Skyline Trail
All Things To Do
Key Info
Price & Hours
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Introduction to the Skyline Trail
The start of the 5 ½-mile Skyline Trail is near the entrance to the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. It is marked by stone steps inscribed with a quote by John Muir that reads: "… the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wanderings." If you head clockwise, the trail climbs 2 miles to Panorama Point, which rewards hikers with breathtaking views.
Exploring the Trail
Panorama Point
After this stop, the park service advises hikers use the High Skyline Trail to avoid a dangerous icy slope that never melts. This route reconnects with the Skyline above the junction with the Golden Gate trail, which offers an alternative for a shorter hike. Along the way, you can enjoy displays of subalpine wildflowers, Mount Rainier, and the Nisqually Glacier. On a clear day, you might even see peaks as far south as Oregon's Mount Hood.
Scenic Highlights
According to visitors, the hike is well worth the three to five hours it takes to make the round-trip journey, with many calling the views "spectacular." However, reviewers do warn that the trail can get crowded at times and is not suitable for those in poor health. Many hikers advise getting an early start to avoid crowds.
Trail Access and Amenities
Access to the Skyline Trail is included in your park admission. Hikers will find a convenient toilet located at Panorama Point. For more information, including current trail conditions, visit the NPS website.
