Over the years we have hiked (and run) the Skyline Trail in Manning Park, clock-wise and counter-clockwise.   The way up from Lightning Lake is a long steep climb, so I preferred to go to the top of the ridge from Gibson Pass.   On one year, I hiked from Gibson Pass to Despair Pass, then turned right to continue on the Skyline Two Trail.    Its a long way to Mowich Peak or to Monument 74 (best suited to a backpack/overnight camp to Mowich Camp), so I went to a viewpoint on Lone Goat Mountain, then back to Despair Pass.    Most times it was Gibson Pass > Despair Pass > Skyline Trail > Lightning Lake.     I have hiked, run, and cross-country skied from Lightning Lake to Gibson Pass, but its certainly not a favorite route.    A two-vehicle system is a better option.

The best time of year to hike the Skyline Trail is in July when the wildflowers are in bloom next to the trail.    The trail is about 9 miles (14.5 km) if you can work out a ride, but add 2 miles more if not.   The hike to Despair Pass has limited views and climbs 1460 ft. (445 m).    From the pass the trail climbs another 565 feet, but most of the route has open views in 3 directions.

The trail down goes through an old burn, then into forest, switch-backing down to the Lightning Lakes Trail.    This is a harder hike, but if you pick the right weather, a very rewarding one.    The three best hikes in Manning Park are Skyline Ridge, Mt. Frosty, and the Heather-Four Brothers Trail.   A few photos from my last hike on Skyline Ridge are shared here in a Google Photos slideshow (link):

We plan to return to Manning again next year for some more hiking.