What To Expect Climbing Alaska’s Flattop Mountain

None of us were sure what to expect as we began climbing Flattop Mountain. Step by step Anchorage’s neighborhoods and buildings dwindled in sight as views of Alaska’s majestic mountain ranges and pristine Cook Inlet got more impressive. The scene that unfolded during the journey was simply stunning, but little did I know what it would take to master this mountain.

Wildly Popular, Somewhat Precarious

Located 30 minutes from downtown Anchorage in Chugach State Park, Flattop Mountain’s close proximity to Alaska’s largest city makes it popular with day hikers. So popular in fact, Flattop has the title of most climbed mountain in all of Alaska.

(Flattop Mountain is one of 7 scenic stops not to miss on the drive from Anchorage to Seward.)

While you may have heard of this popular peak – and maybe even read about young kids who have climbed it – don’t misjudge this trail as an easy climb. I know I was surprised by how challenging it was.

It has flat parts, but most of the journey is steep and demanding. The mountain climb also has a section of rock scrambling at the top just to make things interesting.

I’m glad I wasn’t aware that this mountain is actually a hot spot for rescues, otherwise I may not have undertaken this adventure and would have missed out on a breathtakingly rewarding challenge.

Gaining an elevation of 1,300 ft. in 1.7 miles (with most of it in the last ½ mile), it’s important to take this hike seriously. Wear layers, proper shoes, and bring water.

(Need help planning your entire Alaska itinerary? Check out our article, Comparing Two Alaska Road Trip Itineraries.)

What to expect climbing Flattop Mountain

Getting there

Flattop Trail begins at the Glen Alps Trailhead located 15 miles from Anchorage. The drive to Flattop is scenic in itself as you gain an elevation of roughly 2,200 feet before you even step out of your car. There’s a big parking lot – but it can easily fill up, and a $5 parking fee is required.

Easy beginning

Flattop Mountain Trail is clearly marked and begins on a gravel path through mountain hemlock. Coming out of the trees you’ll wind around as the trail gets steeper and the views get better.

Strenuous middle

The middle of the hike gets more strenuous. Steep and uneven timber stairs take you up a big chunk of the elevation. I stopped every so often to catch my breath, giving me time to gaze out at the wide-open Alaska landscape.

For the record, my kids ages 16, 14 and 11, not only effortlessly passed me up climbing the stairs, they had energy left over and proceeded to venture up extra hills just off the main trail.

Approximately one mile into the hike you’ll come to a dramatic overlook. Rest on the bench provided and soak in all the surrounding beauty. This is also a good place to stop and decide if you want to ascend the rest of the way to the summit.

Realizing the next section of the trail was the steepest yet, including a rock scramble to the top, some of our group decided to turn back at this point. I, along with Ryan and our three kids, decided to continue to the top.

Scramble to the summit

For me, the steep rock scramble to the summit, while fairly short, was one of those challenges I’m nervous to undertake and don’t necessarily enjoy – but I feel exhilarated once I accomplish it. In this case, I didn’t get that exhilarated feeling until I had completed the dangerous descent as well.

Ryan and the kids say there was nothing to be worried about, but I think it’s worth noting that it’s a hand over hand climb where you need to find good footholds while pulling yourself up. Loose rocks can easily become dislodged during the climb, which didn’t help my confidence.

There also isn’t a clear path up this part of the mountain. I kept thinking there was probably an easier route than the one I was taking, but everyone around me seemed to be forging their own paths, too.

Goal Achieved

An American flag that I had been eyeing the whole way up the mountain greeted me at the summit. Barely visible from the bottom of the mountain, the flag planted at the top serves as great motivation for weary hikers. Once you reach it, be sure to stand next to it and snap a picture – or twenty.

Then take a step back and bask in Alaska’s phenomenal landscape. Majestic mountain peaks on one side of you, sparkling blue water on another, tiny treetops dotting the terrain below you and clouds barely above you. I’ve heard you can even see Denali (Mt. McKinley) on a clear day, but we weren’t so lucky.

Realizing we still had a heck of a hike to master going down the mountain, we took one last picture and began our descent.

Scrambling down the rocks took focus not to fall or go too fast, but was less strenuous and much easier than the way up. The entire hike took us 3 hours to complete – including multiple stops for pictures and rest.

Flattop Mountain: Worth the work

We weren’t sure what to expect when we started climbing Flattop Mountain , but it ended up being worth the work. Our 16 year-old said Flattop Trail was his favorite hike ever. And that’s saying something, since we’ve hiked in Yosemite, Acadia, Columbia River Gorge, the Smokies, and others.

With plenty of panoramic views part way up Flattop Mountain, hiking even some of the trail is worth it. In fact, the drive to the parking area provided scenic views of the city and surrounding mountains, too – another option if you have limited time or lack the desire for a hike.

For us, the hike to the summit was well worth the effort (and anxiety on my part). We were rewarded with unbeatable views as we embarked on a challenging family adventure ending with an exhilarating feeling of accomplishment.

Have you climbed Flattop Mountain? What was your experience like? Tell us in the comments. And, for more gorgeous Alaskan hikes that can be completed in 3 hours or less, read our article “5 of the Best Hikes in Alaska.”

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