Elevation Gain 1,990', Loss 2,570' - 9.5 Miles
Starting at Sunrise (ele 6400'), the trail varies between 6,400 and 6,700 feet for the first 3 miles. At Skyscraper mountain, the trail descends in the next 4 miles to Winthrop Creek at 4,600 feet before climbing to Mystic Camp at 5700 feet.
Second Day - Mystic Camp to Carbon River Camp
Elevation Gain 300, Loss 2,900 - 5.2 Miles
The second day is the easiest day of the trip, losing about 3000 after climbing out of Mystic Lake. Most of the day is hiking along Carbon Glacier, so it ought to be cool. This is a rest for the next two days.
Third Day - Carbon River Camp to James Camp
Elevation Gain 3,340', Loss 1,900' - 6.2 Miles
Probably the most grueling day of the itinerary, the first mile is 400' down to the Carbon River Crossing, and the next 4 miles climbs 3000' up to Windy Gap. From there, the last two miles drops about 1,500' to James Camp.
Fourth Day - James Camp to Fire Creek Camp
Elevation Gain 1,800', Loss 1,100' - 5.5 Miles
The first 2 miles drops 1,100' to the White River crossing then climbs 1,800' in the next 3 miles to Fire Creek Campground
Fifth Day - Fire Creek Camp to Sunrise
Elevation Gain 1,800', Loss 300. - 8 miles
Noted as the longest level stretch of trail in Mount Rainier, the last day climbs 900' to Grand Park in the first 2 miles. The next 3 miles is level through Grand Park before it climbs 900' from Berkeley Park to Frozen Lake. Then it's just a mile or so downhill to Sunrise, the Car, and the rest of the world.
