Skyline Trail
About This Trail
Skyline Trail is a very strenuous route, which provides quick access to mountains in the Mystery Creek Unit of the Kenai Wilderness. The trail begins in forest and emerges above treeline in about ¾ of a mile; it gradually disappears about 1 ¼ mile from the trailhead in a beautiful alpine area. Hikes to the tops of several nearby
peaks are possible, but the area is steep and rocky. This hike is short, but difficult, and recommended only for hearty hikers. That being said, I have seen 6 year olds climb it with little issue who have hiked a good portion of their lives. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
SCENIC VIEWS: Spectacular views of the Kenai Mountains, the Kenai Peninsula lowlands and Cook Inlet are available above timberline. Mt. McKinley (Denali) is visible to the north from the mountains on clear days.
CAMPING: There are no established campsites along the trail, but a number of suitable camping areas can be found. Above timberline no firewood is available and backpacking stoves are a necessity. After snow melts, little or no water
is available.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Berry picking above timberline can be good during late summer. During mid-summer wildflowers are abundant along the trail. Dall sheep, moose, and brown bear sightings are possible on this hike.
WINTER ACTIVITIES: The trail is too steep for skiing and presents challenging snowshoeing. Winter travel in the area is not recommended due to possible avalanche hazard.
Trail Features
| Surface type | Dirt |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 1,800 ft. |
| Stroller friendly | No |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | No |
| Bathrooms | No |
| Cell reception | Spotty |
| Pet friendly | No |
| Nearby convenience store | No |
| Camping Nearby | No |
| Emergency support within 5 miles |
No |
Trail highlights
Other Trails in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Fee & Parking Details
The parking area is on the south side of the road and the trailhead begins on the north side to the left of the guardrail.
Trail Contributor
Lacey Stock is the Kenai Peninsula Branch Ambassador (16,000 square miles) in Alaska for Hike it Baby. She is also a volunteer on the Technical Support Team and Calendar Team for Hike it Baby. She has visited 49 out of the 50 United States and hopes to hit Hawaii in the near future. She has enjoyed hiking all her life and hopes to instill that same value and love in her three daughters (Rebekah (6), Hannah (4), and Esther (2).) Originally from Katy Texas (Near Houston), she now resides in Nikiski Alaska. Lacey owns her own yoga studio and volunteers on two local boards (Kenai Little League and Nikiski Senior Service Area). She also is a fulltime college student currently with a Associates of Technology in Process Technology and pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Social Sciences with concentrations in Anthropology, Government & Political Science, and Economics. She is a homeschooling mom as well and loves to take her kiddos on “fieldtrips” around the country where you can almost always find them hiking during the trip.
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Weather
Trail Map
Getting There
Skyline trailhead is located at mile 61.0 on the Sterling Highway.
About The Guide