Flattop Mountain Trail

Frommer's Review

Follow the trail around the north side of Bear Lake (signs will keep you on the right track); eventually you will take a left-hand switchback away from Bierstadt Lake Trail and head uphill toward Flattop. As you climb the south-facing slope above Bear Lake, you approach an area that was burned out in 1900 and is finally being reforested with Engelmann spruce and subalpine firs. The next left fork (the right heads to Odessa Lake; see below) continues the uphill trek through the trees to an overlook for Dream Lake. This stop affords grand views of Glacier Gorge and Longs Peak to the south, and a closer view of Hallett Peak to the west. As you climb above the tree line, there's an overlook for Emerald Lake before the final 1.5-mile climb up a steep incline to the top of Flattop Mountain. Take your time to enjoy the increasingly fine views of Hallett, now to your south. As its name implies, Flattop boasts a wide, somewhat smooth flat area at its summit, rather than a defined peak. The starting elevation for this trail is about 9,475 feet, and the elevation gain is 2,849 feet.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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