Flattop Mountain

Flattrop Mountain Trail, near the summit, taken July 5, 2024

NPS

• Distance: 8.8 miles round trip (14.2 m) - When starting at Bear Lake Trailhead
• Elevation gain: 2,849 ft (868 m)
• Trail type: Out and Back

Accessible from the east and west sides of the park, hike to the top of Flattop Mountain and the Continental Divide! With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this is one of the most difficult trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Flattop Mountain can be reached when starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead. This is the most popular way to access Flattop Mountain. It is also accessible from the west side of RMNP, via the Tonahutu Trail.

When hiking up from Bear Lake, enjoy views looking down on Dream Lake and of Hallett Peak. From the summit of Flattop Mountain, you can continue to Hallet Peak, Tyndall Glacier, or take the Tonohutu Trail to North Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake. 

Note: The Bear Lake Road Corridor is very busy, especially in spring, summer and fall. Depending on what time of day you plan to arrive, you might need a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Parking often fills by early morning. The park’s free shuttle bus is here to help! Park your vehicle at Park & Ride and ride the Bear Lake Shuttle to reach Glacier Gorge Trailhead and Bear Lake Trailhead. 

Altitude Warning: Altitude sickness affects many visitors every year. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and even unconsciousness. Altitude can also aggravate pre-existing conditions like heart and lung disease. Take your time, drink water, eat, and rest. The only cure for altitude sickness is to go down to a lower altitude.

Pay Attention to the Weather: Weather in the Rockies can change quickly. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Be aware of lightning. Before heading out on your next Rocky Mountain adventure, know how to protect yourself when thunder roars and lightning strikes. Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings and know the most high-risk places to be compared to the safest locations to be when recreating in the mountains. When it comes to lighting, there are no fully safe options in the outdoors.

If you are out on a hiking trail, get below tree line and shelter at the base of a cluster of low elevation trees or in a lower elevation dry ditch or gully. Avoid the top of mountain peaks and exposed areas.

Details

Duration

3-6 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are prohibited on ALL Rocky Mountain National Park trails, tundra, and meadows.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Bear Lake Trailhead

Reservations

Yes

Depending upon what time you enter the park, you might need a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation. To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

Season

Summer, Fall

Accessibility Information

This is an extremely rugged, dirt trail with an elevation gain of 2,849 feet.