Skyscraper Pass Trail

Skyscraper Pass is a 7.4-mile out-and-back from the Sunrise upper lot, following Sourdough Ridge to Frozen Lake and then the Wonderland Trail across open meadows to an unsigned sandy saddle at about 6,735 feet. Allow about 4½ hours and expect a moderate-to-hard day: the route drops into Berkeley Park before climbing back to the pass, then retraces that ground. Published totals range from 6.8 to 7.2 miles; the mapped walk measures about 7.4, so budget for a little over seven. This route turns around at the pass and leaves the separate Skyscraper Mountain bootpath out.

From the upper lot, take the paved path between the restrooms and Sunrise Day Lodge, climb the rocky steps to Sourdough Ridge, and turn left. The rolling ridge opens views of Rainier and Burroughs. Stay right on Sourdough Ridge past Frozen Lake, then follow the Wonderland Trail and Mystic Lake signs at the five-way junction. At the Northern Loop junction, stay left on the Wonderland Trail toward the pass; the other branch heads toward Berkeley Park and Grand Park.

The route descends through open, rocky terrain into the green meadow of Berkeley Park, then rolls through smaller dips before the longer climb to the saddle. That low point makes the return feel harder than the mileage suggests: you climb back out before finishing the ridge. A spring and stream have been reported near the low point, but there is no dependable drinking-water source documented along the route.

At the pass, the Wonderland Trail continues downhill toward Granite Creek and Mystic Lake. The separate bootpath to Skyscraper Mountain climbs about 350 feet above the saddle; it is outside this pass-only route. From the open meadow and saddle, frame Rainier with some of the foreground slope to show the setting, rather than cropping to the summit alone.

Late summer can still bring asters, paintbrush, harebells, and lupine in the meadows, though many blooms may be fading by late August or early September. Park in the Sunrise upper lot; the restrooms, Visitor Center, and Day Lodge are near the start. Sunrise access is seasonal, so check the park's road and trail conditions before heading up. Pets are prohibited on park trails.