Hike up Flattop Mountain
Anchorage, Alaska
Details
Distance
3.4 miles
Elevation Gain
1300 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Dwayne Parton
Flattop Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in Anchorage, Alaska and it's easy to see why. This recognizable landmark offers a 360 degree view of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, Anchorage, and Alaska Range making it a prime spot to watch the sunset and enjoy Alaska's scenery.
This moderate to difficult climb starts at 2200 feet and gets progressively difficult as you get closer to the top. It will cost $5(cash or card) to park at the Glen Alps Trailhead where you will find a set of well maintained trails accessing different parts of the valley including O'mally Peak.
Flattop Mountain Trail is a climb but there are plenty of places to stop, rest, and enjoy views of Mt. Denali, the Sleeping Lady, and Anchorage as the trail traverses along the mountain. Even if you don't have time to summit it's worth the short drive out of town to catch the view just few hundred yards from the trailhead.
The saddle is a great place to assess your comfort level as the trail near the summit becomes steep, requiring some rock scrambling. The summit is a football field sized area with plenty of places to sit, picnic, or even camp. Camping is allowed 1/2 mile from the trailhead and does not require a fee for groups less than 12. Depending on the time of year, Flattop is also a popular place to view the Northern Lights, ski, and paraglide.
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Hike up Flattop Mountain Reviews
This short, steep hike offers panoramic views of Anchorage as a reward. I definitely wouldn't call it "easy", but this is definitely a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Incredible scenery for being so close to town.
4.0
Did the hike mid-October... fresh snow-covered made it an increasing challenge the higher up you got. Great way to spend 2-3 hours
5.0
Flattop Mountain is a fun, half-day hike for intermediate and experienced climbers. The trail starts out through some beautiful patches of trees and is a constant uphill climb for most of it. The last portion of the trail to the peak is rather technical, steep and I wouldn’t recommend you bring small children, especially in the off-season when the trail is covered by heavy snow. Overall, this is a fun way to escape the city and get an amazing view of the mountains and downtown Anchorage. I highly recommend you wear proper hiking boots or shoes and use poles to help maintain your stability on the mountain.
3.0
A great hike close to Anchorage for views of the city and Cook Inlet. Hikeable in the winter with snowshoes or skis.
4.0
Very nice, the beginning of the trail is pretty easy and gets harder as you go. The last part to the very top is basically bouldering. The views are unbelievable and you can see all of anchorage. You don’t have to get all the way to the top for a great view but it was a fun challenge to get up there!
4.0
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