Hike the Flattop Mountain trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Estes Park Health

Flattop Mountain - 4.4 miles

Trail Type: Longer Hike
Trailhead: Bear Lake
Location: Bear Lake Corridor
Beginning Elevation: 9,450'
Destination Elevation: 12,324'
Total Elevation Gain: 2,874'
Total Roundtrip Miles: 8.8

Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park

Marmot along the Flattop Mtn Trail

Trail Description
One of the shortest hikes that leads onto the alpine tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail begins from the north shore of Bear Lake and switchbacks its way up through various stages of subalpine forest with several fantastic overlooks into the Tyndall Gorge along the way. Once into the Alpine Zone, marmots and pikas appear everywhere among the alpine wildflowers. The summit is indeed flat and rounded with 360 degree views.

How to Get There
Take the Bear Lake Road from US 36 to the Bear Lake trailhead, 9.7 miles. Parking during the summer season is very limited. It's best to utilize the Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Park Shuttle Buses.

Trail Profile