Flattop is Alaska’s most visited peak. Ascend the 1.5 - mile, 1,350 vertical foot trail to the rocky, football field-sized summit in about an hour and take in panoramic views from Denali (Mt. McKinley) to the Aleutian Islands. If you want vistas without the hike, walk the short path from the parking lot to the overlook. The more adventurous can hike from the parking lot 5 miles one-way to the scenic Williwaw Lakes or climb 5.5 miles to Wolverine Peak.
Getting There
3101 Glen Alps Road
Anchorage, AK 99516
Anchorage, AK 99516
Take the Seward Highway to O'Malley Road and drive toward the mountains. Follow O'Malley to Hillside Drive and turn south (right if facing mountains.) Turn left (toward the mountains) on Upper Huffman Road. About a half mile up hill, the road forks into Sultana Drive (left) and Toilsome Road (right.) Glen Alps is at the end of Toilsome Road. (Sultana leads the Upper Huffman trailhead of the park.) A $5 fee or state parking pass is required. Outhouses are open all year.
Note: Toilsome Road has a switchback and steep grades, and may require four-wheel-drive and/or winter tires during snowy or icy conditions.
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Points of Flattop Mountains of Glen Alps
1
Difficulty: Easy
This trail has its own sitting area and viewing deck with views of Anchorage, the Alaska Range, and Cook Inlet. It is really good for seeing sunsets in the evening but it is also windy. The whole route is wheelchair accessible. This is a good short hike for the family to see the view over Anchorage, but not a good trail for the training runner.
2
This area is accessed from multiple trails. Most people start at the Glen Alps parking lot and follow the trail toward Williwaw Lakes. Once you cross over Campbell Creek, you can go over the ridge by taking a right where the trail forks (steep but fast) or around to left (easier, but much longer). Good for hiking, snowshoeing or skiing. Some even run this trail.
3
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1 mile
This trail is one of many that make up the Hillside Trail System.
4
This is the most-hiked trail in Alaska, but winter snow can cause avalanches in the spring, so be careful what time of year you choose to go.
5
Spruce woods and mountain hemlock groves give way to open tundra and jewel-like alpine lakes.
7
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
This 7‑mile hike, which begins in the mountains just above Anchorage, takes you to the numerous Williwaw Lakes, all of which are clustered below the sheer north face of Mount Williwaw — the highest peak in the Front Range.