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For easy trail walk composing of multiple trails, for a scenic overlook above Anchorage, for the opportunity to try wild crowberries (be very careful...many similar looking berries are poisonous!), get yourself to Flat Top Mountain! And what a great orientation to Anchorage, Alaska. To get there you will need to drive through residential area with some of the prettiest homes. You may even want to move into one of them!
Great hiking for any time of the year. $5 parking fee. Pay it. Parks services does in fact patrol the lot. They don't fine you, but they do remind you to pay. On a clear day, you'll get a great view of Anchorage, and on a clear night during the winter months, this is the best spot in Anchorage to view the aurora borealis (Northern lights). As soon as you hit the trail, bang a hard right to hike Flattop, which is not at all flat. The name is somewhat deceiving. Overall difficulty is moderate. If you stay straight, you'll hit the power line, which is actually flat and goes for miles.
It is my understanding that Flattop Mountain is also Glen Alps. Either way, this review is for our viewing of the Aurora Borealis, also known as "The Northern Lights". The opportunity to witness this phenomenon should not be passed up. It started with our work/vacation to Anchorage, Alaska. Out business took one and a half days, leaving us the rest of the week to explore Alaska. We scheduled a tour which included a viewing of the Northern Lights. Cost for two, $390. How often will we get this opportunity so let's go for it. Then we met a local who said, "why pay for a tour when you can just drive up here and see it for free". Ok let's do it. After a late nap we dress really warm and head to Glen Alps. It a long drive up a snow covered winding road to an open parking field. I position our car and wait. The skies are very clear, and it feels like we could just reach out and touch the stars. Of course there are no promises that we will see them but we have to try. After about an hour and a half it starts. The sky starts to light up in columns then it dies out but starts again. The lights are almost dancing across the sky. There weren't a variety of colors, just green and white. We learned the green and white are the most common. To witness this amazing phenomenon was absolutely AMAZING. It was not only a highlight of our trip but possibly of my life. It was 5 degrees out but after the show started it was a non issue. It lasted about 20 minute, but felt like two minutes. I could go on and on but I suggest that if you ever have the opportunity to see this awesome sight do not pass it up. Just a note, there is an app that gives you the daily probability of seeing them, along with other relevant information.
I've stopped taking Flattop for granted, it's a local treasure. Being able to get off work and go do some snow climbing for 2 hrs, in the dead of winter, and get back down in time to hit Moose's Tooth and get 8+ hours of sleep before work is...incredible. I treat Flattop like a winter gym. Best part: it's free! (OK, you need an Alaska State Parks pass but, it's stupid-cheap compared to a gym membership)
What do Alaskans do when it's over 70 degrees? Hike, of course! We made our way to Flattop Mountain. It is the most hiked mountain in our state at 3,245 feet within the Chugach State Park. From various points, you can see a panoramic view of Anchorage (AK's largest city), Denali (highest mountain peak in North America), and the beginning of the Aleutian Islands (a chain of 14 large volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones). Notes: Parking is $5 and you can with a cc.
I had some time to kill before my late night flight, so I went to flat top Mountain Trail. This was definitely an easy hike to see some fantastic views!
GREAT VIEWS, GREAT TRAILS, GREAT GETAWAY IN THE CITY! Great trails that are pretty nice and maintained until you get to the base of last section before the summit where you get to scramble and navigate your way through the boulders and zig zag along to the top. At the beginning you are in a dense baby forest of pines until you breakout into the open again. Then it is up you go. This is my favorite hiking trail that located just outside of anchorage. This is not to say there are not amazing hiking opportunities out in the wilderness, as of course the best can be found remotely. But this one doesn't require planning for people in Anchorage. This hiking spot has a nice parking lots where you will often need to wait a while to find a parking spot as many others agree with me that this place is a good spot. All in all, this a pretty great spot....
Must see and hike while in Anchorage. It's beautiful from here. Awesome trails! Very clean and easy access.
I love Flattop Mountain , it's so accessible and the trail system is great . It was cold and windy today but the view was beautiful . There is a 5.00 parking fee but it goes to the State Parks so I can't complain . If you come often a season pass is the best deal . If you come dress warm !
Absolutely beautiful. Very windy towards the top. A lot of incline and we also seen a moose.
I have to admit, I get lost super easily and could not figure out how to get to the summit. The "parking lot" that Google Maps led me to is basically a long, dead-end street, where cars park on the side. The trailhead is not exactly at this dead-end, but just a tiny walk back from where you entered. The smallest of trailhead signs sits on the ground, which I totally missed at first. I kept looking for a place to pay the $5 parking fee, but couldn't find one. I asked three people and they all said "I don't think you have to pay for this..." Although I couldn't find my way to the summit, I did see people hiking near the top and thought to myself "holy crap that looks steep." I probably saw about eight people hiking this trail and it was a Friday late afternoon in May with a slight drizzle. I ended up just heading out after walking around the valley part of the mountain, which still has decent views. After reading through some reviews, I'm convinced that Google Maps led to me to alternate entrance, and I'll have to keep this on my to do list.
This 3.4 mile round trip hike is gorgeous and not for the faint of heart. Went during a visit to Alaska at the recommendation of my brother in law who lives here. Also went during the heat wave in June 2019 . The hike starts out with a reasonable incline and then after mile 1 you start to climb stairs and your heart starts pumping and perhaps you start panting depending on how out of shape you are. The last leg of the journey is climbing rocks. I say this because you should not do this hike in flip flops or think it's a leisurely walk. Is it worth reaching that flag at the summit to have 360 degrees of views! See pictures for elevation changes.
Great getaway from the hustle just a few miles below. There is a lot to do and see even if you don't take the hike up to the flattop. Just walk 100 yards or so down the Anchorage view trail and you'll see amazing views of the ocean, mountains, the city, the bases, and the airport. It as if your seeing the city as if your were coming in to Anchorage by plane. It's a great place to take kids, pets, and people with limited mobility. The drive up there is half the fun and only takes about 20-30 from south Anchorage, depending on traffic and how many times you stop along the way. There are signs leading you in the direction of the park so be sure to follow them closely or you'll end up in someones driveway. There is a ranger station at the parking area and it is a fee area since it is inside Chugach National Park. There are lots of trails for skiing, snow shoeing, and room do pretty much do what ever you want, although snow machines are not allowed. It's worth a trip on the weekend when nothing else tickles you pickle!!
2 months ago
1 year ago
For easy trail walk composing of multiple trails, for a scenic overlook above Anchorage, for the opportunity to try wild crowberries (be very careful...many similar looking berries are poisonous!), get yourself to Flat Top Mountain! And what a great orientation to Anchorage, Alaska. To get there you will need to drive through residential area with some of the prettiest homes. You may even want to move into one of them! read more
Great hiking for any time of the year. $5 parking fee. Pay it. Parks services does in fact patrol the lot. They don't fine you, but they do remind you to pay. On a clear day, you'll get a great view of Anchorage, and on a clear night during the winter months, this is the best spot in Anchorage to view the aurora borealis (Northern lights). As soon as you hit the trail, bang a hard right to hike Flattop, which is not at all flat. The name is somewhat deceiving. Overall difficulty is moderate. If you stay straight, you'll hit the power line, which is actually flat and goes for miles. read more
8 years ago
It is my understanding that Flattop Mountain is also Glen Alps. Either way, this review is for our viewing of the Aurora Borealis, also known as "The Northern Lights". The opportunity to witness this phenomenon should not be passed up. It started with our work/vacation to Anchorage, Alaska. Out business took one and a half days, leaving us the rest of the week to explore Alaska. We scheduled a tour which included a viewing of the Northern Lights. Cost for two, $390. How often will we get this opportunity so let's go for it. Then we met a local who said, "why pay for a tour when you can just drive up here and see it for free". Ok let's do it. After a late nap we dress really warm and head to Glen Alps. It a long drive up a snow covered winding road to an open parking field. I position our car and wait. The skies are very clear, and it feels like we could just reach out and touch the stars. Of course there are no promises that we will see them but we have to try. After about an hour and a half it starts. The sky starts to light up in columns then it dies out but starts again. The lights are almost dancing across the sky. There weren't a variety of colors, just green and white. We learned the green and white are the most common. To witness this amazing phenomenon was absolutely AMAZING. It was not only a highlight of our trip but possibly of my life. It was 5 degrees out but after the show started it was a non issue. It lasted about 20 minute, but felt like two minutes. I could go on and on but I suggest that if you ever have the opportunity to see this awesome sight do not pass it up. Just a note, there is an app that gives you the daily probability of seeing them, along with other relevant information. read more
I've stopped taking Flattop for granted, it's a local treasure. Being able to get off work and go do some snow climbing for 2 hrs, in the dead of winter, and get back down in time to hit Moose's Tooth and get 8+ hours of sleep before work is...incredible. I treat Flattop like a winter gym. Best part: it's free! (OK, you need an Alaska State Parks pass but, it's stupid-cheap compared to a gym membership) read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
What do Alaskans do when it's over 70 degrees? Hike, of course! We made our way to Flattop Mountain. It is the most hiked mountain in our state at 3,245 feet within the Chugach State Park. From various points, you can see a panoramic view of Anchorage (AK's largest city), Denali (highest mountain peak in North America), and the beginning of the Aleutian Islands (a chain of 14 large volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones). Notes: Parking is $5 and you can with a cc. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
I had some time to kill before my late night flight, so I went to flat top Mountain Trail. This was definitely an easy hike to see some fantastic views! read more
8 years ago
GREAT VIEWS, GREAT TRAILS, GREAT GETAWAY IN THE CITY! Great trails that are pretty nice and maintained until you get to the base of last section before the summit where you get to scramble and navigate your way through the boulders and zig zag along to the top. At the beginning you are in a dense baby forest of pines until you breakout into the open again. Then it is up you go. This is my favorite hiking trail that located just outside of anchorage. This is not to say there are not amazing hiking opportunities out in the wilderness, as of course the best can be found remotely. But this one doesn't require planning for people in Anchorage. This hiking spot has a nice parking lots where you will often need to wait a while to find a parking spot as many others agree with me that this place is a good spot. All in all, this a pretty great spot.... read more
6 years ago
Must see and hike while in Anchorage. It's beautiful from here. Awesome trails! Very clean and easy access. read more
I love Flattop Mountain , it's so accessible and the trail system is great . It was cold and windy today but the view was beautiful . There is a 5.00 parking fee but it goes to the State Parks so I can't complain . If you come often a season pass is the best deal . If you come dress warm ! read more
7 years ago
Absolutely beautiful. Very windy towards the top. A lot of incline and we also seen a moose. read more
9 years ago
I have to admit, I get lost super easily and could not figure out how to get to the summit. The "parking lot" that Google Maps led me to is basically a long, dead-end street, where cars park on the side. The trailhead is not exactly at this dead-end, but just a tiny walk back from where you entered. The smallest of trailhead signs sits on the ground, which I totally missed at first. I kept looking for a place to pay the $5 parking fee, but couldn't find one. I asked three people and they all said "I don't think you have to pay for this..." Although I couldn't find my way to the summit, I did see people hiking near the top and thought to myself "holy crap that looks steep." I probably saw about eight people hiking this trail and it was a Friday late afternoon in May with a slight drizzle. I ended up just heading out after walking around the valley part of the mountain, which still has decent views. After reading through some reviews, I'm convinced that Google Maps led to me to alternate entrance, and I'll have to keep this on my to do list. read more
This 3.4 mile round trip hike is gorgeous and not for the faint of heart. Went during a visit to Alaska at the recommendation of my brother in law who lives here. Also went during the heat wave in June 2019 . The hike starts out with a reasonable incline and then after mile 1 you start to climb stairs and your heart starts pumping and perhaps you start panting depending on how out of shape you are. The last leg of the journey is climbing rocks. I say this because you should not do this hike in flip flops or think it's a leisurely walk. Is it worth reaching that flag at the summit to have 360 degrees of views! See pictures for elevation changes. read more
16 years ago
Great getaway from the hustle just a few miles below. There is a lot to do and see even if you don't take the hike up to the flattop. Just walk 100 yards or so down the Anchorage view trail and you'll see amazing views of the ocean, mountains, the city, the bases, and the airport. It as if your seeing the city as if your were coming in to Anchorage by plane. It's a great place to take kids, pets, and people with limited mobility. The drive up there is half the fun and only takes about 20-30 from south Anchorage, depending on traffic and how many times you stop along the way. There are signs leading you in the direction of the park so be sure to follow them closely or you'll end up in someones driveway. There is a ranger station at the parking area and it is a fee area since it is inside Chugach National Park. There are lots of trails for skiing, snow shoeing, and room do pretty much do what ever you want, although snow machines are not allowed. It's worth a trip on the weekend when nothing else tickles you pickle!! read more
First day in Anchorage and our AirBnB host recommended this trail to hike. We googled it and Google took us to the 'back way' up the trail. It was a tough climb for these flatlanders' first hike in Alaska. It was a challenge in places with the steep climb on small gravel and loose dirt but we loved it. We missed a few moose by an hour according to a local trail runner. When we got to the top we could see we were so glad we went the back way as there were dozens of people on the trail coming up the front side. We went onto three other peaks gif more views and it was beautiful! Amazing panoramic photos! Took 1 hour 15 min to get to the top and total hike was just over 3 hours. We took the valley trail down and definitely recommend that read more
Great view of the city and the backdrop is amazing. I consider this a beginners running trail and great for training on a day to day basis. I finished up and down in 48 mins, but I trailrun daily. For non-hikers plan to take at least 1 -1/2 to 2 depending on your level of training. There's some scrambling to get to the top, but since it's so popular now you'll be able to make out multiple trail heads heading up. The stairs steps is the killer on this trail so take your time! I thought it was pretty crowded here and it's not even the peak time to hike when I went. Don't forget your cash $5 to pay for parking! Enjoy! read more
A hike near anchorage??? Yup! This is one of them. I would recommend though going on a clear day... You drive up to the trail head. It's a state park so its $5 per day. Fyi- save your receipt-- if you go to another state park in the same day then you can use that receipt as payment! There should be ample parking. There are also restroom facilities here. There a couple different trails here. If course one to the mountain top. A loop around the mountain. And any other variation you can come up with. Now I went in a foggy day. Or maybe it was low clouds. But could see nothing and barely 50 ft in front as going up. Everything was also wet which if you're careful isn't too bad. Never the less... It was still a nice hike. But would have been nice if it were clear... Oh well. Next time! read more
8 years ago
We absolutely loved it! I mean the view going up to the parking for the trail was beautiful itself. It was our first time there and we went with our 5 year old so we weren't really prepared for the actual hike but there was an Anchorage Overlook Trail that we checked out instead. Short, simple and scenic trail that got us amazing photos! Maybe next time we'll do the "actual hike" LOL! There are 2 different parking lots and parking is $5. We went mid-October so it was a bit chilly. read more
If you want crisp fresh air, cardio that never gets boring... the sound of your own thoughts... and the feeling of freedom just a short distance out of downtown Anchorage please come here!!!!! Whenever I come up for a visit I make sure I take my friends to this spot, it's great for photo ops atop the chugach mountains or with downtown Anchorage and Cook Inlet as your backdrop (as long as the weather's nice and the fog isn't covering your view). If you want a quick hike, this is your spot as well - many people frequent Flattop daily for exercise or sightseeing/berry picking (moose, blueberries, fireweeds) - the distance is approx. 1.7mi one way and you gain an elevation of 1300ft! (The terrain gets a little more rugged as you get closer to the top... once you hit the stairs... be careful) $5 daily parking fee - if you're just in town for a few days and have a few hours to spare, check it out!!!! You won't be disappointed! read more
7 years ago
Flattop Mountain is located in Chugach State Park. It is the most climbed mountain in the state. We drove to the Glen Alps trailhead and hiked from the parking lot to the summit. The elevation gain is approximately 1,300 feet. The 1.5 mile trail was well maintained and had quite a bit of stairs. We stopped several times to take pictures of the panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding area. To be honest, I didn't make it all the way to the top. The trail becomes steep near the summit and requires some rock scrambling. I started going up the summit, but fear kicked in. I was scared of slipping and falling on the rocks. When making my way down, I was on my hands and butt. Even though I didn't make it to the top, it was one of the most worthwhile things I did while I was in Alaska. read more
Phenomenal views at the top. Simply amazing. We ended up starting on the wrong trail on the opposite side of the mountain than the main trail. This is the older abandoned trail up some perilous loose rocks. I ended up turning around and finding the main trail. That trail is much better with a well-defined path and stairs in some parts. It's about a 1.5 mile trip one way, but very steep. The last quarter or half mile hike is a bit treacherous as you're basically scrambling/rock climbing with your hands over boulders. Be careful here, especially during wet weather! It was pretty windy once we reached the top during sunset so definitely bring wind resistant gear. Overall, one of the best hikes of my life. read more
10 years ago
Highly recommended! We did this hike on our last day in Anchorage and we were not disappointed. It was challenging enough and offered the most amazing views of Anchorage. There were so many friendly locals, offering advice and tips along the way. Try to stay on the trail- we went off course and saw a lot of moose droppings. Another couple told us they saw a moose and it actually charged at them. read more
6 years ago
6 years ago
Flat Top Trail (Glen Alps) was my initiation to Alaskas obsession with hiking. My very first visit was in March where snow was still copious and the trail was still inacessible. We go often and I'm always surprised how long the snow hangs around. By June there was still tons of snow and we weren't brave enough to hike as high as we would have liked because of the slippery muddy conditions due to the snow melt. I've only ever made it as far as the 2nd peak because I get vertigo and the trail is really narrow past the 2nd peak. Most people say it's a relatively easy climb, but I don't trust myself to go further... However, the views are really lovely at the 2nd peak and I love the South facing side of that area. There's lots of lovely alpine flowers. Definitely a must visit for anyone coming to Anchorage. Even if you don't plan to hike the trail, the vistas from the trail head are worth the drive up Hillside. Be warned though, if you don't have 4-wheel drive, DO NOT drive up to Flat Top if there's still ice on the roads or you'll be VERY very sorry. The best time to visit Flat Top is between May and September. Now that I've been in Alaska for a while and become acquainted with with many of the Anchorage area trails, I can say that Flattop is one of my least favorite trails. The Glen Alps lookout at the beginning of the Flattop Trail is a nice place to park and watch the sunset. But the trail itself leaves A LOT to be desired. The trail's popularity is also its downfall. Much of the fauna has been destroyed by hikers attempting to find good footing because the trail is so packed down and slippery. The state has done very little to mitigate the damage by way of trail improvements. read more
11 years ago
This was a visually stunning hike, you can't put it into words. It was quite challenging going up, but a lot of fun. Coming down... not so much, lol. My boyfriend and I almost made it to the top but I chickened out on the stairs basically right before the top. I just couldn't hang anymore. It was too steep and those stairs with the rocks gave me anxiety. :( I knew coming down was going to be awful. If you make it to Anchorage, do it! We saw moose when we came down, too! read more
This is a great trail close to town. There are a lot of spots to stop and rest while taking in the scenery and snapping away on the camera. It was a bit rainy so bring some good shoes and something that is at least water resistant. They have expanded the parking so their are two lots available. Parking is $5/day and they take credit/debit cards for payment. Glad we had a local give us the heads up on this, just wish we would have had enough time to make it all the way to the top. My only complaint and why I didn't give it 5 stars was the fact that there were too many people leaving their dog feces along the trail and not picking up after them. They do have restrooms at the trailhead but there wasn't any running water so bring your own hand sanitizer. This is a must do for anyone that enjoys getting out into the wilderness for some quiet time while on vacation, however it does see a lot of traffic even for a weekday. read more
9 years ago
Like others have said, this is a must-do when you come to Anchorage. There's a shuttle that charges a fee to come here or you can drive here yourself in a jiff! Be careful because Google Maps takes you to the more difficult trail. We relied on my GPS and ended up on the strenuous trail by mistake where all of the intense people run. There is an easier way up. We could never figure it out, but encourage others to do some research if they want to avoid the strenuous trail. The fee for the parking near this trail is $5 (and definitely worth it). Beautiful views and close to town make this a great hike. read more
8 years ago
We did the powerline trail and had a close encounter with a massive bull moose. He was 100 yards off the trailhead just sitting and relaxing in the sun. Our pictures were so good you would think we were professional photographers. Lots of different hikes available so plan to do a few read more
7 years ago
This is the most popular hike in the Anchorage area. It's about 3 miles round trip with a 2000ft elevation gain, with panoramic views of downtown Anchorage, the airport, and the Cook inlet. Near the summit is the most difficult with scrambling; however, the views are worth it. This is a quick hike, no more than 2 hours if you don't linger at the top. read more
15 years ago
We were told this is the quintessential Anchorage hike. It affords beautiful views and is nice and strenuous at the top. It's a steady climb until you get almost to the top and then it becomes a bit scrappy where you have to use your hands to help balance as you climb over rocks and steep terrain. Its gorgeous at the top but crazy windy! I swear my wife was going to blow off the mountain. The wind made it cold as well and since we weren't prepared for that we made it down in a hurry. Great hike though and would definitely do it again. read more
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More info about Flattop Mountain Trail
13101 Glen Alps Rd
Anchorage, AK 99516
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(907) 345-5014
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Ask the Community - Flattop Mountain Trail
There's 3 trails in the hike, Blueberry, Flat Top and Old Trail. Going left on Blueberry is easier. Is Old Trail also easy or is that the extremely dangerous side? I'm seeing no one ever takes Old Trail.
The old trail is very steep almost vertical with nothing but shale. It's like walking on ball bearings. if it's open, then yeah you can take it. I believe they made the new trail because degradation on the old one and how dangerous it became. but…
