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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail starts with a wooden staircase and switchbacks through hemlock until reaching the alpine tundra at Blueberry hill. The last few hundred feet are steep & rocky. The views are great from the top of the 3550 ft peak. On clear days Mt. McKinley and Mt Redoubt can easily be seen. If so desired a person can continue along the ridge to the southeast to the next two peaks, elevations 3658 ft. and 4111 ft. During the summer and winter solstice the Mountaineering Club of Alaska holds overnight camp-outs on the summit, despite the lack of water. Rated easy-moderate due to the elevation gain in the short distance and bad trail conditions near the top. The trail holds several potential hazards. Exercise extreme caution as you approach the summit. Several hikers have been seriously injured after slipping on the loose rocks and falling off the side. Stay between the markers that are set near the summit. Novices may have problems. Not recommended for small children. Trailhead: Drive south on the New Seward Highway and take the O'Malley road exit and head east. Drive about 4 miles and take a right onto Hillside drive. Drive approximately 1 mile and turn left onto Upper Huffman Road, and drive .7 miles to a three way intersection, turn right onto Toilsome Hill Drive. Go about 2 miles to the Glen Alps parking area, the trailhead is on the left. The Flattop Trail is found by climbing the stairs on the southeast side of the parking area. (Lat:61.1 Lon:-149.68) Trail Guides for Flattop Mountain Trail: 55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska by Nienhueser and Wolfe (Mountaineers Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Chugach State Park (907) 345-5014 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Irene Lee, who has posted 1 other hike on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 6/10/2009 This hike is beautiful this time of year. my girlfiends and I (ages 25-30), love it. Be prepared, water is highly recommended. The trail starts off gradually and by the time you reach the top, you will be on a incline of stairs. Then the last 50 feet are hand over feet, but easily manuevered.
Reviewed by Rob H on 5/4/2009 To answer the previous request, April is usually a bit more difficult than during the summer months because of the abundance of snow patches. I was just up there on the 29th of April and the trail would disappear in spots, and we would end up trailblazing our way around. The hike up to Flattop took everyone straight up a steep rock climb, and many people ended up turning back. Otherwise, its a wonderful hike, though there were lots of people to maneuver around. 
Reviewed by Mark on 4/19/2009 How is it this time of year? 
Reviewed by jc on 3/12/2009 What an incredible hike. Just be prepared. My friends and I climed this trail on a beautiful, clear, warm sunny day. Upon reaching the summit we got caught,totaly unprepared, in a ferocious hail storm. It didn't last long. Soaking wet, we made off the mountain, helping some folks out along the way who were really freaked out by the situation. All in all it was a great time and look foreward to doing it again. Just be prepared for anything when climbing Flattop!!!
Reviewed by heidi on 2/10/2009 It was the last excursion before we headed home to Germany and it was incredible. With 30lbs. overweight, I struggled the whole way, and was thankful for the cool temperatures even tho it was mid July. The last stretch to the summit was rock climbing niveau and only with the encouragement of my family and fellow climbers did I make it. It was just great and an experience I hope to repeat, with clear skies if possible. We had fog and limited sight, but the whole climb was just breath taking. I highly recommend it!
Reviewed by Ben on 7/11/2008 Nice hike any day of the week in the summer. The views are wonderful and man you burn the fat. Take your time and just enjoy. I have seen small childern go all the way to the top like 5 years old really, not saying this is the right thing to do. I gives you a good work out and you feel grate when you get back down to the parking lot. One you will and share with friends for all time. And don't worry about the bears, I been there several times and my bad luck have not see one ever. Its cool to have a plane fly by and you can see them in there cockpit, lol. Keep on Hikeing
Reviewed by Flying Eagle on 3/23/2008 I've hiked this trail three times so far: 2005, 2006 and September 2007. The first stretch is a bit uphill but manageable for just about anyone, even smaller children if you take your time and they have the willingness. The second saddle around Blueberry Hill is a bit more strenuous, but at the right time of the year (late August) the blueberries are worth the effort. The last section is difficult with navigating around rocks and boulders. Not much of a nice easy path here at any pace. Follow the neon green marks over the final scramble. On my own I've made it up in 45 minutes and down in about 30. The 360 degree view from the top is awesome so go on a clear day. Carry a small stone from the parking lot to add to the pile on the flat top.
Reviewed by Peter & Liz on 10/9/2007 My wife and i were visiting good friends and they took us to this site before returning home to Texas. It was a very exciting but nervous hike since we are not used to these type of attractions. My wife and i made it to the top and were very excited once we reached our destination. The fun part was coming down. Awesome Trip!!! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Alaska Hiking, Alaska Trails, Alaska Hikes, Anchorage County Hiking, Anchorage County Trails, Anchorage County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||