flattop mountain hiking trail

If you are in Anchorage, reserve one morning for this hike. The view is beautiful and at times you will be enveloped by clouds. Just amazing.

Very popular trail. Quite slippery. Easy to moderate at first half. Very hard at the second half. With lots of short rest, it took 3 hours for round trip. Lots of Mosquitos.

The hike and views are spectacular. What you have to deal with is the piles of dog poop everywhere.... especially in the first quarter mile. It is sad that people don't clean up after their own pets both in the parking lot and on the trail, making this a miserable first section.

The parking lot is always crowded on a summer evening and it's too busy to be considered a wilderness adventure but that has some pluses. It has a great view of anchorage and there are enough people around that I feel safe hiking here by myself unlike many of the trails close to Anchorage. For that reason, it's great for a spur of the moment hike when I can't find a hiking partner.

This trail is easily accessible and popular with locals and tourists. You can reach the top and get back down in about 2-3 hours. HOWEVER, the trail gets steep at the top and should not be underestimated! Many tourists are under the impression that it is an "easy" hike and are not prepared. If you are up for it, the views are the top are breath taking.Do not attempt when it is snowy or icy (unless you are prepared)- my husband has seen several helicopter rescues in bad conditions.

Great, convenient hike with a city overlook. I've seen children and senior citizens jog to the top, but don't underestimate the hike, as for most of us this will be a strenuous adventure. Also, make sure to dress for the unexpected, as I've gone up the mountain when it was sunny and warm and descended in hail and rain.

Flattop trail is easy - anyone can do it, and it's got a great view at the top. However, don't expect any sense of a 'wilderness trail' or even to feel like you're in Alaska. It's crowded every day, and what once was a natural trail has been ruined with the addition of stairs and railings everywhere. It's fun if you want an easy walk to see the city, but if you want to actually do a hike in Alaska, find another trail.

If you want a great view of the city of Anchorage and aren't much of a hiker, you can still go to Flattop and there is an observation area that overlooks the city. If you want a nice hike, try blueberry hill. The first bit is wooden stairs and then a bit of a steep climb. Just take it easy and it isn't too bad. Once you get to the trail, it is basically gentle inclines. For more vigorous fun - go to the top of Flattop and get a birdseye view of the valley below. Just be very careful along the shale and pay attention to how you got to the top. The powerline trail is also in the same area and offers mostly gentle inclines with a few steeper ones. Lots of opportunities to view wildlife.

The last part of the hike to the very top is difficult, the rest (to the railroad ties) is pretty easy with lots of stairs, I've done it several times while like 8 months pregnant. Not a wilderness experience. In the summertime it can be pretty busy. In the wintertime, it can be a little scary but worth it to get to the top and slide/ski/snowboard down!