Season: Summer
Paradise is open year-round, but this orientation guide is designed for the summer season when trails are snow-free. In spring and fall, there may be patches of snow covering sections of trail. Please stay on trails, even if it means crossing snow, to avoid trampling delicate meadow plants. Pets are not allowed on trails.

This location is the lower junction of Skyline Trail and Alta Vista Trail, with north located midway between the two uphill branches of the trails.

• Skyline Trail goes downhill to the east with the uphill trail angling to the northwest.
• Alta Vista Trail goes to the south downhill and angles northeast if traveling uphill.

How Far Is It?

• Lower Parking Lot: 0.38 miles, average walking time 15 minutes, south on Alta Vista Trail (downhill). The Nisqually Vista Trailhead is located on the western end of the lower parking lot. There are no restrooms in the lower parking lot, but restrooms are available in the Paradise Picnic Area, downhill from the lower parking lot.
• Jackson Visitor Center and Upper Parking Lot: 0.19 miles, average walking time 8 minutes, by following the Skyline Trail downhill to the upper parking lot.
• Connecting to Deadhorse Creek Trail: 0.28 miles, average walking time 11 minutes, northwest on Skyline Trail (uphill) to a wye intersection. Skyline Trail is to the right while a short spur trail connects to Deadhorse Creek Trail on the left. Deadhorse Creek trail continues to parallel Skyline Trail and reconnects to the Skyline Trail higher up in the meadows. Or, follow Deadhorse Creek Trail downhill to connect to the Nisqually Vista Trail.
• Myrtle Falls: 0.49 miles, average walking time 19 minutes, by following the Skyline Trail east (downhill) then take the Waterfall Trail. The Waterfall Trail terminates at the junction with the eastern branch of the Skyline Trail. Follow the Skyline Trail north to Myrtle Falls.
• Connecting to Upper Alta Vista Trail/Dancefloor: Follow either the Skyline or the Alta Vista Trails uphill to where the two trails intersect again, in a rare flat area nicknamed the “Dancefloor”. If using the Skyline Trail: 0.44 miles, average walking time 17 minutes. If using the Alta Vista Trail, hike the steep trail to a junction where the Alta Vista Trail splits, the main trail climbing to the left, 0.48 miles, average walking time 19 minutes, or take the East Alta Vista trail to the right, 0.40 miles, average walking time 16 minutes. Both branches of the Alta Vista Trail lead to the Dancefloor and have excellent views of the surrounding area.

For additional information, download the Paradise Area Trails Map.