Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Flattop Mountain Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (50)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Rocky Mountain National Park
  5. Bear Lake
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“Popular trail reaching the long saddle on the Continental Divide between Hallett Pk. & Ptarmigan Pt. ”

Trail Master
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.8

KM

Point to Point

12,295' 3,747 m

High

9,762' 2,975 m

Low

2,533' 772 m

Up

183' 56 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

To reach the Flattop Mountain Trail, first ascend above Bear Lake heading north through young aspen to where the-the Bear Lake TH to Fern Lake TH trail splits from the Bear Lake - Mill Creek Trail. From here, the Flattop Mountain Trail itself begins, leaving to the west along a ridgeline. Soon the Fern - Odessa Lake Trail branches off to the right (northwest) but instead, continue left on the Flattop Mountain Trail, switchbacking steeply uphill. Surmount the forested eastern flank of Flattop pausing for views of Dream Lake, Longs Peak, Emerald Lake and Tyndall Glacier. Tyndall is one of only five active glaciers in the Park and is responsible for carving the valley below.

After treeline, the grades moderate and the switchbacks end. Follow the well-defined path into open tundra, using cairns for guidance over snowfields. The trail reaches a hitching post affording good views of Hallett Peak across the gorge. Next, scale a permanent snowfield and cover level ground on the final approach up to Flattop Mountain. No sign marks the summit, but the Flattop Mountain Trail - Tonohutu Creek Trail junction is generally recognized as your final destination.

This wide flat saddle along the Continental Divide offers a rare opportunity to explore the tundra. See if you can identify landmarks such as Hallett Peak, Otis Peak, Taylor Peak, Longs Peak, Notchtop Mountain, Ptarmigan Point and portions of the Mummy Range, Never Summer Range and Grand Lake.

Note: Bear Lake is a heavily used trailhead with limited parking. Arrive early to get a spot. About half of this trail goes above treeline and is very exposed. Expect strong sun, wind, cool temperatures, and rapidly changing weather conditions. Get an early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Flora & Fauna

Pika, ptarmigan, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat. Spruce, fir, wildflowers.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Trail Master
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 50 votes

#4

in Bear Lake

#44

Overall
  4.5 from 50 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Bear Lake

#12

in Colorado

#44

Overall
29 Views Last Month
9,769 Since Jul 15, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
2%
20%
20%
58%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

View of Glacier Gorge and Longs Peak from the trail
Apr 22, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
Ground squirrel in Rocky Mountain National Park
Jan 19, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Flattop Mountain Trail with Longs Peak in the distance.
Sep 13, 2019 near Estes Park, CO
Emerald Lake from Flattop Mountain trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
Jul 15, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Hiker on Rocky Mountain National Park Flattop Mountain trail
Jun 17, 2015 near Grand Lake, CO
Alpine Meadows on Flattop Mountain Trail
Aug 3, 2017 near Grand Lake, CO

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 7, 2024
Evan Lei
Jun 22, 2024
Parneli Jo
5h 44m
May 10, 2024
Hannah Cunningham
Apr 10, 2024
Serge Vacher
Aug 4, 2023
Christine Harre
Mar 25, 2023
Jake Woll
08/2014
Feb 25, 2023
Private User
Sep 3, 2022
Miles Luning
Flattop summit from bear lakw 9.1mi — 4h 21m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started