Skyline Trail (015)

Dogs Leashed

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Portions of this trail climb above 10,000 ft, so be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. The last thing you want when you're breathing out of your eyeballs is to get dizzy from improper hydration at high altitude.

Journey along the Skyline Trail (015) to experience a truly classic piece of Manti-La Sal National Forest.

While it's possible to run this trail from either trailhead, taking the trail from west to east (as mapped) provides you with the novelty of experiencing increasingly more beautiful panoramic views the farther along you travel. In order to prevent retracing your steps to your start area, park a shuttle vehicle or bicycle at the opposite end before starting your journey.

Starting at its western end near a pull-off, follow the trail as it begins what will define the remainder of the trip: steady climbing along exposed ridgelines that tout exceptional, 360° views of the surrounding area. While sweating it out on the moderate-but-sustained climbing on this trail, be sure to take plenty of breaks and enjoy the sheer beauty of your surroundings. If you're out trekking through the wilderness, there's a good chance time is not of the essence - so enjoy yourself!

About four miles into the trail, your efforts will finally have culminated in reaching the high point of the ridgeline. From this point, high-five your running buddy, whether they be friend or Fido, and continue on the trail knowing that all your climbing is done. From here on out, the trail continues downhill through peaceful alpine meadows to its end at the Shay Ridge Trail (162) near FS Rd 0354.

While the higher sections of this trail are covered by alpine tundra, you can expect to see plenty of scrub oak down low.