Hike Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak
10.3 Miles
3240 Feet
Photography, Hiking
Intermediate
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Out-and-Back
Hike up to two very tall Rocky Mountain National Park summits. Along the route, you'll see wildlife and abundant wildflowers as well as views of Keyhole Route and Longs Peak.
Arrive at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Follow abundant signage toward Flattop Peak. Once you arrive at the summit of Flattop identify the unnamed unmaintained trail leading south toward Hallett Peak. Round the head of Tyndall Gorge and ascend the rocky slopes toward the summit by connecting short use trails. Occasional cairns mark the way and the route is very easy to follow.
A rugged loop hike is possible by way of descending from Hallett peak into Chaos Canyon to reach the trail at Lake Hiayaho.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Fun Hike!
My dad, brother and I did this a while ago! Had a great time doing it, we got up plenty early and caught the sunrise from above the treeline. Overall a very good hike, and not too many people if you get out early in the morning.
Otis Addition
Great two peaks for a day hike in the park. An alternative loop I've done with this hike includes adding Otis to Flattop and Hallets. From Hallets, Otis is a quick 10-20 min scramble along the ridge, Flattop-Hallets-Otis (FHO) is best done as a loop, descending from Otis and down Andrew's Glacier. The Andrew's Glacier trail puts you out at Glacier Gorge so you can either hike back to Bear Lake or take the shuttle.
Awesome views in every direction
This is actually a really fun hike. It will take some effort to get there from Bear Lake but definitely worth it.
