Best trails near Alta Vista
4.8(44,195 reviews)
Want to check out Alta Vista from the trail? Good news: 14 trails will you get you there, including hiking and snowshoeing trails. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors in other ways, AllTrails has 23 scenic trails in the Alta Vista area. Plan your trip with hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Looking for a challenge? Choose from 14 moderate or hard routes. No matter how you like to get out in nature, the trails through Alta Vista are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Top trails
1
(21020)
•Hard
•5.6 mi
•Est. 3h 29m
The Skyline Trail is the most popular route out of Paradise on the southern side of Mount Rainier. This loop has something for everyone: lush vegetation, glacier views, rivers, waterfalls, and incredible views of the surrounding area.
This “choose your own adventure” hike can be done in several ways. The loop can be done in either direction, but many people choose the clockwise route. If you’re not interested in doing the full loop, many hikers make it to Panorama Point before turning around...
2
(7484)
•Hard
•3.9 mi
•Est. 2h 31m
This is a popular trail year-round and follows the Skyline Trail to Panorama Point and features breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains. In the winter, the road to the trailhead is usually closed, meaning you will have to add a few more to this hike by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along the road.
3
(6240)
•Hard
•4.7 mi
•Est. 3h 3m
The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular trails on the southern side of Mount Rainier. The trail climbs a ridge line to Glacier Vista and Panorama Point, two viewpoints that offer beautiful views of glaciers, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding mountain landscape. These are great spots to stop for a break, take in the scenery, and have a snack. The trail continues along the Upper Skyline Trail before joining the Golden Gate Trail, and takes you past Golden Gate and Myrtle Falls. Rejoin the...
4
(2983)
•Hard
•8.9 mi
•Est. 7h 28m
The Camp Muir Route via Skyline Trail is the most popular route to begin Mount Rainier summit expeditions. It is also one of the most popular trails in Mount Rainier National Park. The trail takes you to the primary base camp.
A climbing permit is required if you plan to travel about 10,000 feet or over any glaciers. More information on climbing in Mount Rainier National Park can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/climbing.htm
5
(1519)
•Moderate
•2.9 mi
•Est. 2h 11m
Glacier Vista is a viewpoint that provides incredible views of the Nisqually Glacier. Follow the Avalanche Lily Trail to the Dead Horse Creek Trail. Continue along the Skyline Trail to the Glacier Vista Trail. Descend the Skyline Trail back down to the trailhead to complete the loop.
This is a busy trailhead, so plan to arrive early, especially on summer weekends.
6
(1076)
•Hard
•8.5 mi
•Est. 7h 21m
Skiing the Muir Snowfield on Mt. Rainier
The Muir Snowfield on the south-east flank of Mt. Rainier offers some of the longest ski descents in the Cascades during the winter, spring and early summer. Starting at Paradise at 5400 feet, backcountry skiers and riders can climb up to Camp Muir at over 10,000 ft and enjoy the broad snowfield as they carve turns down its moderate slopes back to Paradise. In the winter, the snowfield is often in the clouds on snowy days so pick your weather and...
7
(803)
•Moderate
•1.6 mi
•Est. 1h 3m
This trail is short and steep, but the views are worth the effort. From the Alta Vista viewpoint, enjoy beautiful views are Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife along this trail, including marmots and deer. This is a busy trail, so going in the off-season is a good option if you are looking for more solitude. This trail is also popular for snowshoeing in the winter.
8
(754)
•Moderate
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1h 25m
This is a popular trail that leaves from the Paradise Inn area. The trail is short but steep, and mostly paved. There is little shade along the route, so it is recommended to start early in the morning (this is a great place to catch the sunrise) and bring plenty of water. There are beautiful views of Mount Rainier, glaciers, and the surrounding landscape. There are many nearby side trails and options to turn this into a longer hike or a loop if you are looking for something more challenging.
9
(413)
•Hard
•5.2 mi
•Est. 3h 18m
This is a beautiful looped trail that is similar to the famous Skyline Trail, but it's a shorter route that uses the Golden Gate Trail.
Start from Paradise Inn and go either clockwise or counter-clockwise. You first witness the picturesque Myrtle Falls, walk through gorgeous meadows with wildflowers and the incredible Mount Rainier in the backdrop. After the paved paths, the trail will get drastically more challenging, taking you through some steep switchbacks, up to some rocky cliffs at...
10
(588)
•Hard
•14.5 mi
Three day climb via Camp Muir, Ingraham Glacier and Disappointment Cleaver.
This is one of the standard routes up Mt. Rainier. You will ascent the Muir Glacier to Camp Muir and spend the 1st night there. Then you will continue on to the Ingraham Glacier campsite which is just another 1,000 feet above Muir. There you will spend one more short night to acclimatize before leaving camp around 2am in the morning for an early summit bid. You will ascend Dissapointment Cleaver and hopefully...
Trail reviews for Alta Vista
From beginning to end, the trail is covered in snow! It’s pretty easy to get lost or fall from the trail. But it was so peaceful!
Parking: Permit required, Medium lot
Skyline Loop
Still lots of snow! The views were beautiful.
Conditions: Snow
Panorama Point via Skyline Trail
Was snow covered, but we were able to complete most the of the skyline loop with hiking boots. Could’ve used poles and crampons. We spent a lot of time off trail following the major footsteps. We had to go up a pretty steep climb, but it wasn’t too bad. The bottom half of the skyline loop was out because the bridge was accessible so we ended up cutting by the Golden Gate Falls Trail.
Difficulty: Hard
Skyline, Glacier Vista, Upper Skyline and Golden Gate Loop
May 5, 2025 Did this as first leg of a Rainier climb, so one way to Camp Muir (but with a 40 pound pack). Snow right from parking lot, definitely a slog.
Conditions: Snow
Parking: Large lot
Difficulty: Hard
Still covered in snow but well marked off and great views!
Difficulty: Moderate
Around this time of year the snow pack is at its lowest. That makes for an easier ascent if you're not wearing snowshoes. This is a really tough trail due to the altitude and elevation gain. Would only recommend to people in very good shape. The views from base camp during sunset and sunrise are one of a kind and worth the effort.
Difficulty: Hard
This was such a beautiful trail I loved it so much. Stopped every second to take a photo!!
Great conditions for snowshoeing! The trail is not marked but snow conditions are good enough to choose your trail. There is one section half-way where the trail goes across a steep slope. If you’re snowshoeing I recommend diverging and going straight up the incline. We turned back half way but could see the Skyline trail. Great views of Rainier on a clear day.
Dead Horse Creek Trail
Great snowshoe loop counterclockwise with enough elevation gain to make a newbie feel like you’ve earned the views but not so much that you’re too tired to enjoy them
Conditions: Snow
Dead Horse Creek and Golden Gate Trail Loop
Clear skies, cloud level was high. High winds at summit but so worth it
Difficulty: Strenuous
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of hiking trails near Alta Vista?
There are plenty of things to do on hiking trails near Alta Vista. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 14 hiking trails, 12 running trails, 5 snowshoeing trails, and more.
Where is the best place to hike near Alta Vista?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike near Alta Vista is Skyline Loop, which has a 4.9 star rating from 21,020 reviews. This trail is 5.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,778 ft.
What is the longest trail near Alta Vista?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail near Alta Vista is Mount Rainier Standard Summit Route. This trail is estimated to be 14.5 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain near Alta Vista?
Alta Vista: With an ascent of 8,989 ft, Mount Rainier Standard Summit Route has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Camp Muir via Skyline Loop with 4,845 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail near Alta Vista?
The most popular and difficult trail near Alta Vista is Skyline Loop with a 4.9-star rating from 21020 reviews.