By Robert Minor
After reaching 95 Peak (Jiu Wu Feng), it is mostly a downhill walk to the entrance to Mt. Thumb (great views) and then down to the Elephant Mountain entrance.
Follow the stairs and trail down and you will come to this interesting prayer/worship stop on the side of a rock face.
There are some deities and you can stop, face them, put your hands together, bow 3 times and say a little prayer.
As we head west, our vantage point view of East Taipei has change. We are now more southerly instead of northerly where we started.
Not far past the shrine, you will see the trailhead for Mt. Thumb. It takes about 5 minutes to get to the top. There are some ropes but it’s easy. The views are worth it.
The beginning portion up to Mt. Thumb.
There are a view slanted areas, but just hold the ropes and you will be fine.
A group heads up the stairs to Mt. Thumb.
It gets a little steep, but the climb in very short.
Almost there…..Taipei 101 comes into view once more.
The peak of Mt.Thumb is like a large boulder. There is plenty of space to sit and snack and enjoy the view. You’ll be looking in a more south/west direction. There will be many more green mountains to see.
As you head back down, keep following the signs toward Elephant Mountain. You are around 45 minutes from the end.
Stop off at this little Buddhist garden and check out the cool statues.
You will pass through the Elephant Mountain area and out the entrance. READ HERE for how to get to the MRT stop. ENJOY the 4 Beasts Circuit.
TAIPEI HIKING SERIES:
Making it to the peak of Seven Stars Main & East Peaks-Page 2
Xiaoyoukeng path to Seven Stars Peak (moderate)
Elephant Mountain (easy but steep)
