Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park: Hike to Panorama Point & Paradise Meadows

Mountain Rainier from the Skyline Trail in Paradise Valley, Mt Rainier National Park, Washington | Stephen Moehle

The Skyline Trail is one of the signature hikes in Mount Rainier National Park. Beginning at Paradise, the route climbs through famous wildflower meadows toward Panorama Point, where sweeping views extend across glaciers, valleys, and several of the great volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest.

The trail is not particularly long, but it is steep enough to feel like a real mountain hike. Over roughly five to five-and-a-half miles, hikers gain about 1,700 feet of elevation while moving from developed Paradise through subalpine meadows and into increasingly rugged terrain near the edge of Mount Rainier’s glaciers and permanent snowfields.

Few day hikes provide such an impressive variety of scenery in such a compact distance.

Wildflowers cover the lower slopes during summer. Hoary marmots whistle from rocks. Nisqually Glacier stretches down the mountain. Waterfalls tumble through the Paradise meadows. Higher on the trail, vegetation becomes sparse while Mount Rainier seems to fill the entire sky.

For first-time visitors capable of handling the elevation gain, the Skyline Trail is one of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park on foot.

โšก Skyline Trail Fast Facts

DetailInformation
LocationParadise, Mount Rainier National Park
DistanceAbout 5โ€“5.5 miles round trip
Elevation gainAbout 1,700 feet
DifficultyStrenuous
Trail typeLoop
Starting elevationAbout 5,400 feet
Highest major viewpointPanorama Point, about 6,800 feet
Best seasonGenerally summer through early fall
Best forMountain views, glaciers, wildflowers and wildlife
Major attractionPanorama Point
WildlifeMarmots, deer, pikas, mountain goats and occasional black bears
WildflowersExcellent during midsummer
DogsNot permitted on the trail
Time neededRoughly 3โ€“5 hours for many hikers

Distance can vary slightly depending on side trails, snow detours, and exactly which Paradise trail connections you use.

Conditions also change dramatically throughout the season. A straightforward summer trail can still involve deep snow earlier in the year.

๐Ÿ”๏ธ Where Is the Skyline Trail?

The Skyline Trail begins at Paradise, one of the main visitor areas on the southern side of Mount Rainier National Park.

Paradise sits roughly 5,400 feet above sea level and is surrounded by subalpine meadows directly beneath the upper mountain.

The Paradise trail network begins close to the visitor center and historic Paradise Inn.

Several trails overlap and intersect around the lower meadows, so hikers may see signs pointing toward Skyline Trail, Myrtle Falls, Alta Vista, Glacier Vista, and Panorama Point.

The main loop eventually returns to the Paradise visitor area.

๐ŸŒ„ Why Hike the Skyline Trail?

The Skyline Trail combines many of Mount Rainier’s defining features in one hike.

You walk through wildflower meadows.

Pass waterfalls.

See marmots and other mountain wildlife.

Look toward glaciers.

Climb into increasingly alpine terrain.

And reach one of the best easily accessible panoramic viewpoints on the mountain.

The trail also keeps Mount Rainier remarkably close throughout much of the hike.

On many mountain trails, the summit remains distant.

Here, the mountain grows larger with almost every step.

๐Ÿฅพ How Difficult Is the Skyline Trail?

Skyline is best described as strenuous but achievable for reasonably fit hikers.

The mileage is moderate.

The elevation gain is what makes it challenging.

Roughly 1,700 feet of climbing over about five miles means several sections are consistently steep.

There are also high-elevation factors to consider.

The trail begins above 5,000 feet and climbs significantly higher.

Visitors arriving from sea level may notice that breathing becomes more difficult during steep sections.

Add strong sun, snow, wind, or cold, and the same hike can feel much harder than its statistics suggest.

โฑ๏ธ How Long Does the Skyline Trail Take?

Many hikers need approximately three to five hours to complete the loop.

Strong hikers may finish faster.

Photographers and wildlife watchers may take considerably longer.

There is little reason to rush.

The trail contains numerous viewpoints, flowers, wildlife opportunities, and places where the scenery changes dramatically.

Allow additional time if you plan to stop frequently at Panorama Point or explore side trails around Paradise.

Starting early also provides a margin in case weather or snow slows your pace.

๐Ÿ”„ Which Direction Should You Hike?

The Skyline Trail can be completed in either direction.

Many hikers choose to travel clockwise, climbing toward Panorama Point through the steeper western side and descending through the eastern meadow system.

Others prefer counterclockwise because it spreads portions of the climb differently.

There is no universally correct direction.

Trail conditions may also influence the choice, particularly when snow remains across sections of the loop.

If park signs indicate a recommended route or seasonal detour, follow the current guidance rather than relying entirely on an older hiking description.

๐ŸŒผ Begin in the Paradise Meadows

The hike begins among the famous Paradise meadows.

During peak summer, this lower portion of the trail may be filled with lupines, paintbrush, bistort, asters, and other mountain flowers.

Mount Rainier rises immediately above the meadow.

It is tempting to move quickly because the trail’s major destination lies higher up.

Don’t.

The lower section contains some of the best flowers on the entire route and provides a good opportunity to warm up before the steep climbing begins.

For a deeper look at the seasonal displays, see Mount Rainier National Park Wildflowers: Best Places, Peak Bloom & Hiking Guide.

๐Ÿ’ฆ Myrtle Falls

One of the easiest early side trips leads toward Myrtle Falls.

Edith Creek drops roughly 70 feet through the Paradise meadow while Mount Rainier rises behind it.

This is one of the park’s classic photography locations.

Hikers completing the full Skyline loop can incorporate the falls naturally into the trip depending on the exact route followed.

If you visit during wildflower season, the combination of waterfall, meadow, and mountain can be spectacular.

For more waterfall destinations around the park, see Best Waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park: Hikes, Viewpoints & Visitor Guide.

๐ŸŒบ Stay on the Trail

The Paradise meadows are exceptionally fragile.

Snow may cover these slopes for most of the year.

Plants have only a short summer period to grow, flower, reproduce, and store enough energy to survive another winter.

Repeated footsteps damage vegetation and compact soil.

This is why hikers should remain on established trails even when a patch of flowers appears only a few feet away.

Social trails create increasingly large areas of damage as more people follow the same shortcut.

โ›ฐ๏ธ The Climb Begins

Once you leave the lowest Paradise meadows, the trail begins climbing more aggressively.

Switchbacks lead upward while the visitor center gradually becomes smaller behind you.

Views expand across the Nisqually Valley.

Vegetation begins to change.

Tall meadow plants become shorter as elevation increases, while rocks and patches of lingering snow become increasingly common.

Mount Rainier dominates the landscape ahead.

This section is where many hikers first realize that Skyline is considerably more demanding than a casual meadow walk.

๐ŸงŠ Nisqually Glacier Views

The Skyline Trail provides excellent views toward Nisqually Glacier.

The glacier descends the southern side of Mount Rainier into the upper Nisqually River drainage.

Dark lines across the ice may reveal rock and debris transported downhill by the glacier.

Moraines mark places shaped by past ice movement.

Seeing the glacier from the trail provides a useful reminder that Mount Rainier is not simply a snow-covered mountain.

It supports an active system of glaciers that continues reshaping the landscape.

๐ŸŒ‹ Mount Rainier Up Close

The higher you climb, the more massive Mount Rainier appears.

From Seattle or distant viewpoints, the volcano can look graceful and almost symmetrical.

From the Skyline Trail, the mountain becomes much more complicated.

Glaciers fill broad valleys.

Rock ridges divide fields of ice.

Seracs and crevasses may be visible at a distance.

The summit rises thousands of feet above the trail.

This close perspective is one reason Skyline provides such a different experience from simply seeing Mount Rainier from a road.

๐ŸŒ„ Glacier Vista

Glacier Vista provides an excellent intermediate viewpoint.

The area looks toward the Nisqually Glacier and surrounding mountain terrain.

For visitors who decide they do not want to continue all the way to Panorama Point, Glacier Vista can provide a worthwhile turnaround.

This is particularly useful when weather changes or fatigue becomes an issue.

You do not need to complete the full loop for the hike to be successful.

Turning around at the appropriate time is part of responsible mountain travel.

๐Ÿฟ๏ธ Hoary Marmots

Hoary marmots are among the most commonly seen animals on the Skyline Trail.

These large ground squirrels inhabit the rocky slopes and subalpine meadows around Paradise.

They often sit upright on rocks or feed among vegetation.

Their sharp whistles may reveal them before hikers actually see them.

During summer, marmots spend much of their time eating because they must accumulate enough body fat to survive months of winter hibernation.

Give them space even if they appear comfortable around people.

๐Ÿชจ Pikas

Higher rocky areas may contain American pikas.

These small relatives of rabbits live among talus slopes where rocks provide shelter from predators and temperature extremes.

Pikas often reveal themselves through sound.

Listen for short, sharp calls coming from rock piles.

During summer, they collect vegetation and store it among rocks for winter food.

Their high-elevation lifestyle also makes them an important species for scientists studying ecological responses to warming mountain climates.

๐ŸฆŒ Deer

Deer occasionally appear around the Paradise meadows and surrounding slopes.

Animals accustomed to seeing people may seem unusually calm.

That does not make them tame.

Never feed deer or approach them for photographs.

Food-conditioned animals can become aggressive and may spend more time around roads and developed areas.

The healthiest wildlife encounter is one in which the animal continues its normal behavior without responding to you.

๐Ÿป Black Bears

Black bears sometimes forage around Paradise.

Late summer can be particularly important because huckleberries and other foods become abundant.

A bear feeding on a distant slope can be one of the highlights of the Skyline Trail.

Keep at least 100 yards away.

Do not walk closer because other hikers are doing so.

If the bear changes direction, stops feeding, or otherwise reacts to people, increase the distance.

For more about the park’s animals, see Mount Rainier National Park Wildlife: Bears, Elk, Marmots & More.

๐Ÿ Mountain Goats

Mountain goats occupy the park’s high rocky terrain.

They may occasionally be visible from portions of the Skyline Trail or on surrounding ridges.

Their white coats can make them surprisingly difficult to distinguish from snow patches.

Use binoculars to scan distant slopes.

If a goat appears closer to the trail, maintain substantial distance.

Mountain goats are powerful wild animals and should never be approached.

โ„๏ธ Snowfields

Snow often remains on the Skyline Trail well into summer.

During heavy-snow years, substantial sections may still be snow-covered in July.

This can make route-finding more difficult.

Footprints do not necessarily indicate the correct trail.

Snow can also hide steep slopes and trail edges.

Hikers uncomfortable traveling across snow should check current conditions carefully and consider turning around if the route becomes more technical than expected.

๐Ÿงญ Navigation in Snow

One of the biggest challenges of early-season Skyline hiking is navigation.

When the trail disappears beneath snow, normal visual clues vanish.

Fog can make the situation even more difficult.

Do not blindly follow another group’s tracks.

They may be lost too.

Carry a map and know where the established route should be.

If visibility deteriorates badly, descending may be the safest choice.

The trail becomes much simpler once the snow has melted.

๐ŸŒ„ Panorama Point

Panorama Point is the Skyline Trail’s major destination.

Sitting roughly 6,800 feet above sea level, the viewpoint provides broad views south across the Cascade Range.

On clear days, hikers may see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood.

The Nisqually Valley stretches below.

Mount Rainier rises immediately behind.

The combination creates one of the finest easily accessible mountain panoramas anywhere in the park.

๐Ÿ”๏ธ Views From Panorama Point

The name is appropriate.

Instead of one specific attraction, Panorama Point presents an entire mountain landscape.

Look south toward distant volcanoes.

Look down toward valleys and forests.

Turn around and Mount Rainier fills the northern sky.

Glaciers and snowfields extend across the upper mountain.

Spend time here if conditions are comfortable.

This is not a trail where reaching the viewpoint should be followed by immediately checking the destination off a list and leaving.

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Expect Wind and Cold

Panorama Point is much more exposed than the Paradise visitor area.

Wind can be strong even when conditions below seem calm.

Temperatures can also feel dramatically colder.

Bring a warm layer and wind protection.

Sun exposure works in the opposite direction.

On clear days, reflected light from snowfields can make the higher trail surprisingly hot and bright.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are important even during cool weather.

๐Ÿฅช Taking a Break at Panorama Point

Panorama Point makes an obvious lunch stop, but secure all food carefully.

Do not feed marmots, birds, squirrels, or other wildlife.

A few crumbs may seem harmless, but animals quickly learn where hikers gather.

Once wildlife associates people with food, natural behavior changes.

Carry out every wrapper and food scrap.

Leave the viewpoint as you found it.

๐Ÿชจ Above Panorama Point

Depending on the exact Skyline route and seasonal conditions, hikers can continue through higher terrain before beginning the descent.

This section tends to feel more alpine than the lower Paradise meadows.

Vegetation is sparse.

Rock and snow become more dominant.

The contrast illustrates how rapidly environmental conditions change over only a few hundred feet of elevation.

Do not wander toward glaciers or permanent snowfields outside established routes unless you have the necessary mountaineering skills.

๐ŸงŠ Don’t Walk Onto Glaciers

Mount Rainier’s glaciers may look accessible from the trail.

They are not ordinary snowfields.

Glaciers contain crevasses, unstable snow bridges, icefall, and other serious hazards.

Technical glacier travel requires specialized equipment, route knowledge, and crevasse-rescue skills.

Ordinary Skyline hikers should remain on the established trail system.

The trail provides extraordinary glacier views without requiring anyone to step onto the ice.

๐ŸŒฟ Descending Through Paradise

As you descend, vegetation gradually becomes more abundant again.

The harsh alpine environment gives way to subalpine meadow.

Depending on your route, the descent may pass creeks, waterfalls, flower fields, and additional views across Paradise.

Descending is physically easier for the cardiovascular system but can be harder on knees and ankles.

Take controlled steps rather than rushing downhill.

Trekking poles may be helpful.

๐Ÿ’ฆ Paradise River and Mountain Streams

Small streams drain the slopes around Paradise.

Some emerge directly from melting snow.

Others become part of larger river systems farther downhill.

During peak snowmelt, water can be surprisingly abundant.

Cross streams only where the established trail directs.

Do not create shortcuts around muddy areas, because repeated detours widen trails and damage adjacent meadow vegetation.

Water is part of the trail environment rather than an inconvenience to avoid at any cost.

๐ŸŒธ Best Time for Wildflowers

Wildflowers typically provide their strongest display sometime during midsummer, but there is no guaranteed date.

A heavy winter can delay snowmelt.

Warm spring weather can move flowering earlier.

Different elevations bloom at different times.

Visitors who arrive while Paradise is partly snowy may find excellent flowers at lower elevation.

Those arriving after the lowest meadows have faded may find better displays farther uphill.

The season moves across the mountain rather than arriving everywhere simultaneously.

๐ŸŒบ Flowers You May See

Common Paradise wildflowers can include lupines, paintbrush, American bistort, avalanche lilies, asters, heathers, monkeyflowers, arnica, and other species.

Early-season plants often emerge very quickly after snowmelt.

Later flowers replace them as summer progresses.

Knowing even a handful of species makes the hike more interesting.

Instead of seeing one generic meadow, you begin noticing how different plants occupy wet areas, dry slopes, snowmelt zones, and rocky ground.

๐Ÿ‚ Skyline Trail in Fall

Early fall can be beautiful.

Huckleberry shrubs and other meadow vegetation begin turning red, orange, and gold.

Crowds gradually decline.

Cooler temperatures can make climbing more comfortable.

The major concern is changing weather.

Snow can return surprisingly early.

Days become shorter.

Morning ice may develop on shaded sections.

Carry warmer clothing and be prepared to change plans if conditions deteriorate.

๐ŸŒท Skyline Trail in Spring

Spring is a relative concept at Paradise.

While low elevations may be green, the Skyline Trail can remain buried under many feet of snow.

Early-season hiking may resemble winter travel rather than summer hiking.

Visitors without snow-navigation experience should not assume the trail is appropriate simply because Paradise Road is open.

Lower-elevation hikes are often a better choice until the route begins melting out.

โ„๏ธ Skyline Trail in Winter

During winter, Paradise becomes a deep-snow environment.

The ordinary summer trail is no longer an ordinary hiking route.

Snowshoeing and winter travel require awareness of avalanche terrain, weather, navigation, and rapidly changing snow conditions.

Do not rely on summer trail descriptions for winter planning.

A place that feels friendly and crowded during August can become serious mountain terrain under winter snow.

โ˜€๏ธ Best Time of Day to Hike Skyline

Early morning is generally the best choice.

Parking is easier.

The trail is quieter.

Temperatures are cooler during the climb.

Mount Rainier may be clearer before afternoon clouds develop.

Wildlife may also be more active.

An early start gives you additional time if the hike takes longer than expected.

Even if you prefer afternoon photography, beginning before the busiest part of the day usually creates a more enjoyable experience.

โ˜๏ธ Mount Rainier Makes Its Own Weather

The mountain is large enough to influence local weather.

A clear morning can become cloudy by afternoon.

Fog may appear suddenly.

Wind can increase.

Rain or even snow is possible during seasons when lowlands feel warm.

Always carry layers and rain protection.

Do not assume a forecast for nearby towns accurately represents conditions at Panorama Point.

Mountain weather should be treated as its own system.

๐ŸŒง๏ธ Should You Hike Skyline in the Rain?

Light rain does not automatically make the trail unusable.

Meadows can look beautiful in mist, and crowds may be smaller.

However, heavy rain, strong wind, poor visibility, thunderstorms, snow, or icy conditions may justify choosing a lower trail instead.

The main attraction of Skyline is expansive scenery.

If the entire mountain is hidden in dense cloud, a forest or waterfall hike elsewhere in the park may provide a better experience.

๐ŸŒฉ๏ธ Thunderstorms

Exposed mountain terrain provides little protection during lightning.

If thunderstorms threaten, avoid high ridges and exposed viewpoints.

Do not continue climbing simply because Panorama Point is close.

Weather safety matters more than finishing a loop.

Starting early helps reduce the chance of being caught high on the mountain during afternoon storms.

๐ŸŽ’ What to Bring

Bring more than you would for an ordinary five-mile neighborhood walk.

Carry plenty of water.

Bring food.

Pack a waterproof layer and something warm.

Use sunscreen and sunglasses.

Wear footwear with good traction.

Bring basic navigation and a headlamp.

A small first-aid kit is also useful.

Trekking poles can make both the climb and descent more comfortable.

If snow remains, equipment requirements may change substantially.

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Do not assume mountain streams provide automatically safe drinking water.

Carry enough water for the hike or bring appropriate treatment equipment.

The climb to Panorama Point can feel hot and exposed during sunny weather.

Hydrate before you become thirsty.

A five-mile mountain hike with nearly 1,700 feet of climbing generally requires more water than a flat trail of similar distance.

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ What Shoes Should You Wear?

During dry midsummer conditions, sturdy trail-running shoes or hiking boots generally work well.

Traction matters more when snow, mud, or wet rock is present.

Avoid relying on smooth-soled casual shoes.

The trail contains steep sections where footing becomes important, particularly during the descent.

Check current conditions before deciding whether traction devices or more specialized snow equipment may be appropriate.

๐Ÿ“ท Photography on the Skyline Trail

Skyline is one of the park’s premier photography routes.

Use a wide angle for Mount Rainier and meadow landscapes.

A telephoto lens helps photograph wildlife while maintaining proper distance.

Myrtle Falls provides classic waterfall compositions.

Panorama Point works well for broad Cascade views.

Wildflowers offer excellent foreground subjects during summer.

Clouds are not always a problem.

Broken cloud around Mount Rainier can create much more dramatic images than an empty blue sky.

๐ŸŒ… Sunrise and Early-Morning Photography

Early light can illuminate Mount Rainier beautifully.

Meadow vegetation may hold dew.

Marmots and other wildlife can be more active.

The trail is also significantly quieter.

If arriving very early, bring a headlamp and be prepared for cold temperatures.

Paradise can feel surprisingly chilly before sunlight reaches the slopes.

๐ŸŒ‡ Evening on the Skyline Trail

Late-day light can be equally beautiful.

Wildflower meadows warm in color.

Mount Rainier may glow near sunset.

Visitor numbers often decrease.

However, hikers need to calculate their return carefully.

Carry a headlamp and enough warm clothing to handle a rapid temperature drop after sunset.

Do not rely on a phone flashlight as your only light source.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Can Families Hike the Skyline Trail?

Active families with older children who already have hiking experience may enjoy the full Skyline Trail.

For younger children or families uncertain about the elevation gain, Paradise offers excellent shorter alternatives.

Walk to Myrtle Falls.

Try Nisqually Vista.

Explore lower meadow trails.

Climb toward Alta Vista and turn around whenever the group has had enough.

A shorter successful family hike is better than forcing everyone through a strenuous loop.

๐ŸŒ„ Nisqually Vista as an Easier Alternative

The Nisqually Vista Trail provides excellent mountain and glacier views over roughly 1.2 miles.

It begins at Paradise and travels through subalpine meadow.

The elevation gain is much easier than Skyline.

This makes it a strong choice for visitors with limited time, young children, or mobility concerns that make steep climbing difficult.

You still get wildflowers, Mount Rainier scenery, and views toward the Nisqually Glacier.

โ›ฐ๏ธ Alta Vista as a Middle Option

Alta Vista provides a useful compromise.

The route climbs considerably higher than the easiest Paradise walks but does not require completing the entire Skyline loop.

Views expand quickly.

Wildflowers can be excellent during summer.

Hikers uncertain about Skyline can begin climbing and make Alta Vista their destination.

If everyone still feels strong and conditions are favorable, the group can decide whether to continue farther.

๐Ÿ• Are Dogs Allowed?

Pets are generally not permitted on hiking trails within Mount Rainier National Park, including the Skyline Trail.

Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles while hiking, particularly during warm weather.

Visitors traveling with dogs should review current park pet regulations and plan activities around areas where animals are legally permitted.

Service animals are treated separately under applicable accessibility rules.

๐Ÿš— Parking at Paradise

Paradise is extremely popular.

Parking can become difficult during busy summer weekends and holidays.

Arrive early whenever possible.

Parking only in designated spaces protects vegetation and keeps emergency and traffic routes open.

Do not build a tight schedule that assumes you will arrive during the busiest part of the day and immediately find a space beside the visitor center.

๐Ÿž๏ธ Paradise Visitor Area

Paradise contains visitor facilities that make Skyline easier to plan than many remote hikes.

Restrooms, interpretive information, and seasonal visitor services are available in the area.

The historic Paradise Inn also sits nearby.

However, services change seasonally.

Carry what you need for the hike rather than assuming every facility or food option will be open.

๐Ÿพ Practice Leave No Trace

Carry out all trash.

Stay on established trails.

Do not pick wildflowers.

Never feed wildlife.

Do not build rock stacks or alter natural features.

Respect trail closures and restoration areas.

Paradise receives enormous numbers of visitors.

Small irresponsible actions become significant when repeated thousands of times.

Protecting this landscape requires every visitor to minimize their impact.

โš ๏ธ Know When to Turn Around

Skyline is a loop, but completing the loop is never mandatory.

Turn around if weather deteriorates.

Turn around if snow becomes unsafe.

Turn around if someone in the group becomes exhausted.

Turn around if daylight is running out.

Panorama Point will still be there another day.

Mountain hiking rewards judgment far more than stubbornness.

๐Ÿ† Is the Skyline Trail Worth It?

Absolutely.

For hikers physically prepared for the climb, Skyline delivers one of the most complete experiences in Mount Rainier National Park.

The trail begins in famous Paradise meadows.

Wildflowers surround the lower route.

Marmots whistle from the slopes.

Waterfalls tumble through creeks.

Glaciers fill enormous valleys.

Mount Rainier grows larger with every step.

Then Panorama Point opens views across the Cascades.

Few five-mile hikes contain this much variety.

๐ŸŒฒ Final Thoughts

The Skyline Trail is more than a route to Panorama Point.

It is a journey through the ecological layers of Mount Rainier.

You begin among subalpine flowers and meadow vegetation.

Climb past marmots and mountain streams.

Look down toward glaciers.

Move into increasingly rocky terrain.

Reach a high viewpoint surrounded by some of the greatest mountain scenery in Washington.

Then descend again into the living meadows below.

That transition is what makes Skyline special.

Take your time.

Stop for the wildflowers.

Listen for marmots.

Look toward the Nisqually Glacier.

Watch clouds moving across Mount Rainier.

Spend more than a few minutes at Panorama Point.

And when you return through the Paradise meadows, remember how short their summer really is.

For much of the year, these trails disappear beneath snow.

For a few remarkable months, they offer one of the finest day hikes in the national park system.

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๐Ÿ“š Sources & Further Reading