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Public-Private Collaborative Efforts Enhance Safety with Reflective Trail Signs on Mt. Jade’s Rear Four Peaks Route

2024-12-25
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To enhance hiking safety on the Rear Four Peaks Route of the Yushan Mountain Range (hereafter referred to as “Mt. Jade Rear Four Peaks”), the Yushan National Park Headquarters under the Ministry of the Interior has partnered with the Chinese Taipei Alpine Association to install reflective trail signs along 16.5 kilometers of the route to guide hikers, provide travel time estimates, and significantly reduce incidents of lost hikers or late returns, thereby ensuring a safer climbing experience.
Summiting the “Mt. Jade Rear Four Peaks” is No Easy Feat
The Mt. Jade Rear Four Peaks is a highly popular route among hiking enthusiasts wishing the complete the “100 Peaks of Taiwan”. However, hikers must possess a certain level of physical fitness and route-finding skills to successfully complete the challenging journey. The route typically starts from the Yuanfong Cabin, situated at an altitude of 3,694 meters, serving as the base for radial ascents. Classified as a Grade 4 trail, it encompasses four renowned peaks among Taiwan’s “100 Hundred Peaks”: Mt. Jade South Peak, one of Taiwan’s Ten Peaks of Outstanding Beauty; Mt. East Xiaonan; Mt. Nanyu; and Mt. Lu, often regarded as the longest and most physically taxing of the “Hundred Peaks.” Due to the high-altitude environment, the trail’s terrain and vegetation often appear deceptively similar, which can lead to route misjudgments among hikers. Furthermore, poor time management frequently results in late returns, hiking in darkness, or getting lost—issues that these newly installed markers aim to mitigate effectively.
Reflective Trail Signs and Offline Map App Integration Reduce Risks on the Mt. Jade Rear Four Peaks Trail
To mitigate the risks associated with hiking the Mt. Jade Rear Four Peaks, the Yushan National Park Headquarters collaborated with the Chinese Taipei Alpine Association to complete the installation of a reflective trail sign system on December 10, 2024. Starting from Yuanfong Cabin, this system spans 16.5 kilometers, covering routes to Mt. Jade South Peak, Mt. East Xiaonan, Mt. Nanyu, and Mt. Lu, including the branch trail from Mt. East Xiaonan to Mt. Lu. Reflective signs are placed every 100 meters along the trail. By following the sequentially numbered signs, hikers can significantly reduce the likelihood of losing their way. The trail signs also assist in estimating travel time, minimizing risks of late returns or hiking in the dark. In cases of dense fog or night trekking, the reflective properties of the trail signs, combined with headlamps, help ensure proper navigation.
In addition, the Yushan National Park Headquarters partnered with MOI.OSM - Taiwan TOPO to integrate the Mt. Jade Rear Four Peaks trail’s detailed map and mileage data with the on-site trail signage system. This offline map app displays trail sign information in real-time, serving not only as a navigation tool but also as a safety feature. Should an incident occur, hikers can report the specific signage number, providing critical location details to aid in rescue operations. The Yushan National Park Headquarters stated that a robust trail signage system significantly reduces the risk of getting lost. When combined with the practical use of an offline map app, this risk can be minimized to the greatest extent possible.
Preparation is Still Key Before Hiking
The trail signage guidance system for the “Mt. Jade Rear Four Peaks” has been detailed on an interpretation board now posted outside the Yuanfong Cabin. The Yushan National Park Headquarters urges hikers to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the route and ensure they are fully prepared with proper equipment and physical fitness before starting their hike. It is essential to carry location-enabled devices and emergency communication tools (mobile phones, satellite phones, radios, or inReach devices). Additionally, as winter has arrived, frost has been observed in the early mornings at altitudes above 3,000 meters. Hikers are reminded to take extra precautions against the cold and ensure proper layering for warmth to safely complete the formidable challenge of the “Mt. Jade Rear Four Peaks.”