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About this place
Flattop Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in Anchorage, Alaska and it's easy to see why. This recognizable landmark offers a 360 degree view of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, Anchorage, and Alaska Range making it a prime spot to watch the sunset and enjoy Alaska's scenery.
This moderate to difficult climb starts at 2200 feet and gets progressively difficult as you get closer to the top. It will cost $5(cash or card) to park at the Glen Alps Trailhead where you will find a set of well maintained trails accessing different parts of the valley including O'mally Peak.
Flattop Mountain Trail is a climb but there are plenty of places to stop, rest, and enjoy views of Mt. Denali, the Sleeping Lady, and Anchorage as the trail traverses along the mountain. Even if you don't have time to summit it's worth the short drive out of town to catch the view just few hundred yards from the trailhead.
The saddle is a great place to assess your comfort level as the trail near the summit becomes steep, requiring some rock scrambling. The summit is a football field sized area with plenty of places to sit, picnic, or even camp. Camping is allowed 1/2 mile from the trailhead and does not require a fee for groups less than 12. Depending on the time of year, Flattop is also a popular place to view the Northern Lights, ski, and paraglide.
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