Hiking the Skyline Trail in Cooper Landing, Alaska

The Skyline Trail in Cooper Landing, Alaska, offers one of the most scenic and rewarding hiking experiences in the Kenai Peninsula. Known for its challenging ascent and incredible panoramic views, this hike is a favorite among locals and visitors seeking breathtaking landscapes and jaw-dropping vistas of Kenai Lake, the Chugach Mountains, and surrounding valleys. The trail's beauty lies in its rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and a high likelihood of encountering wildlife like mountain goats and marmots. Hiking this trail provides a sense of accomplishment for seasoned adventurers.

Adventure Guide To Hiking the Skyline Trail

Location and Trailhead: The Skyline Trail trailhead is located just off the Sterling Highway, approximately 5 miles east of Cooper Landing. There is a small parking lot, but during summer months, it fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Trail Highlights: The trail is a steep 2 miles (one way) with an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet. The strenuous climb rewards hikers with sweeping views of Kenai Lake's turquoise waters and the sprawling Kenai River valley. Mid-summer is particularly stunning as wildflowers like fireweed and lupine thrive in the alpine meadows. On clear days, hikers might even spot peaks from the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area.
What Makes It Unique: Unlike other trails in the area, the Skyline Trail’s short but steep ascent offers a fast-track to dramatic vistas and alpine landscapes. It’s a favorite of photography enthusiasts, especially during golden hours.

Local Insights

The Skyline Trail is considered a local's secret for its vantage points above Kenai Lake. It’s also a handy trail for spotting bald eagles soaring above the valley. Local legend suggests the trail has been in use by hunters and adventurers for over a century.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Late June to early September, when the snow has melted, and the trail is dry.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, layers for unpredictable weather, water, and bear spray.
Directions: From Kenai Fjords National Park headquarters, it’s a 2-hour drive northeast along Seward Highway, merging onto Sterling Highway to the trailhead.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Anita Repya6 months ago

My Son Joseph and I did it in 2007..He drank his and my Water before the top.. Alaska is Fantastic,been up with the Boys 4 times.

Candace Mosteller5 months ago

Beauitful but alittle steep for kiddos. Love the tunnel under the road and they do have a bathroom available as well.

Katie Archer Olson6 months ago

This is the toughest trail. We probably have on the Kenai outside of Slaughter Gulch, but it will remind you that you are alive and reward you with spectacular panoramic views, a ski lake and surrounding waterways and mountain ranges. Bring plenty of water a good book to read at the top while you recoup before going down and a little snack. Usually go to the saddle, but if you go to the peak, there’s a little box to sign your name. The trail does loop over to Fuller Lakes even though I’ve never done that we’re out it is possible.

Andrew Rigler3 years ago

Great short hike just past cooper landing. Beautiful views as you are going up. It is a short steep hike with a well maintained trail. The parking for the trail is just on the other side of the road with a tunnel that gets you to the trail. Nice to have bathroom right at the trail head. A large portion of the trail is exposed so there is not a ton of shade and can get warm on hot days.

Trevor Westerna month ago

Great trail! Hiked it before and after the recent wildfire. The trial has great views on the surrounding mountains and the various lakes, Skilak lake, Jean Lake, etc. Huge meadows of Fireweed and other wildflowers are found along the path.

Hiking the Skyline Trail in Cooper Landing, Alaska