Its semi-primitive tread demands advanced handling skills, its long climbs require solid quads, and its high elevation strangles the lungs of those not acclimated. Start the day with a huge bowl of Wheaties topped with PowerBars. Along the way you'll pass Puffer Lake and Elk Meadows Ski Area, which provide additional summertime activities. Daydreaming in Tushar Mountains. Mountain bikes were not on the scene when Skyline was designated as a National Recreation Trail, so expect sections that are not altogether biker friendly.
Several sections require short episodes of portaging uphill.
Trail signs are minimal, so route-finding skills are required. Some sections, however, are as smooth as silk. The Delano Peak section of singletrack traverses at about 10,800 feet. A midroute descent to Puffer Lake drops to 9,660 feet. The second loop tops out at 10,720 feet aside City Creek Peak.