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A truly fantastic loop in the Flat Tops Wilderness.

Liz

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Map Key

10.7

Miles

17.2

KM

Loop

11,710' 3,569 m

High

10,294' 3,138 m

Low

1,775' 541 m

Up

1,776' 541 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

57%

Max Grade (30°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

After a steep climb to the ridge and a very exposed crossing over the Devil's Causway, the route levels out and descends for the rest of the hike. Enjoy the views and beauty of the Flat Tops with this one.

Description

Park at the Stillwater Reservoir and hike out on the East Fork Trail #1119. The reservoirs here are popular with families and anglers and you'll likely see a few as you hike above the lake. As you enter the wilderness, turn right to head up the steep slope to the ridgeline. Once up top, enjoy stunning views of China Wall before carrying on.

Continue heading up the ridgeline, its just one last steep climb to reach the Causeway. The Causeway is a short knife-edge strip leading you over to the Chinese Wall Trail #1803. It can feel very exposed, but the footing is just fine.

Once across the Causeway, the rest of the hike is pretty smooth sailing. Follow the Chinese Wall Trail #1803 along the top of the Flat Tops, enjoying the views. The trail has become quite the rut in places from heavy horse use but its some of the easiest trekking you'll do.

Eventually, you'll turn back towards the valley and begin descending. The trail coming down is in excellent shape and winds down through the forest, sheltering you from any afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Even as you descend, the views are breathtaking. You'll finish up the hike back along the reservoir.

Contacts

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Liz

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 3 votes

#1164

Overall
  5.0 from 3 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#235

in Colorado

#1,164

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27 Views Last Month
2,344 Since Nov 11, 2020
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Photos

Breathtaking views in the Flat Tops
Nov 11, 2020 near Gypsum, CO
Overlooking Causeway Lake and Chinese Wall
Nov 11, 2020 near Hayden, CO
Approaching the Devil's Causeway
Nov 11, 2020 near Gypsum, CO
Crossing the Devil's Causeway
Nov 11, 2020 near Gypsum, CO
Beginning the descent off the Flat Tops
Nov 11, 2020 near Gypsum, CO
Looking out over the Flat Tops.
Nov 11, 2020 near Gypsum, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 58 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 13, 2024
Alejandro Cazar
Beautiful loop with nice views all along the way. Narrow/exposed section for about 15 meters, quite doable (unless you have fear of heights).
May 29, 2023
Ry Zy
Jul 12, 2022
Lucas Gerlach
11.1mi — 5h 30m
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