Backpack the Flat Tops Wilderness

The hike in from Turret Creek Trailhead at the south end of Flat Tops Wilderness climbs from 8,000 feet to over 11,000 feet elevation in about 7.5 miles. For the less initiated, an overnight stop at Turret Creek Meadows offers a spot to rinse off in the cool mountain stream, try your hand at fishing for brook trout, and enjoy one of the more established campsites in the Flat Tops.

On Day 1, hike up to Turret Crescent Trail, where you can camp between many high alpine lakes. The remoteness offers a great opportunity to take a dip in the lake before the sun goes down.

The next day, follow West Mountain Trail north and drop in the Island Lakes Basin. This is a beautiful stop for lunch and some fishing. Island Lakes holds a set of outfitter's Yurts, which make it a bit busier (this was 1 of only 3 times we saw other people during our 6 day trip).

After lunch, hike up past Deer Lake and across "The Flat Tops," which is an extremely large grass tundra, above 11,000 feet. You can spend the night down in the Stillwater Reservoir basin, by Mosquito Lake. There are several established campsites here, although you can also opt to pick your own primitive campsite, which is allowed throughout the wilderness without permit. The sunset provides great color on the ridge east towards Hooper Lake.

For an Day 3, make the quick trip back over the Flat Tops to the west, heading into the burned ruins of Trappers Lake Basin. You can make camp here, on a ridge next to Little Trappers Lake. With a clear view to the west, the sunset is amazing, and you can watch the beavers play in the lake around their dam.

The Trappers Lake area is very large, and on Day 4 you can complete at shorter, although still long climb along the Carhart and Trappers Lake Trails. Just before the top, stop off at Parvin Lake, where there is only very primitive camping. Several large old trees make for a great place of reflection and peace along the water's edge.

The next morning, climb back to the top of the Flat Tops and with some good orienteering find your way across an unmaintained trail directly south back to the Turret Creek Trail. Head down to Turret Creek Meadow, and make camp at the beautiful meadow area.

On Day 6, head back down to the car, which will include some creek crossings.

Overall we hiked about 60 miles in 6 days through the Wilderness. We only encountered other humans 3 times. This is a great place when you want to get away. We will be back!