Access After the 2024 Quake in Taroko Gorge
Part of the Taroko Gorge travel guide — see every topic in All Taroko Gorge Guides.
On 3 April 2024, a strong earthquake struck off the coast of Hualien County. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration measured it at magnitude 7.2, the strongest in Taiwan for about 25 years. Inside Taroko National Park, the shaking set off large rockfalls and landslides. Roads, tunnels and trails were damaged, and many areas closed. Repair work has continued since then, and storms have caused more damage. Access keeps changing. This guide explains the situation in general terms. It does not say that any trail is open. Always check the Taroko National Park website before you go.
What happened
The earthquake hit in the morning, when visitors and workers were already in the gorge. Rocks fell onto the main road through the park, Provincial Highway 8, and onto several trails. People were trapped for a time in parts of the park and had to be rescued. In the days after, the park closed most of its trails and scenic spots for safety checks. Later in 2024, typhoons brought heavy rain to the same slopes. Loose rock from the earthquake made new slides more likely. For this reason, some areas that reopened for a time had to close again.
Why access keeps changing
Taroko is a narrow marble canyon with walls that rise hundreds of metres above the road. After a big earthquake, the rock on these walls stays cracked and loose for a long time. Rain, aftershocks and typhoons can bring down more rock without warning. Park staff and road engineers inspect each section, clear debris, add rock nets and shelters, and then decide whether it is safe. This work is slow and depends on the weather. As a result, a place may be open one month and closed the next. Opening hours, vehicle rules and visitor limits may also change.
How to check before you go
Before you plan your days, check the official Taroko National Park website. It lists which trails and scenic spots are open, closed or partly open, and any rules such as limited hours or permit needs. For roads, check the Highway Bureau's road condition information for Highway 8 and Highway 9. Check again the day before and on the morning of your visit, because notices can change quickly after rain. The Taroko Visitor Center, near the park entrance, can also give current advice in person. If the information you find is old or unclear, assume a place is closed.
Staying safe in the park
Follow every closure sign and never cross a barrier, even if other people do. Closed trails may look fine at the start but have hidden damage further in. Do not stop under steep rock walls or in tunnels longer than you need to. Before the earthquake, the park often advised visitors to wear helmets in rockfall areas, and helmets may be required or provided in some places. Stay out of the gorge during heavy rain, typhoon warnings and earthquake aftershocks. Keep your phone charged and know the emergency number, 119. Tell your hotel your plan for the day.
Planning around closures
Plan your Hualien trip so it still works if much of the gorge is closed. The Pacific coast near Hualien, the Qingshui Cliffs viewpoints when the road is open, the East Rift Valley and the city itself all make good alternatives. Book flexible hotels where you can, and keep one spare day in case of rain. If you join a tour, ask the operator exactly which places they will visit and what happens if a site is closed on the day. Check the news and the park website again on the morning of each day. Most of all, keep expectations open and enjoy what is accessible.
Access After the 2024 Quake at a glance
| Check first | Taroko National Park website: current open and closed areas |
|---|---|
| Roads | Highway Bureau road conditions for Highway 8 and Highway 9 |
| Emergency | Call 119 for fire and ambulance |
| Visitor centre | Near the park entrance; ask for current advice |
| Best time | Dry days only; avoid rain, typhoon warnings and aftershocks |