Skyline Regional Park had its grand opening in January, 2016. By the end of September, the park had added three new trails for a total of 17 miles of non-motorized trails: Quartz Mine, Skyline Crest and Crest Summit.

Today we will hike the loop: Quartz Mine-Skyline Crest. The leader recommends the group hike counterclockwise, because Quartz Mine Trail offers gradual climbs, although there are steeper inclines in a portion of the trail. Also there are many minor ups and downs, from flat to easy rolls. It’s better than hiking up many switchbacks on Skyline Crest Trail if we were to hike clockwise.

At the beginning of the hike there are some sprinkles, and thick clouds over the mountains over our heads. According the forecast, it will be cloudy until 10:00 AM today.

We put on raincoats, rain jackets and hit the QM trail at the picnic ramada on the south side of the trailhead parking lot. In just 0.1 mile we’ve climbed to the Watson Overlook. This is a warm-up for next challenge.

Along the Quartz Mine Trail there are quartz outcroppings, and a quartz mine.

We follow QM Trail to the Lost Creek Trail, turn left, and gradually hike up 0.4 miles to Skyline Crest. The leader warns the group that the trail will be up, up, and up. We hike a mile to the optional 0.17 mile slog up to the summit. This exposed trail, with many chollas along the slope of the mountains, provides a good climb and magnificent scenery. The trail is one of the best West Valley hiking attractions.

At the sign of Skyline Crest and Crest Summit, some hikers decide to not go up to Crest Summit. Only ten hike up to summit. It’s a quad-busting climb to the high point. The short 0.17 mile, with many switchbacks, climbs 200 feet to the top with amazing views.

After enjoying the view and taking pictures, we hike down and take the 0.3 mile Skyline Crest Trail back to Quartz Mine Trail and retrace our steps back the trailhead.