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Flattop Mountain Trail
Difficulty:
This trail begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Panoramic views and access to many other great peaks lure hikers up this mountain in the middle of the park. The trail links to the Tonahutu Creek Trail and the North Inlet Trail on Flattop Mountain.
Directions: From Estes Park, Follow Hwy 34 west past the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station to Bear Lake Road. Follow this road to the parking area for the shuttle bus to Bear Lake. The trailhead is located at the end of Bear Lake Road.
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Click here to edit!You rise steadily through the various ecological zones, starting with the conifer forest around Bear Lake. After a couple of miles, the terrain will have opened up and you can peer straight down to Emerald Lake, more than a thousand feet below the trail. You will continue climbing until the mountain really flattens out. You will feel like your are on an enormous plateau at an elevation where the Gods live. There is nothing particularly distinct about Flattop itself, but you can take in the park's beauty in almost every direction.
DirectionsDeparting around the north side of Bear Lake, the Flattop Trail offers more of the alpine tundra hiking so outstanding in Rocky Mountain National Park.
HighlightsAt 4 miles, you will have reached your destination, but if your stamina still holds, you can take the left fork at the junction, to Hallet Peak, another mile and another few hundred feet up.
