Flattop Mountain Trail

Watch the sunrise from above treeline with great views below and to the south. This is my favorite place to view the sunrise is from just above the emerald lake overlook. The Bear Lake area is very crowded, but an early morning ascent of Flattop Mountain will provide ample opportunities for solitude!

To catch the sunrise, begin at the Bear Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the trailhead, veer right around bear lake and continue along the Odessa Lake/Flattop Mountain trail. This will begin to ascend on your right.

After approximately 1 mile, the Flattop Mountain Trail will split off the main trail on the left. Caution, in the winter the sign can be almost buried in snow, so keep a sharp eye out. After the split, stay on the Flattop Mountain Trail and follow as it meanders along the east side of Flattop Mountain. There is ski and snowshoe traffic the length of the trail, but beware of drifting. This can obscure the trail in places.

Once above treeline, you can choose the location you want to watch the show! I prefer a little above the Emerald Lake overlook as the snow will often obscure the sunrise from closer to the summit.

For a little extra mileage, continue past Flattop Mountain to Hallet Peak. 

PERMITS & RESERVATIONS:

• Camping: Be sure to obtain a backcountry camping permit from the Backcountry Office, which is adjacent to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side of the park. Permits can also be reserved at Recreation.Gov. This fee does not include the Park entrance fee
• National Park Entrance: 1-day entrance; 7-day entrance; America the Beautiful Pass
• Timed entry reservation -- these are in effect in RMNP end of May through mid October