Paradise Trails Orientation: Skyline-Alta Vista-Dancefloor Trail Junction

The "Dancefloor" is a rare flat rest stop along the Skyline Trail.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Paradise Area Trails

Amenities

2 listed

Benches/Seating, Information

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 upper junction of Skyline Trail and Alta Vista Trail. The large flat rest area at this intersection is known as the “Dancefloor”. The summit of Mount Rainier is to the northwest.

• Skyline Trail goes uphill to the north with the downhill trail to the southwest.
• Alta Vista Trail goes to the south downhill, then branches into two trails about 100 feet from the Dancefloor. The main Alta Vista Trail branch climbs to the top of Alta Vista peak (elevation 5,940 feet) while the east trail branch curves around the east side of the slope as it travels downhill. Both branches reconnect on the other side of Alta Vista before rejoining the Skyline Trail at a lower elevation.

How Far Is It?

• Alta Vista Peak: 0.1 miles, average walking time 4 minutes, south on the Alta Vista Trail, then take the main branch (on the right) to climb up to the peak. The viewpoint at the peak has excellent views of the surrounding Paradise area, Mount Rainier to the northwest, and the Tatoosh Range and Mount Adams to the south.
• Connecting to Panorama Point: 0.79 miles, average walking time 30 minutes, north on the Skyline Trail (uphill). Panorama Point is a popular viewpoint along the upper portion of the trail. A restroom is available near the point.
• Jackson Visitor Center and Upper Parking Lot: 0.63 miles, average walking time 25 minutes, by following the Skyline Trail downhill to the upper parking lot. Or, take the East Alta Vista Trail downhill, connecting to the Skyline Trail, 0.61 miles, average walking time 23 minutes. Restrooms, information, food, and gifts available at the visitor center.

For additional information, download the Paradise Area Trails Map.