Flattop Mountain

TRADITIONAL

ICE/MIXED

MAP

Flattop Mountain (12,324’) is unique in Rocky Mountain National Park in that a major hiking trail leads all the way to its top, which is so broad and flat, it is difficult to ascertain the highest point. A large rock near the rim of Tyndall Gorge turns out to be the actual summit. The east and west sides of the mountain are gentle, but the north and south sides are rugged and precipitous. Many people make the ascent of Flattop Mountain due to its relatively easy access, and nearly all of them begin from Bear Lake. The ascent can be made from the North Inlet Trail and Tonahutu Creek Trail on the west side of the park, but this is seldom done due to the lower elevations of the trailheads and the much longer hikes. It is also the case that fewer people visit the west side of the park. For the record: Bear Lake Trailhead (9,450’): 4.4 miles to the top. North Inlet Trailhead (8,500’): 13.3 miles to the top. Green Mountain Trailhead (8,800’): 11.7 miles to the top. The rock climbs on Flattop, with a few exceptions, are nothing to write home about, but the snow and ice climbs are varied and worthwhile. Hike the Emerald Lake Trail (p331) to reach routes on the south side of the mountain, and the Fern-Odessa Trail (p368) to reach routes on the north side.