TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters on Wednesday issued new safety recommendations for hikers attempting a one-day ascent of Xueshan, urging those who have not reached Sanliujiu Hut by 11 a.m. to turn back.

The park warned the 14-hour round trip can become dangerous if climbers continue their ascent too late in the day, per CNA. Afternoon fog, rain, and darkness can obscure the trail, increasing the risk of injury, altitude sickness, and hikers getting lost.

Officials said incidents involving disoriented climbers and altitude-related illness have become more frequent, often due to poor planning or ignoring timing recommendations. The park emphasized that turning back at the right time is crucial for personal safety and to avoid the unnecessary deployment of rescue resources.

Xueshan’s main peak trail is the most popular of the eight trails within Shei-Pa National Park, with over 3,000 people attempting a one-day climb annually. However, park authorities noted several cases where climbers, despite poor weather and late starts, chose to press on, often resulting in emergencies.

In one recent incident, climbers arrived at Qika Hut located around the 2-kilometer mark, at 11:30 a.m. during drizzle and attempted to continue upward despite warnings from hut staff. The group later lost its way during descent and required assistance in the dark.

The full trail covers approximately 22 km with a total elevation of 3,500 meters, making it both physically demanding and risky. The park noted that sudden changes in weather, including heavy rain and thick fog in the afternoon, can significantly impair climbers' senses.

To discourage reckless behavior, the park said that any individual who ignores the advice of hut staff or volunteers and subsequently requires rescue will be subject to a three-year ban from applying for mountain entry permits.