattering falls, and the Highway Bureau named it after "Chanchun Falls" which is now the significant landmark on Central Cross-Island Highway.
In 1987 the cliffs by the rivers tumbled and destroyed the pavilion nearby the Changchun Shrine. After 10 years it has been restored and now opens to the public again. In the back of the Changchun Shrine, there are stairs leading to Kuanyin Cave, Taroko Tower, Bell Tower (the highest point), and through a suspension bridge, so called "Heaven trail" to Changuang Temple. The river valley next to the Changuang Temple has a calabash shape, and it is named thereafter as Calabash Valley (Hu-lu Gu). The trail is 1.3km/0.85 mile leisurely walk will be around 50 minutes to an hour.

布洛灣台地──布洛灣台地是立霧溪下游的大型雙層河階，太魯閣語的意思是「回音」，這台地曾經是太魯閣族人聚居的部落。布洛灣分上、下兩台地，高度相差30公尺，下台地海拔約370公尺。太魯閣族工藝展示館，展示太魯閣族人織布、藤編技藝的精美作品。下台地可行至環流丘公園，俯瞰溪畔水壩，觀賞峽谷景致。上台地規劃為住宿及研習中心，有套房及和室通舖、會議中心及餐飲服務中心。從史前、太魯閣族到現代的人文發展，熱帶季風雨林生態環境、環流丘與河階地形，以及原生種台灣百合、台東火刺木、雙花金絲桃、金花石蒜等，都是布洛灣台地值得深入瞭解的特色。

Buluowan──Passing Changchun Tunnel, Ning-an Bridge, Sipan Dam to the big valley before the Sipan Tunnel, you will see the stone carved statute of the ancestor of Taroko Tribe. This is the starting point of Chinese character "Zhi" (zigzag) shaped road to the Buluowan terraces. It will take approximately seven minutes to reach the parking area at the lower terrace of the valley. Buluowan is divided into Upper Terrace and Lower Terrace. You can walk to the Meander Core Trail to visit the river valley from the Lower Terrace. Then you can proceed to the service station, exhibition halls and Idas (meaning moon in Taroko tribal language) Hall see both the arts and crafts of Taroko Tribe and multimedia presentations. Up to the slope to Mountain Moon (Shanyue) Village, the Taiwan lily is probably the main attraction for spring visitors to Buluowan. The lily season will be from mid April to mid May at the lower terrace. On the upper terrace, go through the service center of Leader Village Hotel, there is a 300 meter Bamboo Groves trail, leading you to observe the strangling fig trees.

燕子口──沿著中橫公路到達燕子口，立霧溪峽谷在此變得更狹窄了，從這裡向西延伸到慈母橋，是立霧溪峽谷最膾炙人口的一段。燕子口步道從燕子口到靳珩橋，途中可欣賞太魯閣峽谷、壺穴、湧泉、印地安酋長岩等景觀。燕子口步道現有簡易的人車分道設施，惟路面狹窄，經常造成交通擁塞情況，因此太管處便在這個路段，新開鑿兩座隧道，及興建一座橋樑，讓車輛行駛隧道，舊公路則改成人行步道，工程完成後，步道可延伸到錐麗斷崖，讓遊客能在步道上自由欣賞峽谷景觀。

Yanzihkou (Swallow Grotto)──Following the Central Cross-Island Highway, at Yanzihkou (Swallow Grotto) the rock cliffs of the Liwu River gorge seem to reach to heaven while the river runs its swiftest and the distance between the gorge walls so narrow that they almost touch each other. Along the Yanzihkou (Swallow Grotto) trail which runs about a half kilometer starting from the entrance to the grotto to the Jinheng Bridge, you can enjoy the sighs of the Liwu River from nearly straight above the water, the potholes on the cliff faces, and the springs sprinkled along the lower parts of the walls, as well as the famous rock formation "Head Rock" or locals called “Chieftain’s profile rock”.

As of early 2005 the Yanzihkou (Swallow Grotto) Trail is separated from the highway by a simple concrete divider. The road is narrow resulting in frequent congestion in the area. Consequently the Park Administration is building a two-lane tunnel for vehicular traffic which when complete will let walkers enjoy the sights of this spectacular part of the gorge uninterrupted by gas blasting cars and buses. The Swallow Grotto (Yanzihkou) Tunnels includes one Bridge-Ludan right between which have been completed in June, 2007 and open the vehicular traffic to the cars and large vehicles so that the old highway remains as a pedestrians walking path.

靳珩公園──靳珩公園位於九曲洞及燕子口之間，是為了紀念中橫公路開闢期間，不幸犧牲的靳珩段長所建，公園中有靳珩段長塑像、合流工程處殉職員工紀念碑、及小型商店，而商店外的觀景平台，則是欣賞印地安酋長岩最佳的位置。靳珩橋原是圓孔水泥橋，造型相當優美，可惜於民國86年8月29日安珀颱風來襲，山洪爆發將靳珩橋沖毀。靳珩公園為魯丹溪及立霧溪交會處的高地，最高點上立有一尖柱狀之公路局合流工程處殉職員工紀念碑，以茲紀念中橫公路施工期間合流工程處殉職員工。近處有數棵巨大的茄苳樹，樹姿優美，值得欣賞。

Jinheng Park──There is a memorial table for the workers who died on the construction of Cross Island Highway.

錐麓斷崖──過了靳珩橋，兩岸崖壁更形陡峻逼近，到了中橫公路178K的地方，迎面而來的是一片垂直陡立的大理石峭壁，寬約1200公尺，海拔高約1100公尺。從公路上隔溪對岸是錐麓斷崖，而公路一側，與錐麓隔溪壁立對峙的是福磯斷崖，是立霧溪切穿三角錐山之稜所形成的，兩斷崖相距僅有20多公尺，這是立霧溪百萬年來精雕細琢的壯觀成果。斷崖下的公路有一段寬闊的路面，可以停車賞景。在此仰望斷崖，幾乎看不到斷崖頂端。倒是兩岸峽谷頂端線條所透出的天空，由西向東看起來像極了台灣的外形。

Jhuilu Cliff ──Jhuilu cliff is directly to the north of Lioufang Bridge. It is formed of marble. The whole cliff is 1200m wide and 16km long. It rises 1666 meters above the riverbed, even higher than the Grand Canyon in the USA(1620 meters). The scenic stretch of the Jhuilu cliff is around 500 meters long. The road is narrow and rockfalls often injure tourists here. Please do not loiter or play here, walk as close to the inside edge of the trail as you can, watch out for signs of a rockfall,

九曲洞──九曲洞隧道全長1220公尺，是中橫公路最長的隧道。全長2公里的九曲洞步道，是太魯閣峽谷最精華的路段，步道緊倚著高山深壑，向下俯瞰則是急湍的立霧溪水，兩岸山壁緊峙，鬼斧神工與險峻的地勢令人讚嘆震懾。除了峽谷之外，大理石岩壁上的斷層、節理、褶皺等地形，以及在峭壁上絕地逢生的岩生植物，都是值得觀察的重點。九曲洞步道路面寬闊平緩是一條大眾化的遊憩步道，和戶外地質教室。步道長度約2000M，所需時間單程約40分鐘。

Jiucyudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns)──This is the most magnificent part of Taroko marble gorge, where the uprising sheer cliffs were facing each other. During the exploration stage, it is the especially difficult and dangerous part to explore when the wind comes from the broad river valley to the narrow valley causing the air suddenly escalated upward. The new tunnel was constructed 1996, so that the visitors can watch rock folds, joints and faults of marble cliffs. The two cliffs are so closed to each other, and it looks like they are joining to each other if watching from afar. This section has the reputation of "Nine Turns of the Coiled Dragon". The range between the cliffs is around 10-meter wide. At the gap of the rocks, a small Kelan River is the spot amazing all travelers because the water erupting out within the rocks from unknown source and forming a "Fish leaping across the dragon gate" scenery. Have you seen a fish swimming upward? The trail is a must-see point and one should stop by and enjoy the marble gorges have been through thousands of years river cutting to form this spectacular marble landform. The number nine in Chinese implying “many” is using a lot in Chinese expression.

慈母橋──慈母橋位於綠水東側約一公里處，以大理石為護欄的紅色斜張鋼橋，別具特色。立霧溪在此有幾近九十度的轉彎，而荖西溪在此注入立霧溪，是兩溪的匯流口，因此這裡稱為「合流」。從慈母橋向東望去，仍是大理岩峽谷，以西的峽谷就變得開闊。

Cihmu Bridge──Along Central Cross-Island Highway, after passing Jiucyudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns), you will arrive at Cihmu Bridge, which is a H-Shape hanging bridge with marble stone lions lying on two sides. The rocks beneath the bridge look like frogs. The frog rock is composed of black layer of schist at the top and white marble at the button. A pavilion was built on this frog rock, and it becomes the crown on the frog. This, built by former president Jing-Guo Chiang, was used to worship his mother during construction of the road. Cihmu Booth area is on the east side of the bridge, built by former president Chiang Kai-shek, to worship his mother Mrs. Wang. This area where Laosi River flowing from marble valley to Liwu River is called the "Heliu" which stands for the merging flows. The cliff has two different rocks. Across the bridge on the turn of the river terrace about 300 meters further is the camping area of Heliu, and it offers eleven camps with no charge and served as first comes, first gets basis. Remember that the parking space is limited. Summer vacation, holidays, and weekend will always be a very popular site for family outdoors activities.

合流露營區──合流露營區位於綠水步道出口處，距天祥3公里，為綠水合流步道東端起點，因立霧溪與荖西溪在此有幾近九十度的轉彎，而荖西溪在此注入立霧溪，是兩溪在此匯流而得名，故過去被設為花蓮八景之一。附近迴谷幽靜雲樹低迷，石奇木美，共有十二個營位，水、電、衛浴等設備齊全，是太魯閣國家公園內唯一的露營地。露營區在地早年是木材集散場，合流露營區往對岸山上仔細觀察，可看到當年運送木材的索道頭，依然矗立在稜線。

Heliu Campground ──Heliu Campground is between Cihmu Bridge and Lyushui Geological Exhibition Hall. It's only about 300 meters up, westwards, from Cihmu bridge, and about 400 meters down,eastwards, from Lyushui Geological Exhibition Hall. Room for 11 big tents (each big tent= 10 persons tent).No need to make reservations. It is "first comes, first served."

天祥風景區──天祥位於中橫公路東段，約距太魯閣19公里處。大沙溪與塔次基里溪在此匯集成立霧溪，經河水長年的堆積侵蝕，造就了多層河階地形，是太魯閣國家公園峽谷中的大型溪階遊憩園區。此區腹地廣闊，餐飲店、飯店、公車站、停車場、郵局等一應俱全。晶華大飯店為國家公園中唯一的觀光型大飯店，也儼然成為觀光據點；後園有天祥基督教堂，另一端靠近青年活動中心，還建有天主教堂。走過普渡橋，沿祥德寺步道行走，有二十六台尺高的白衣觀音像、七層高的天峰塔，有莊嚴的地藏菩薩像，和宏偉的大雄寶殿，可以感染清思佛理的氣息。

Tiansiang ──Tiansiang is the large river terrace rest spot in Taroko National Park. North side of Dasha River and Tacih Jili River on the west wing converges at Tiansiang to become Liwu River. It is said that Sakuma Samata Shrine was installed here during the Japanese Era (1895-1945). At the later stage in time, Central Cross-Island Highway was built here(1956-1960), and Wen Tiansiang Park was built at the top of the terrace. North-western side is the Tiansiang Youth Activity Center (Hostel) and the Catholic Church next to it. This original lovely suspension bridge was reconstructed into concrete in 2003 due to the safety reasons along with the 26-meter tall White Robed Guanyin Statue. The 7-story high Pagoda, Giant Statute of the Bodhisattva, Siangde Temple of the recent years are the worship holy place for travelers and religious people. This area has large parking space, Plum Garden, and the 5 star hotel-Grand Formosa Taroko for travelers. This is the only 5 star hotel in Taroko National Park. Behind the area is the Tiansiang Presbyterian Church.

蓮花池──中橫迴頭彎有一座索道直通大沙溪對岸稜線，索道的另一端即是蓮花池。蓮花池是太魯閣國家公園區域內唯一的天然高山湖泊，海拔高度1180公尺，日據時期太魯閣族人稱它為『天潭』，後因池中開滿布袋蓮，遂更名為蓮花池。蓮花池為高低海拔鳥類、蝶類相會的樂園，野生動物成為出沒的常客。

Lianhua Pond（Lotus Lake）──Huitouwan (5.1km west of Tiansiang) located at kilometer 168 of the Central Cross-Island Highway has a narrow path leading to the cross-coast crest line of Dasha River. On the other side of the rope path is the Lianhua Pond which is one of the natural pond in Taroko National Park at a height of 1180 meters. During the Japanese Occupation Era (1895-1945), the Taroko people called it "Tien Tan" (Holly Pond). Later on, it was renamed Lianhua pond because of its lotus. The Lianhua pond is about 500m in diameter. Lotuses used to grow there and looked very beautiful. However veterans introduced grass carp into the pond which killed the lotuses. There was also a problem with the pond drainage which killed the plant life. After the old veterans died or left, the area around Lianhua pond fell into disuse and returned to its original state. Lianhua pond then became a paradise for high and low altitude birds and butterflies, as well as wild animals. Excise caution while come across accidentally to wild boars.

西寶──從豁然亭向西望去，不遠處有一個大型的河階台地，那便是西寶台地。台地上，當年修築中橫公路的榮民在此形成聚落，種植蔬菜水果為生。台地上西寶國小是全國唯一體制內的森林小學，最早是西寶農場廠員的子弟小學，後來改為森林小學，是全國唯一的體制內森林小學，其建築充滿藝術與創意，然在外型與色系上的講究，使其座落山間卻不顯突兀，非上課時間，值得一探究竟。

新白楊──新白楊為合歡山系，海拔1650公尺。從天祥到新白楊，地層屬於片岩分佈地區，河谷成V字形，此段可見到年輕的褶皺地層，這是因為不穩定的片岩地層，在地形發育過程中，形成有稜有角的高挺山峰，地表的褶皺多，地形陡峻而多變化。站在觀景台或往慈恩的公路旁，可俯瞰立霧溪上游塔次基里溪谷，河道曲折迴繞，峽谷深邃，景觀不亞於太魯閣峽谷，此段河道稱為「立霧溪掘鑿曲流」。此段附近多為五節芒草生地，草生地生長著以台灣赤楊為主的再生林。

慈恩──慈恩海拔1995公尺，位於魯翁溪(又名慈恩溪)上游，一帶因地形、氣候的影響而形成潮溼多雨冷涼的霧帶，生長其間的林木又稱『霧林』。慈恩以西，漸出現以針葉林為主的混合林，如鐵杉、雲杉、台灣二葉松等。此地闊葉樹多具變葉性質，為秋冬山景增添繽紛色彩。

碧綠神木──位於中橫公路128公里處，碧綠神木為香杉(巒大杉)，樹齡超過三千餘年，樹高約50公尺，樹徑3.5公尺，是中橫沿線最巨大的神木。位於慈恩與碧綠間。巒大杉是台灣原生植物中，樹高最高者，最高可達70公尺以上，也是造林樹種之一。碧綠神木一帶因地形複雜，加以溫度逆增的作用，及盛行雲霧的影響，樹種相當混雜。森林的最高層是雲杉、鐵杉、香杉為主的針葉樹。其下則以常綠闊葉樹為主，間雜部份落葉樹。

Bilyu Sacred Tree ──Situated at the 128km mark on the Central Cross-Island Highway, Bilyu Sacred Tree is a Lunta Fir (Cunnhamia lanceolata var. konishii,). This tree is 3,200 years old and about 50m high with a diameter of 3.5m. Situated between Cih-en and Bilyu, Bilyu Sacred Tree is the largest old tree along the Central Cross-Island Highway.
Among Taiwan's native trees, the Lunta fir is the tallest. They can exceed more than 70meters and can be used for reforestation. The area near Bilyu sacred tree is very complex; in addition, the temperature goes up with the height and it is crowned with clouds and mists, while various tree species are intermingled. The highest layer of the forest is conifers such as Chinese spruce (Picea morrisonicola Hayata.), Taiwan hemlock [Tsuga chinensis (Franch.) Pritz. ex Diels var. formosana (Hayata) Li,] and Lunta fir. Below them are evergreen broadleaf species mixed with some deciduous species.

關原──關原海拔2374公尺，距離大禹嶺4.5公里，為一平坦的稜脊地區，視野開闊，是中橫公路開通後的新據點。此處七月均溫在l6℃左右，是一理想的避暑勝地。由於關原海拔較高，已在霧林帶之上，居高臨下，因此有極富盛名的「關原觀雲」景觀，關原緊臨塔次基里溪(立霧溪中游)，當氣流順溪谷而上，水氣往往在此聚集，或見雲霧開闔、山形飄渺，或成雲海，波濤洶湧，使此地長久以來極負觀雲勝名。最佳的觀雲時間是清晨和午後，通常日出之後，雲海逐漸消失，等到下午日照減弱後，才又慢慢形成雲海。運氣好時，雲海的位置稍高，甚至會翻過大禹嶺，流瀉成雲瀑，也可欣賞奇萊北峰和四週雲海的盛況，夕陽西下時，則是另一番景緻，滿天紅霞的絕美景色，叫人驚艷。此處的植物多針葉林 ，主要為雲杉、鐵杉、二葉松等，闊葉樹則有高山櫟、紅榨槭等。秋日時分，變葉植物由綠轉為深淺不一的紅與黃，楓紅的美景，將關原一帶點染得一片繽紛。從關原到大禹嶺是中、高海拔鳥類的共同棲息地，所以關原是鳥類的樂園。

The scenery overlooking from the top has the "Guanyuan Skyline" scene. Guan Yuan trail is right next to Guanyuan gas station. The forest walk path is covered with Taiwan red pine (Pinus taiwanensis.) and Taiwan White Pine (Pinus morrisonicola). From Guanyuan to Dayuling region, it is the dwelling place for mid to high altitude birds. Besides from the frequently seen mid-altitude birds, Gray-faced buzzard eagle (Butastur indicus). also scatter on 2000 to 3000 meters high mountain forest.

大禹嶺──大禹嶺位於臺灣中央山脈主稜鞍部，介於合歡山和畢祿山之間，海拔2,565公尺，是中部橫貫公路的中點，也是臺中、南投、花蓮3縣的縣界。公路在此三叉，一往合歡山，一往梨山，還有一條是前往太魯閣的，因處集散之地，路旁多有商家聚集，販售高山蔬果。

【步道TRAILS】

砂卡礑步道──從太魯閣遊客中心出發，向西穿過砂卡礑隧道後，約15分鐘即可到達砂卡礑步道口。砂卡礑隧道設有人行步道及照明燈，安全性高。砂卡礑步道從入口處到三間屋全長約4.5公里，倚傍著砂卡礑溪而行。砂卡礑溪16公里的流路中，形成峻秀的峽谷，清澈的溪水、美麗的岩石褶皺及蓊鬱的森林，讓砂卡礑步道兼具景觀與生態之美。砂卡礑步道海拔約60公尺，屬於陰濕的河谷地形，但植物生態卻呈現出乾濕兩型的特色。坡度較緩的地方，生長高大且層次豐富的林木；坡度較陡的地方，只見低矮的岩生植物，以台灣蘆竹和沿階草居多。砂卡礑步道平緩易行，除了可沿途作自然觀察之外，步道全線亦設置十餘座大小觀景平台，供小憩賞景，還有幾處親水小徑可以直下溪谷，讓肌膚親潤沁涼的溪水，聆聽自然美妙的樂音。步道長度約4500M，入口 1080M 大型觀景平台（水濱教室）500M 斯維奇（五間屋）800M 大水管1020M 攔砂壩 1100M 柏拉耀（三間屋）。所需時間約2~4小時。

Shakadang Trail ──Shakadang Trail is also known as "Mysterious Valley Trail", which is named because more than 40 years ago a group of young folks entered the river valley and founded it very secretive. This place has attracted more and more travelers, and thus everyone is used to call it " Mysterious Valley." .It renamed to "Shakadang Trail" in 2001 again according to the Taroko tribal language meaning “molar” of the “Shakadang.” This trail is built along the river cliff so travelers can easily observe both the rock folds and ecosystem beside the river shore. After 4.5-km arriving Sanjianwu(3D Cabin), the trail leads to old Datong tribe village(Make sure you are applying the Restricted Mountain Areas Permit—please see the website Regulation section at Fees and Permits), which is the favor of the travelers. After the first curve road, running water from upright river cliff to the small pond has astonished many people. In May, it is the season for Tung tree (or Tung oil tree) (Aleurites fordii) flowers and makes the trail a pleasant flower hallway.

大同大禮步道──大同大禮步道入口有兩處，一處位於蘇花公路台電輸水管交會處，可沿水管拾階上爬，到大禮步程約3小時。在遊客中心旁的一條瘦稜線上方，有一如門框的水泥構造物，那是聯絡台地和大同、大禮的流籠接駁站的第一流籠頭，偶爾可見流籠運送日常物品、肥料及農產品。大禮部落位於海拔915公尺高之台地上，原始之部落名稱為「赫赫斯」部落，其中「赫赫斯」意為「蛇聲」或「多蛇之地」。早期曾設有小學學堂，現仍可隱約可見當時學堂之舊址---現已成為雞舍。目前當地居民種植玉米、高麗菜、四季豆、青椒等農作物。得卡倫步道和大同大禮步道的交會點，可鳥瞰下方的遊客中心、錦文橋、牌坊等閣口景致，更遠是立霧溪出海口。繼續沿著陡直攀升的山徑，上爬到第二流籠頭，更可鳥瞰到花蓮平原、砂卡礑溪谷和挺拔壁立的三角錐山。登山步道大多穿行於林木蓊鬱的低海拔闊葉森林；部落附近則是當地居民所種植的桂竹林。此外，還可見到種植蔬果的田野風情，沿途鳥鳴不絕，不時還可遇到樹上活動的松鼠和台灣彌猴。步道長度約10600M，所需時間約6~7小時。

長春祠步道──從中橫公路舊道長春橋頭循階而下即是長春祠步道，沿著山壁鑿出的小徑前行，長春祠就在不遠處。步道延伸到長春祠正後方，垂直的山壁開鑿出「之」字形陡急而上的階梯路面，雖然不難走，但走來有些辛苦，被稱為「天梯」。循天梯直上，先到達觀音洞、再經太魯閣樓和鐘樓均可遠眺，尤其登上鐘樓，居高臨下，俯瞰立霧溪曲折河道和峽谷，公路、車輛、遊人盡在腳下，景色很美。鐘樓是步道的最高點，由此開始是下坡，且林蔭鬱密，是最輕鬆的路段。不多久穿越過了吊橋，即可到達禪光寺，循禪光寺聯絡道路而下，可與公路相接。走長春祠步道，任意選擇從長春祠或禪光寺出發均可。步道長度約2030M，中橫公路入口 300M 長春祠 900M 太魯閣樓 180M 鐘樓 400M 禪光寺 250M 中橫公路禪光寺牌樓。所需時間單程約1小時。

Changchun Shrine trail ──Located at Hwy. No. 8, 186 km marks, about 2.3 km from the Taroko Visitor Center. You can proceed from Changuang Temple (Zen monastery), cross a suspension bridge; walk up the stairs, passing a carillon to the old Changchun Bridge. The total length of the trail is about 1.9 km, and which takes about 1 h to complete. Along the route, there are diverse natural and cultural scenes such as temple (Zen monastery), engraved stones, suspension bridge, creek, forest, caves and spring etc. One can get a wonderful view at the high point, with all the neighboring sceneries of mountains and rivers under the eyes.

綠水步道──綠水步道原是合歡越嶺道的一部份，由於此段古道路況良好，景觀及生態皆相當豐富，因此國家公園管理處將它規劃成步道。路徑寬約2公尺，大致維持日據時期合歡越嶺道的寬度，全線平緩易行，是條老少皆宜的景觀步道。綠水管理站成立於民國81年，負責慈母橋至文山段各項設施維護與管理以及解說諮詢等。遊憩設施包括：綠水地質展示館、合流露營區、綠水下台地中橫開拓史展示館及綠水步道、白楊步道、文山溫泉步道等。步道入口位於綠水地質地形展示館旁，茂密的森林、斷崖地形、岩生植物、人文遺跡都是其特色。綠水步道可以體驗太魯閣國家公園的人文特色，也可以觀察步道上特殊的植物生態。走在這條具人文歷史價值的步道上，有如走在先人的足跡上，讓人引發思古之情。站在斷崖上，可俯瞰立霧溪谷與綠水河階。各種岩生植物，在岩壁上展現堅毅的生命力，其中太魯閣櫟更是台灣珍貴稀有的植物。綠水步道一般從綠水管理站出發，在步道後段與產業道路相銜接，最後於合流露營區附近回到中橫公路。步道長度約2000M，所需時間約1小時。

Lyushui Trail──Lyushui Trail was part of the Old Cross-Hehuan Mountain Roads. The Taroko National Park Headquarters & Visitor Center rebuilt it into paths due to the good road condition, beautiful landscape and abundant ecological values. The width of the path is about 2 meters which is maintained from the Japanese Era. (1895-1945) All routes are mild, level, and easy to walk. It is a good sight-seeing path that is suitable for all ages. There is a 30 meter tunnel along the trail, please bring the flush light. The entrance is located beside the Lyushui Exhibition Hall of the upper section of highway geology terrain. Dense forest, cliff terrain, plants growing on the rock and historical monuments are the characteristics of the Lyushui Trail. You can experience the historical remains of Taroko National Park and observe the special botanical ecosystem. Walking on this path which has historical values just like following in the footprints of the forerunner.Standing on the cliff, you overlook the Liwu River valley and the Lyushui terrace. There are plants growing on the rocks that represent vitality. Among those plants, the Taroko oak is a rare, precious and rare species in Taiwan. Lyushui Trail, Lyushui was once the home to the Taroko settlement known as “Tuoyou-en at Lyushui, now is the geological exhibition hall and Lyushui Service Station. In its early years, it was regarded as Taroko Scenic Area Administrative Office of Hualien County Government, Taroko National Park Headquarters and Taroko National Park Police Corps Office. Lyushui Trail generally starts from the Lyushui exhibition hall, and links to the gravel path at the back segment of the path; it finally connects next to the camp area and returns to the Central Cross-Island highway.

蓮花池步道──蓮花池步道的起點是迴頭彎，步道沿大沙溪而行，前段路面平緩，走來輕鬆，約半小時後可到九梅吊橋，步道在此分岔，直行可到達梅園竹村，右轉通過九梅吊橋即可通往蓮花池。原本平緩的步道，通過九梅吊橋後，便是連續的「之」字形陡坡，在森林中迂迴爬升，約一個半小時可到達蓮花池。步道長度約6900M，所需時間約3小時。

Lianhua pond Trail（Lotus Lake Trail）──The beginning of 1.5 km of the trail is level and easy, turn right at Jiumei Suspension Bridge and past the Jiumei suspension bridge the trail is steep leading you to the forest, and around 2.2km reach to the pond. Do consider your physical limits before setting out. Round trip will take 3-4 hours/ 7km(4.2miles). Please make sure you have plenty of water in summer with light lunch or snacks.

梅園竹村步道──梅園竹村步道幾乎是緊沿著陶塞溪而築，是梅園和竹村兩個村落對外聯繫唯一的道路。迴頭灣沿梅園竹村步道前行，過了九梅吊橋約3公里，從步道右側的小徑直下即可到達梅園及竹村。梅園海拔約1100公尺，是陶塞溪和小瓦黑爾溪匯留所形成的河階地形，共有三層，昔日是太魯閣族坡里亨平部落所在，今日則為花蓮農場主要的耕地，以種植蔬菜為主。自梅園繼續前行，過了陶塞吊橋，就到了竹村，竹村從海拔1050公尺上升到1400公尺左右，為7層河階地，果園房舍錯落其上，春天桃花、李花盛開。步道寬約2公尺，平緩易行，沿途除了欣賞田園婍旎風光之外，溪流景觀也是特殊的體驗。由於步道緊依溪流修築，深淵清流就在腳下，途中經過清溪、忠孝、仁愛及陶塞等吊橋，堪稱是太魯閣國家公園吊橋最多的一條步道。此外，在聚落以外的路段，大抵都保有自然的植被與環境，也適合進行自然觀察活動。步道長度約9.3KM，所需時間約8小時。

Meiyuan Jhucun Trail──Walking along the path at Meiyuan Jhucun of Huitouwan (km 168 of the Central Cross-Island Highway) and past the Jiumei Suspension Bridge about 3 km, walk down to the track at the path right side, and you can reach Meiyuan. The altitude of Meiyuan is about 1100m. Meiyuan was formed by the converging of the Taosai and Siaowa Hei-er River with total of 3-layer terrace. It was the homeland of the Polihen settlement of Taroko tribe. Now it is part of Sibao Farm which grows vegetables pears and peaches. Continuing forward from Meiyuan and passing the Taosai bridge you will reach the Jhucun (Bamboo Village). The altitude of Jhucun rise from 1050m to around 1400m. It is a 7-layer terrace. In spring, the peach and plum flowers are blooming and they mature in June and July. The fruit grows everywhere and tastes delicious.

白楊步道──順著中橫公路來到168.6k處，很難不被路旁忽現的停車場吸引，若您在此停車，即可步行至白楊步道入口。「多隧道」與「多水」是白楊步道的兩大特色。「多隧道」，從入口到水簾洞，短短2.1公里的路程就有7個隧道，是以最好攜帶手電筒備用；「多水」，為建水壩而開的白楊步道，整條步道沿溪而行，前段遇見的是立霧溪的支流瓦黑爾溪，後段所見則是立霧溪上游的塔次基里溪，一路極景不斷，愛壯闊者可賞峽谷溪流，喜微美者可觀山壁苔流，還有隧道中小似雨滴、大至水簾樣的大水在黑暗中傾洩而下，可滿足欲與眾不同的心思。步道長度約2100M，從入口至水簾洞口約需1小時。往返約需2-3小時。

Baiyang Trail ──The Baiyang waterfall Trail is characterized by the number of tunnels. Beginning from the entrance tunnel of 380 meters (by the roadside of the Central Cross-Island Highway 600 meters further west of Tiansiang) to the last tunnel before Water Curtain, there are seven tunnels that one will go through along the 2 kilometers trail (4 km round trip will take about one hour and a half). Some of the tunnels are as straight as a pencil and you can see the light at the end. Others however are curved such that you will be enveloped in pitch-black darkness for a short time unless you take alone a flashlight, which is advisable. The trail was originally built by Taiwan Power Company in 1984 during the early stages of their plans (approved for construction in 1979) to develop hydroelectric power in the area, plans that included damming many parts of the gorge in ways that would have destroyed within years. The hydroelectric project for this area at least was shelved. So Taroko survived and we got a road that makes it easier for us to get into this once remote area with our various trapping of civilization.

【ACCOMMODATION 住宿】

【天祥 TIANSIANG】

1.晶華渡假酒店 Grand Formosa Taroko Hotel

,：花蓮縣秀林鄉富世村天祥路18號 18 Tiansiang Rd. , Hsiulin Shiang, Hualien County

(：(03)8691155、8691158

2.天祥青年活動中心 Tiansiang Youth Activity Center

,：花蓮縣秀林鄉富世村天祥路 30 號 30, Tiansiang Rd., Hsiulin Shiang, Hualien County

(：(03)8691111-4

3.天祥天主教招待所 Tiansiang Catholic Guest House

,：花蓮縣秀林鄉天祥路 33 號 33, Tiansiang Rd., Hsiulin Shiang, Hualien County

(：(03)8691122

4.天祥基督教長老教會

,：花蓮縣秀林鄉天祥路 19 號 19, Tiansiang Rd., Hsiulin Shiang, Hualien County

(：(03)8691203

【太魯閣 TAROKO】

1.立霧客棧 Li-Wu Hotel

,：花蓮縣秀林鄉富世村242-2號 242-2, Fu Shih Village, Hsiulin Shiang, Hualien County

(：(03)8610769

2.太魯閣旅店 Taroko Hotel

,：花蓮縣秀林鄉富世村258號 258, Fu Shih Village, Hsiulin Shiang, Hualien County

(：(03)8611558

【布洛灣 PULOWAN】

1.山月村 Leader Village

,：花蓮縣秀林鄉富世村231-1號 231-1, Fu Shih Village, Hsiulin Shiang, Hualien County

(：(03)8610111、8610191

【大禹嶺 DAYULING】

1.救國團觀雲山莊(合歡山) Kuan Yun Hostel

,：花蓮縣秀林鄉富世村關原22 號 22, Kuan-Yuan, Fu Shih Village, Hsiulin Shiang, Hualien County

(：（04）25991173

【TRANSPORTATION交通】

地處偏遠東部的太魯閣國家公園，對外交通有蘇花（台9）、中橫公路（台8）及霧社支線（台14甲）等道路，可自行開車，或搭乘飛機、火車抵達花蓮，再轉乘花蓮客運、豐原客運或於花蓮租借汽、機車代步進入園區。至於住宿設施，中橫沿線的太魯閣、天祥、慈恩、關原及合歡山等地皆有，可逕自洽詢，值得注意的是旅遊旺季須提早安排，以免向隅。

It's easier to use "Train Type" to order tickets. After reserving tickets from website or by phone, write down the ordering code, and go to the nearest train station or Post Office to pick up your tickets. You may have to show the counter clerk your passport while getting tickets. The Sincheng train station is 5 km / 3 miles to the Park Headquarters. You can take Hualien Bus to Park headquarters after getting off the train in Sincheng. The Hualien train station is 26km / 15.6miles to the Park Headquarters. You may rent a car or scooter at the front station. It takes you 30 ~ 40 minutes to drive to the Park Headquarters. You can also take Hualien Bus to the Park Headquarters. The bus stop is to the right of Hualien Train Station exit (front station).

By Train:
Take a train to the Hualien or Sincheng station, then switch to a bus to Tiansiang (Taroko National Park).

By Bus:
（Schedules are changed without notice發車時間請洽當地車站）

【花蓮市 Hualien City-太魯閣Taroko Visitor Center-天祥Tiansiang】

花蓮客運 Hualien Bus Co. (：03-8322065、8333468

花蓮火車站 Hualien Train Station	太魯閣（遊客中心）Taroko Visitor Center	布洛灣 Pulowan	天祥Tiansiang	梨山 Lishan	梨山 Lishan	天祥 Tiansiang	布洛灣 Pulowan	太魯閣（遊客中心）Taroko Visitor Center	花蓮火車站 Hualien Train Station
05:40	06:30	--	--					06:30	07:20
07:00	08:00	08:15	08:30					07:00	07:50
07:50	08:40	--	--					08:40	09:30
08:40＊	09:40＊	--	10:10＊	13:40		09:05	09:20	09:30	10:20
09:40	10:30	--	--					10:30	11:20
11:10	12:00	12:35	12:50					12:30	13:15
12:00	12:50	--	--			14:40	14:55	15:30	16:10
14:40	15:30	15:45	16:20					16:00	16:50
15:10	16:00	--	--					17:00	17:45
15:50	16:40	--	--			16:40	16:55	17:15	18:20
16:30	17:20	--	--					17:50	18:35
17:40	18:30	--	--					18:30	19:20
18:10	19:00	--	--		15:00	18:25＃		19:20＃	20:10＃
19:10	20:00	--	--					19:30	20:20
21:40	22:30	--	--					20:10	20:55

＊ 延伸到梨山（13:40抵達） reach to Lishan（arriving at 13:40）

＃ 從梨山15:00出發 15:00 depart from Lishan

【台中市Taichung-梨山 Lishan】 豐原客運 Fengyuan Bus Co. (：04-22223454、25246603

08:00 08:00 票價Fare: 542

【宜蘭 Ilan-梨山Lishan】國光客運Kao Kuang Bus Co. (：03-9365441

07:00 08:30 票價Fare: 326 約4小時 about 4 hours

12:40 13:30