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Stegosaurus Ridge

劍龍稜步道(黃金五稜)

Stegosaurus Ridge
Photo credit: Aeon
Alternative spellings:
Jian long Ridge Trail
Jianlongling Trail
Golden Ridge No. 5
Stegosaurus Ridge

About this trail

Challenge yourself on one of Notherm Taiwan’s most iconic ridge hikes, scrambling across dramatic rock formations, exposed knife-edge ridges, and breathtaking Northeast Coast cliffs with spectacular ocean views throughout the adventure.

Trail condition

Scrambling Hands-on sections
How much hands-on movement is required?

Hands may be needed for balance or climbing on rocks, steep terrain, or fixed ropes.

Exposure Exposed sections
How serious are the consequences of a fall?

The route includes exposed ridges, steep drop-offs, cliffs, or similar terrain where a fall could have serious consequences.

Navigation Some route finding needed
How easy is the route to follow?

Most of the route is identifiable, but some sections may be unclear or have limited, unofficial, or conflicting trail markers. Do not rely on markers alone; basic map or GPX navigation skills are recommended.

Getting there

By Public Transport

Nanzilin Trail trailhead:
From Keelung
1) Go to Keelung Bus Station
2) Take Keelung Bus 791 toward Fulong and get off at Nanya Visitor Information Center (Nanxin Temple)
From Ruifang
1) Go to Ruifang Railway Station
2) Take Keelung Bus 886 toward Hemei Elementary School and get off at Nanya Visitor Information Center (Nanxin Temple)

Quanji Temple Trailhead:
1) Go to MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station
2) Take Keelung Bus 1062 toward Jinguashi and get off at Quanji Temple (勸濟堂)

By Car

Nanzilin Trail trailhead:
1) Navigate to “Nanya Visitor Information Center” (Nanxin Temple) on Google Maps. Limited parking is available nearby.

Quanji Temple Trailhead:
1) Navigate to “Quanji Temple” on Google Maps. Limited parking is available nearby.

History & culture

Wildlife
Longhorn beetles, butterflies, and other insects are common along the trail, while eagles can occasionally be seen soaring overhead. Snakes may also be found in the surrounding grasslands, adding to the area's diverse coastal mountain ecosystem.

Flora
The lower slopes feature wind-shaped coastal forests and ferns, sculpted by the strong northeast monsoon. Higher up, the landscape changes to silvergrass-covered ridges dotted with rhododendrons, orchids, and hardy thorny plants adapted to the exposed environment.

Geology
Stegosaurus Ridge is formed from Miocene-era shale, sandstone, and siltstone. Its exposed rock formations create a dramatic row of jagged pinnacles that resemble the back of a stegosaurus, giving the ridge its distinctive name and making it one of Taiwan's most iconic geological landscapes.

Planning essentials

Distance
4.5 km
Duration
4h
Trail type
point-to-point
Difficulty
Hard ⓘ
Location
Taipei
Elevation Gain
830 m
Max elevation
705 m
Min elevation
0 m
National Park Permit
NO
Police Permit
NO
Public Transport
YES