Take The 3.3 Mile Flattop Trail For A Beautiful View Of Anchorage, Alaska
By Megan McDonald
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Published August 31, 2019
If you’re looking for the best views in Anchorage, Flattop Trail in the Chugach Mountain range is the perfect place to go to see it all! A short but steep hike gives you views of Sleeping Lady, the Cook Inlet, and the city of Anchorage. It’s a great place to go no matter the season!
If you're in Anchorage and you're looking for a great hike with killer views, Flattop Trail is the best of the best!
Short but steep, this trail is rated as moderately difficult. It's a 3.3 mile loop that brings you to the very top of Flattop Mountain.
The first bit of the trail is more gentle, as you climb up Blueberry Hill.
This is a lot of packed earth in a well groomed trail. The views are still beautiful from Blueberry Hill if you decide not to continue to the top!
The elevation gain is a thigh burning 1,350 feet.
During the steepest sections you will find primitive steps to help you on your ascent. Until the very end, where you will have to go through a rocky scramble. This is easy to do in the summer with all of the sunshine, but be careful if you're in darkness or it's a very rainy or foggy day.
When you reach the top, you'll be greeted with a large, flat expanse.
This area is about the same size as a football field. It's the perfect spot to eat a picnic lunch and take in the scenery around you.
The ascent is about one to two hours, depending on your physical condition.
This is considered one of the most climbed mountains in Alaska, so you'll have plenty of friendly faces with you on the trail! Make sure to take plenty of water, and take a breather on the benches provided when needed.
There's a shuttle that runs from downtown Anchorage that will take you to the trailhead for only $23.00 per person, round trip.
If this kind of hike is a little more adventurous than you're used to, try the shorter Observation Viewpoint from the parking lot! That's an easy .5 mile loop with stunning views of Anchorage as well.
You can find the trailhead for this killer mountain trail at the Glen Alps parking lot.
Have you hiked Flattop Trail? What did you think? Would you do it again? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re in Anchorage, make sure to finish that awesome hike with some pizza at This Pizzeria In Alaska Is The Best In The Nation, And The Food Is To Die For!
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