Wonderland Trail
8–11 days · 85.4 mi · strenuous · Loop
Quick facts
What the Wonderland Trail is known for
The Wonderland Trail is an officially 93-mile loop (Ridgefold's mapped route measures 85.4 miles) that circumnavigates Mount Rainier, the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. It's known for passing through the park's full range of life zones — from lowland forest to subalpine wildflower meadows — with near-constant views of the mountain's glaciers.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,710 ft to 6,499 ft over 85.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 41.2 mi · 48%
- Downhill 34.5 mi · 40%
- Flat 9.5 mi · 11%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Wonderland Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Wonderland Trail scores 63/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Mid-July through September, after the snow melts out.
Permits: Wilderness camping permit required; awarded by a competitive lottery.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Wonderland Trail take?
Most backpackers take 8–11 days to hike the Wonderland Trail's 85.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Wonderland Trail?
The Wonderland Trail climbs roughly 26,995 ft total — about 316 ft per mile, topping out near 6,755 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Wonderland Trail?
Mid-July through September, after the snow melts out.
Do you need a permit for the Wonderland Trail?
Wilderness camping permit required; awarded by a competitive lottery.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.