SkyTrail™
Come Ride the Unforgettable SkyTrail!
One of the most appealing and exciting features of the entire Trees of Mystery experience is the nearly 1/3 mile journey through the forest tree tops via the unique SkyTrail gondola ride. Surely nowhere else are you going to have the chance to get an up-close downward perspective from the tops of redwood trees that measure 100s of feet in height. A total of 8 Gondola Cars continuously make the approximately 8-10 minute, 1570 foot trip up the mountain each day – giving riders not only spectacular views of magnificent redwoods, but a fine mountaintop ocean vista at the observation deck at the summit as well.
All Aboard!
Inside the park, a leisurely stroll along one of the interpretive trails will bring you to Brotherhood Station where you can climb aboard! A shuttle is also available for those who cannot easily walk the trail to get to the station. There is much to see along the way however, so take your time. SkyTrail runs all day, so there is no reason to hurry.
After boarding the enclosed six passenger gondola you will glide through the redwood forest canopy to Ted’s Ridge. At Ted’s Ridge you will find a large observation deck offering spectacular views of the Klamath back country to the east and stunning views over Hidden Beach and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This is where you can disembark and hike down the Wilderness Trail This is an optional way down the mountain for experienced hikers with proper footwear. If you are not especially dressed for hiking in the woods, or found some of our other trails even slightly challenging, we recommend trying it some other time when you are better prepared. If prepared for the trek, your adventure will be rewarded with a wilder view of this forest as it has stood for eons. Wilderness Trail is subject to closure depending on weather conditions.
A Moving Room with a View!
Each SkyTrail gondola travels through the redwood forest at about 11 mph. There are three short periods where the cars slow down to about 1/2 mph in each direction allowing for great picture taking opportunities. Once at the top you will be afforded some amazing views of mountains, forests, and the nearby Pacific Ocean and more chances for taking pictures and looking at the distant scenery through binoculars. Many visitors exclaim that the the SkyTrail ride alone is worth the price of admission. Some ride it more than once on a single visit. Considering everything else you get with admission to Trees of Mystery it’s a great tourist value, good family fun, and an entertaining and eye-opening educational opportunity wrapped up in one package.
Basic SkyTrail Stats
Began operation: June 18th, 2001,
Length: 1570 feet one way
Vertical rise: 571
Altitude at top: 742 feet ASL
Trip time one way: average 9 minutes
Type of lift: fixed grip gondola with moving drive
Cars: Eight 6-passenger CWA Omega, made in Switzerland – handicapped accessible.
Lift: Designed and manufactured in Grand Junction, Colorado by Poma
Cable: Thickness-42.5 mm or about 1.5 inches.
Tested to 296,000 pounds
Photo by Daveynin
