Frommer's Review
Hike north on a gradual slope from the trail head for just under a mile to where the .5-mile spur from the Kawuneeche Visitor Center joins the path. The incline steepens a bit, following Tonahutu Creek to the south end of Big Meadows, a rather marshy area. The trail keeps to the western edge of the meadows, where shade provides some respite from the sun, and continues northward. The Green Mountain Loop Trail (see "West-Side Day Hikes," earlier) junctions from the west about 3.6 miles from the trail head. Continue past the log-cabin ruins and around the northern edge of Big Meadows. The trail follows the north bank of the Tonahutu Creek upstream, past Granite Falls (7.8 miles from the trail head), crossing a stream flowing from Haynach Lakes (9.5 miles from the trail head), and finally climbs up the west flank of the Continental Divide to Flattop Mountain. The initial elevation is 8,540 feet, and you'll gain another 3,784 feet. Parking at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center can shorten the trail by .4 miles and reduce the elevation gain to 3,604 feet. If you start this hike at the Green Mountain Trailhead, you'll shorten the trail to 11.1 miles, miss about half of Big Meadows, and reduce the elevation gain to 3,524 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.
