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Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley vs Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset

Buy the Mount McKinley if you want a proven playset with strong owner feedback and simpler assembly. Buy the Skyfort II if you want a bigger castle-style structure with monkey bars, a crow's nest and a picnic deck. The Mount McKinley earns high marks from reviewers for sturdiness and clear instructions; the Skyfort II is larger and more feature-dense but carries a much lower rating across many more reviews, and its size and weight make setup and returns harder.

  • Choose the Mount McKinley if you want a sturdy, well-reviewed wooden playset that is easier to assemble and fits a smaller yard.
  • Choose the Skyfort II if you want a large clubhouse with monkey bars, a crow's nest, a picnic deck and room for several kids at once.

Prices

  • Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley: $497.99 at Trumans Fabric and Foam (checked today)
  • Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset: $549.99 at home furniture and carpet (checked today)
  • Difference: the Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley is $52.00 cheaper than the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset today
Backyard Discovery
Backyard Discovery Mount Mckinley

Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley

Backyard Discovery Mount Mckinley

$497.99at Trumans Fabric and FoamObserved at 9:08 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Trumans Fabric and Foam
Pros
  • High owner ratings for sturdiness and fun
  • Clear instructions and labeled parts
  • Compact footprint for smaller yards
  • Slide, rock wall and rope ladder give varied climbing
Cons
  • Wood needs sealing, which some owners did not expect
  • Fewer play zones than the Skyfort II
  • Smaller capacity than the Skyfort II
Backyard Discovery
Backyard Discovery Skyfort II

Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset

Backyard Discovery Skyfort II

3.1(2,000 ratings)
$549.99at home furniture and carpetObserved at 9:08 AM
See all prices and details
Visit home furniture and carpet
Pros
  • Large clubhouse with roof, windows and balcony
  • Monkey bars, crow's nest and picnic deck add play variety
  • Pre-stained cedar with natural decay resistance
  • Room for many kids at once
Cons
  • Low rating across a large number of reviews
  • Very large footprint and a 727 lb kit
  • Buyer pays return shipping on oversized items
  • Stain saturation may vary between units

What separates them

Backyard Discovery Mount McKinleyBackyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset
FootprintAbout 13 × 11 ft, suited to smaller yardsAbout 263 × 204 in, a much larger structure
Play featuresWave slide, rock wall, rope ladder, swings, trapeze, telescope, steering wheel10 ft slide, monkey bars, crow's nest, snack stand, picnic table, balcony, swings, trapeze
Review record4.8 out of 5 from 104 ratings3.1 out of 5 from 2,000 ratings
Capacity1,080 lb total weight capacityBuilt for up to 15 kids at once
AssemblyOwners call instructions clear and manageableStep-by-step BILT app support, but a far heavier 727 lb kit
Wood finishNeeds sealing after setupPre-stained with natural decay resistance
Swing countTwo belt swings plus trapezeThree swing positions plus trapeze
ReturnsStandard oversized-item handlingReturn shipping on oversized items is the buyer's responsibility

Price history

$2,199.00$497.99
Nov 7Nov 9
  • Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley: lowest $497.99 on Nov 9 at Trumans Fabric and Foam.
  • Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset: lowest $549.99 on Nov 9 at home furniture and carpet.

Prices at every store

Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley

  • Trumans Fabric and FoamNew

    In stock

    $497.99Free shippingObserved at 9:08 AM
    Visit Trumans Fabric and Foam
  • Lowe'sNew

    In stock

    $859.00Free shippingObserved at 9:08 AM
    Visit Lowe's
  • Backyard DiscoveryNew

    In stock

    $859.00Free shippingObserved at 9:08 AM
    Visit Backyard Discovery
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $858.99Free shippingObserved at 9:43 AM
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 13 stores and price history →

Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset

  • home furniture and carpetNew

    In stock

    $549.99Free shippingObserved at 9:08 AM
    Visit home furniture and carpet
  • Trumans Fabric and FoamNew

    In stock

    $896.00Observed at 9:08 AM
    Visit Trumans Fabric and Foam
  • valicumisNew

    In stock

    $1,399.00Observed at 9:08 AM
    Visit valicumis
  • Backyard DiscoveryNew

    In stock

    $2,199.00Observed at 9:08 AM
    Visit Backyard Discovery
All 17 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBackyard Discovery Mount McKinleyBackyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset
MaterialWoodWood
Width16 ft wide263 in
Height9.92 ft highElevated
Named play featureswave slide, raised play deck, double rock wall,…—
Footprintroughly 13 × 11 feet, before the use zone.—
With SlideYes—
For ClimbingYes—
With FortYes—
Minimum Age2 years—
Weight Capacity1,080 lb weight capacity—
Age Range—KIDS
Primary Type—Swing Set, Playset
Show all 30 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBackyard Discovery Mount McKinleyBackyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset
Slide Type—Wave slide
Subtype—Clubhouse playset
Frame Material—Wood
General Material—Wood, Cedar Wood
Total Weight Capacity—Up to 15 kids
Safety Standards—ASTM standards (code F1148-22)
Protection—Natural resistance to decay
Swing Count—Multiple kids can swing at once, 3
Swing Type—Trapeze, Classic belt swings

What reviewers say

Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley

  • 4.8 / 5Google Shopping · 104 ratings

Reviewers are very positive, calling the set well-made, sturdy and fun for a range of ages. Most found assembly manageable with clear instructions, though a few hit confusing steps and one noted the wood needs sealing.

What people mention
  • Build qualityPraisedOwners describe the wood frame as sturdy and well-made.
  • AssemblyMixedMost found assembly manageable with clear instructions, but some hit confusing steps.
  • Wood sealingCriticisedThe wood needs sealing, and some buyers did not know that beforehand.
  • Age rangePraisedReviewers say it keeps a wide range of ages entertained.

Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset

  • 3.1 / 52,000 ratings

Owners appreciate the variety of play options but are often frustrated by the intensive labor required for setup and the thinness of some wood components.

What people mention
  • AssemblyCriticisedMost buyers report that setup takes 15 to 30 hours, even with multiple people helping.
  • Wood QualityMixedThe cedar is naturally rot-resistant but many users find the boards thin and prone to checking or splitting.
  • Play VarietyPraisedChildren enjoy the combination of physical activities like monkey bars and creative spaces like the crow's nest.
  • SizeMixed

Questions and answers

Which is better for younger kids?
The Mount McKinley suits younger kids well, with a minimum age of 2 and a lower deck plus rock wall and rope ladder. The Skyfort II is aimed at older, more confident climbers because of the monkey bars and taller clubhouse.
Which lasts longer?
Both are wood and need care. The Skyfort II comes pre-stained with natural decay resistance, while Mount McKinley owners report the wood needs sealing. Sealing either set regularly is what extends its life.
Is the Skyfort II worth stepping up to?
Step up if you have the yard space and want monkey bars, a crow's nest and a picnic deck. If you want proven owner satisfaction and easier assembly, the Mount McKinley is the safer pick.
Which is easier to assemble?
The Mount McKinley gets consistent praise for clear instructions and labeled parts. The Skyfort II offers a BILT app guide but is a much larger, heavier build, so expect more time and probably a helper.
How many kids can use each at once?
The Skyfort II is rated for up to 15 kids and has three swing positions. The Mount McKinley has two belt swings plus a trapeze and a 1,080 lb total capacity.
Do either need extra space around them?
Yes. Both need a clear use zone beyond the footprint for safety. The Skyfort II's larger footprint means it needs noticeably more yard.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best backyard swing sets
Depth
—
204 in
Suitable For Age Range—KIDS
Usage Environment—Outdoor, Backyard, Outdoor space
Suitable For Top Use Cases—Backyard play
Suitable For Typical Users—Children, Little explorers
Item Weight—727 lbs
Color—Green
Finish—Pre-Stained Finish
Shape—Clubhouse
It is a massive structure that dominates smaller yards but provides ample room for many kids.