West Xue Trail D3 Waypoint
17 Jul 2025 11 waypoints 17 photos 13.63 km
D3 Itinerary
After leaving Cui Pond Hut, we followed the porter for a short stretch at the start, so it kept descending — the old guy could handle it because he's tough and experienced, kids, don't try this at home! After a while, you'll see a pond with a stone cairn in the middle, as shown at Waypoint 39; according to the porter, this pond doesn't always have water — worth a photo. Continue along the trail for about 2.5 hours to reach the Campground below Huoshi Mountain; there's running water nearby, so I'd suggest topping up there, then finding a sheltered spot to drop your pack and go light up Huoshi Mountain.
Huoshi Mountain
Before the Huoshi Mountain Triangulation Point, you pass 2 false peaks — just follow the trail ribbons and you'll get there; the last false peak has a careful steep descent that leads to the triangulation point. If the weather's good, the view here is quite nice, so it's worth a short rest to take it in before heading down.
After descending Huoshi Mountain, put your pack back on and return to the trail. Once you're back on it, just play it straight — follow the ribbons where there are ribbons, follow the trail where there's a trail. Even if a detour seems pointless, there's a reason for it — the original route wasn't passable, that's why you're being routed around. 'Walk the straight path with dignity — fewer people go that way, and the views are better too.' Don't be like the old guy who, thinking he had time to spare, started freelancing his own shortcuts — all that does is waste a lot of time crashing into plants! About 380 meters before reaching today's stop at Danan Mountain West Saddle Campground, as shown at Waypoint 49, there's 'Running water before the campground' — I'd suggest filling up completely here, since you won't be doubling back the next day, and it's downhill into the campground, so you won't want to climb back up for water! Also, Danan Mountain West Saddle Campground isn't only the flat area down below — look carefully and you'll find a path up to a second level, where the higher ground can fit at least two more one-person tents, with shade too; you can cook and rest down below. It's well worth the extra steps up to the higher ground — you won't even have to wait in line for the restroom!
Trail Log
39 This pond doesn't always have waterMentioned in text
3,528 m2,969↓7 min 0 m
40 Continue toward Huoshi Mountain
3,528 m2,969↓26 min 690 m ↓45 m
42 Toward Huoshi Mountain
3,528 m2,969↓1 h 58 min 4.84 km ↑110 m ↓389 m
43 Campground and water below Huoshi Mountain
3,528 m2,969↓2 min 30 m
44 Toward Huoshi Mountain
3,528 m2,969↓22 min 160 m ↑44 m
45 I detoured to sunbathe on the boulder field — you can head straight this way
3,528 m2,969↓43 min 730 m ↑222 m
46 Huoshi Mountain Triangulation Point
3,528 m2,969↓9 min 80 m
47 Huoshi Mountain false peak
3,528 m2,969↓2 min 0 m
48 Careful steep descent this way — toward the Huoshi Mountain Triangulation Point
3,528 m2,969↓4 h 48 min 5.32 km ↑213 m ↓431 m
49 Running water before the campgroundMentioned in text
3,528 m2,969↓16 min 430 m
50 Danan Mountain West Saddle Campground
3,528 m2,969
Start of record06:40 3517 m 0 km Cui Pond Hut
↓32 min 1.40 km ↑10 m ↓158 m
End of record16:06 3087 m 13.63 km Danan Mountain West Saddle Campground
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