Flattop Mountain is an excellent introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park. The 8.8 mile out and back trail passes a bit of everything including alpine lakes, forest, treeline, and tundra. The trail starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead at 9475 and ascends to the top of Flattop Mountain at 12,324 feet. Go early as I visited on a Monday in late October and the parking lot was almost full. Enjoy this photo essay.
Driving toward Bear Lake with the Rockies, Flattop Mountain (on right), and the Continental Divide in view.
The trail is well maintained below treeline and resembled a turnpike.
Your truly at treeline.
The winds grew strong above treeline and snow covered the trail. I’m glad I brought my yaktrax. When the wind blew me off my feet, it was time to descend.
Heading down.
An elk herd greeted me along the road on my drive out of the park.
Bear Lake from the ascent.