Skyline Trail Loop — Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022

Hiked the Skyline loop with upper skyline trail today. We started at the Paradise (Jackson) visitor center where the parking lot was half full at 6am (completely full about 9am). We hiked clockwise and felt that was a good choice. Came away with several mosquito bites despite spraying up with big spray in advance. Very few hikers at 6am- was wonderfully quiet. We were glad we had hiking boots and poles as there are several slippery snow patches and rocky areas to navigate. It’s nice that the beginning and end of trail are paved for casual hikers to do a portion of the trail. Not a ton of wildflowers but loved the marmots yelling to greet the sun and saw many of them along the trail. The views are incredible. Although the trail is not difficult, for myself of average fitness level it was strenuous but doable. It took about four hours with stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and rest. Grateful for the pit toilet at panorama point! Paradise was very busy when we finished. Was disappointed to see the gift shop doesn’t open until 11. Glad to have stayed overnight at the National park inn to get this early start!