The Rhino Rock Hike is a short but adventurous trail that leads you to a large rock shaped like a rhino! Located on the Bluff Head peninsula at Stanley, Rhino Rock is probably the furthest us civilians can get to before reaching the gates of the Chek Chue Barracks (Stanley Barracks).

Its appeal lies not only in its unique shape but also in the stunning views of Tai Tam Bay from the hillside. Although the trail is very short (less than a kilometre each way), it is completely unmarked and challenging to navigate. However, if you are good with directions and comfortable following ribbon markers, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way.

So, with that out of the way, let’s find out how to reach this incredibly unique rock.

Rhino Rock Hike Map

As mentioned, the Rhino Rock hike is short, and relatively easy. There are certain sections of the trail that are extremely steep, or challenging to navigate thanks to the lack of any signs.

But thanks to ribbon markers, and other hikers on the trail, you should be able to navigate yourself to Rhino Rock.

Also, in this guide, we’ll highlight an alternative route to the Rhino Rock that does not involve climbing to Che Pau Teng, and approaches the rock from the south side. However, there’s a lot of bushwhacking on this alternative route.

And finally, before we move onto the guide, a few pieces of advice for this hike:

1. Wear comfortable, hiking shoes. It can get slippery.
2. As the Rhino Rock is on the eastern face of the hill, try to get to it by morning / early afternoon. By the evening the sun begins to set behind the hill.

Starting Point

The Rhino Rock Hike starts from the end of Wong Ma Kok Road in Stanley. To arrive here, you can either take bus 14 (from Sai Wan Ho) or 6A (from Central Exchange Square).

Take either of these buses to Stanley Fort, which should be the last stop.

The Stanley Fort bus stop on Wong Ma Kok Road is your starting point for the Rhino Rock hike.

You could also walk to the starting point from the Stanley Market, but keep in mind that the walk is about 2 km long and will take you approximately 30 minutes. That’s why I’d advise taking the bus.

Stanley Fort Bus Stop to Che Pau Teng

Once you reach the Stanley Fort bus stop, look for the steps on the side of the hill, before the gate to Stanley Barracks.

The entrance leads you to a short but slightly steep climb up these steps. Over the years, these steps have undergone significant wear and tear, and the last time I was there, they were quite challenging.

The steps have become uneven, loosen, or in some cases fallen off exposing the iron rods below. So, needless to say, be careful while climbing and coming back down. However, while climbing, you can take advantage of the slope on the side of the steps.

At the end of the steps, the trail curves left and flattens. Way for a few metres, and you may notice an unmarked trail on the right-hand side. This is the alternative route to Rhino Rock.

Click the accordion below if you wish to learn more about this route.

Else, if you want to take the regular route, keep walking on the paved trail, as it gradually heads uphill and finally reaches Che Pau Teng.

From the triangulation station on top of this short hill, the trail continues through the bushes on the right-hand side.

And it’s also about to get more challenging.

Che Pau Teng to The Large Outcrop

To continue along the Rhino Rock trail, enter the bushes to the right of the triangulation station and exit on the other side of the hill.

You will immediately reach the steepest, most eroded section of the path. Use the rope to descend carefully.

After the trail turns right and continues its descent, look for the colorful ribbon markers that lead toward Rhino Rock. Be cautious, as certain sections of the trail are quite slippery.

You may choose to stop and take advantage of the many vantage points from where you can admire the views. On the left, there’s Stanley Prison, and in the front Tai Tam Bay and Shek O Country Park — where the Dragon’s Back and Cape D’Aguilar are located.

Keep following the trail as it heads downhill, and approaches a massive outcrop.

Final Section To Rhino Rock

In my opinion, crossing the outcrop is one of the toughest parts of the trail. The path narrows as it cuts between the rocks, so proceed slowly and use your hands for balance during the descent.

As you exit the outcrop, you’ll encounter a short but steep path that leads onto a flat, rocky area. On the left of this area, lies Rhino Rock.

The Rhino Rock

Although many hikers like to mount the rhino, I choose to admire it from a distance. But if you do plan on climbing it, be extremely careful.

I love honestly love how nature shapes these rocks to resemble creatures in real life. And Hong Kong has quite a few of these unique shaped rocks. Don’t believe me, check out the Shark Rock!

After you’re done admiring Rhino Rock, I highly recommend taking in the beauty of Tai Tam Bay.

End The Hike

Sadly, there’s only one way to end the Rhino Rock Hike, and that is to retrace your steps back to the Stanley Fort bus stop.

 

I did feel that climbing back up was much easier, which is usually is on such unmarked and steep slopes.

Rhino Rock Trail, Stanley

I hope you enjoyed this simple hiking guide to the Rhino Rock. It’s definitely a short but adventurous hike in Stanley. On your way back, I highly recommend stopping at Stanley to explore it.

If you enjoyed this, I would highly recommend checking two more unique rock formations — Devil’s Paw and Snoopy Rock. Both are accessible via a similar hike on the adjacent Chung Hom Kok Peninsula in Stanley.

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