Rocky Mountain National Park: Flattop Mountain

From Bear Lake, this 8.1-mile out-and-back begins by heading northwest on the Flattop Mountain Trail. The methodical upward climb—over 2,800 feet in 4 miles—begins almost immediately and traverses rich conifer forests intermixed with aspen. At mile 1.6, catch your breath at the impressive view of Dream Lake’s shimmering surface against the rugged mountains. From the overlook, continue upward on the tight, switchbacking trail.
Just before breaking treeline, the trail passes another overlook above Emerald Lake. Stop for views of Glacier Gorge and Longs Peak that open up to the southeast. Look southwest toward Hallett Peak, and pick out the level profile of Flattop Mountain by following Tyndall Gorge’s contour to the west. The remaining 1.3 miles are a long, slow grind up Flattop Mountain’s high-alpine eastern slope. During the winter or if the trail is dusted with snow, follow large rock cairns leading to the mountain’s north side.
Just before summiting, (the trail junction on the indistinct peak is generally considered the highpoint), you’ll pass a hitch rack at the top of Tyndall Glacier. If peak-bagging is your goal, consider adding 1 mile with an out-and-back to Hallett Peak.
-Mapped by Tim Shisler and Jenn Fields
PLAN IT
MAP
Rocky Mountain National Park ($12, natgeomaps.com)
Order USGS topo quads at store.usgs.gov.
Order a custom map of this route using MyTopo.com

CONDITIONS Trail Ridge Road is closed from November to April. Check conditions for the east side of the park check Estes Park, CO (80517) Weather

PERMIT $20 for entry to Rocky Mountain National Park; (970) 586-1242, nps.gov/romo

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK INFO
Visitor Information (970) 586-1206 (daily, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time; recorded information after hours)
Trail Ridge Road Information Recorded Message 970-586-1222 (available 24 hours a day, updated when conditions and/or road status change)
Visitor Information for the Hearing Impaired (TTY): 970-586-1319 (daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time)
Backcountry Office (970) 586-1242

OTHER RESOURCES
GAS
Shell‎ 860 Moraine Ave. Estes Park, CO (970) 586-7867
GEAR
Grab supplies or gear rentals (packs, bags, pads, and fishing gear) at Estes Park Mountain Shop, 2050 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park, CO; (866) 303-6548.
GROCERIES
The Country Market National Park Village 900 Moraine Ave. Estes Park, Colorado (970) 586-2702
RESTAURANTS
Try a Mountain Mai Tai and the buffalo-and-bacon meatloaf at Peak-to-Peak American Grille, 451 South Saint Vrain Ave., Estes Park, CO; (970) 577-0577

Trail Facts

• Distance: 13.0

Waypoints

FTM001

Location: 40.312053, -105.645679

From the west side of the Bear Lake Trailhead parking area, head east toward the lake for 0.1 mile.

FTM002

Location: 40.31346, -105.64687

Turn right at 3-way junction onto the Flattop Mountain Trail. Begin a steady ascent through spruce, fir, and aspen stands.

FTM003

Location: 40.317117, -105.644853

Turn left at the 3-way junction near mile 0.5 and continue toward Flattop Mountain. The right-hand trail heads east toward Bierstadt Lake, Glacier Basin, and several backcountry campsites.

FTM004

Location: 40.316512, -105.653222

Turn left at 3-way junction and continue ascending through the trees. Peek-a-boo views of Glacier Gorge begin emerging to the southwest.

FTM005

Location: 40.312569, -105.659176

Catch your breath at Dream Lake Overlook where you’ll find an impressive bird’s-eye view of Dream Lake more than 1,000-feet below. The trail continues ascending through thick forest on the switchbacking trail.

FTM006

Location: 40.315293, -105.665474

The forest thins as the trail approaches 11,000 feet above sea level (about 1,500 feet above the trailhead). During summer months, afternoon storms can build quickly, so hit the trail early and evaluate the weather before continuing into higher elevations.

FTM007

Location: 40.314957, -105.669497

Halfway up a series of tight switchbacks is Emerald Lake overlook. Look west for a peek at one of the park’s last remaining glaciers (Tyndall Glacier) at the head of Tyndall Gorge. Both Glacier Gorge and Longs Peak are also clearly visible to the southeast.

FTM008

Location: 40.310466, -105.68396

Just below the summit, you’ll pass a hitching post marking the top of Tyndall Glacier. The trail quickly ascends the last few hundred feet to the top of Flattop Mountain.

FTM009

Location: 40.308756, -105.690301

The 12,324-foot summit of Flattop Mountain is a level swath of alpine tundra. There is no official summit marker, but hikers generally consider the Flattop Mountain Trail-Tonahutu Trail junction the official highpoint. Views include Longs Peak to the southeast, Hallet Peak to the east, and 180-degree views of the park to the west.

Views from Flattop Mountain

Location: 40.308617, -105.690225

From the summit of Flattop Mountain, hikers can access Hallett Peak (12,713 ft.) by following a worn cairn-marked path up the western edge of the peak.

Snow Prints

Location: 40.315669, -105.654048

Fast changing weather at high altitude can mean snow even in the summer. Bring layers and come prepared for all types of conditions.

Looking East

Location: 40.314753, -105.661333

Lower peaks within the park are visible from the trail.

Cairns

Location: 40.315686, -105.668027

During winter months, these large carins help snowshoers and skiers find their way.

Emerald Lake

Location: 40.314982, -105.669358

Looking down Tyndall Gorge toward Emerald Lake from the overlook.

Footsteps

Location: 40.31553, -105.674572

Flattop Mountain

Location: 40.313231, -105.679303

Rounding the more gradual north side of Flattop Mountain along the trail.

Hitch

Location: 40.31045, -105.683831

Horses are permitted on many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hitching post near Tyndall Glacier is proof that they make it this far.

Flattop Mountain

Location: 40.308773, -105.690182

There is no official marker at the summit, but the Flattop Mountain-Tonahutu trail junction is generally considered the top.