60 Stone Mountain is 1 of 3 areas in Taiwan that have become popular for the lilies that bloom between July and September each year (Taimali, Chike, and 60 Stone). Similar to Taimali Mountain, climb #22 on this list, 60 Stone deserves its own fame as a cycling destination. While this climb lacks some of the elevation or length of other famous Taiwanese climbs, it packs enough beauty and punch to easily make it worth the trip if you are looking to enjoy a day of suffering in the East Rift Valley (ERV).
The turn for this climb is marked by a large lily statue at the 308 km marker of highway 9. From there it is around a 10 km and 730m climb to the summit. As the ERV sits well above sea level, this climb peaks at more than 900 m on the Seaboard Mountain Range, so bring a jacket. Anyone who has passed this mountain will also notice that it seems to have its own weather system and is trapped in a cloud almost every day…better make it a warm jacket!
There seems to be some disagreement regarding the name of this mountain. Either the 60 stone refers to the higher than average crop yield these fields produced during the Japanese colonial period (60 “dan” as opposed to the usual 40-50 of other areas), or the existence of 60 large rocks that were found after Japanese loggers cleared the mountain of Camphor trees. Some great storytelling and marketing potential either way!
One could easily tack this climb onto a round island trip, or more likely start from Yuli, Chishang, or Dongzhu which is the closest station. While the lilies will be in bloom during the mid to late summer, it is recommended to avoid this time as there will be practically no traffic, and arguably just as enjoyable views.
This climb has 13 sharp switchbacks and can be broken down into 3 main sections. The first 3 km is a tortuous wall which quickly sends you onto some balcony views of the Huadong Valley below. If you are lucky enough to be there during clear weather you will be rewarded by some of the best possible views of the ERV rice fields and central mountain range. The steepness of the first 3 km makes the next 5 km chunk feel almost effortless as you wind your way up the mountain and into the lily fields. This effortless feeling will quickly evaporate when getting a glimpse of the final summit push.
This final 2 km is a poorly surfaced test of will and the lack of trees mixed with extreme weather gives it the feeling of a true high altitude climb. A sharp right turn brings you to the final 100m grind and the base of a small hiking trail for lily and sunset viewers. Some great views and a lego themed pagoda await.
From the top you have the choice of descending the same route, or continuing toward Yuli via a small road, which at the time this article was written was closed due to construction. Numerous earthquakes and heavy rains have left many side roads in this part of the ERV unpassable, so use caution….and disc brakes.
60 Stone Mountain is an absolutely stunning climb and should not be missed by any serious cyclists with the time and legs passing through one of the most beautiful parts of Taiwan.
