Near Flattop Sunnyside Trail
From the summit of Flattop. Chugach Mountains, Alaska.
Near Flattop Sunnyside Trail
False Peak (left) and O'Malley Peak (right) from Flat Top.
Near Flattop Sunnyside Trail
The path down from Flattop Mountain.
Near Flattop Sunnyside Trail
Flat Top of Flattop.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Flattop Sunnyside Trail

4.5 (4 Ratings)
A safer alternative to the Flattop Peak Trail.
0.4
mi
Distance
306
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Dogs AllowedViews
Access Issues
At this time, there is no fee to park at the trailhead. During the winter and spring, it may be difficult to reach the trailhead by car.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.44mi
Distance
306ft
Elevation Gain
0ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
3,554ft
High Point
3,247ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Since this portion of the Chugach State Park is within the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) - the MOA leash laws apply and dogs are required to be on a leash. Flattop Mountain is the most summitted mountain in Anchorage, and for some reason, the primary trail to the summit (via Glen Alps) may be the most dangerous approach. While there are a few different ways to reach the top of Flattop from Canyon Road, after extensive trail rerouting was concluded in 2017, there is now a primary trail that runs up the south slopes of Peak 2 to the southeast slopes of Flattop. New signage has been posted at the trailhead and along the trail. The new route is said to be more sustainable and has really mellowed out the steepness of the trail. While still steep, the trail used to have an incline of 1,600 feet of gain per mile, but now it is closer to 1,000 feet of gain per mile. The Backside Flattop Trail begins off Peak 2 Trail. Heading northwest takes you to Flattop Backside Trail. This trail has an intermediate rating due to its grade.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Flatttop to Ptarmigan Loop

Hike Route

Flatttop to Ptarmigan Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
9.02 mi
+4,748 ft
Williwaw Lakes + Mount Elliot Scramble

Hike Route

Williwaw Lakes + Mount Elliot Scramble

Lake
extreme
14.18 mi
+3,432 ft
Flattop Mountain

Hike Route

Flattop Mountain

Views
strenuous
2.92 mi
+1,351 ft
Hidden Lake Out and Back

Hike Route

Hidden Lake Out and Back

Lake
strenuous
9.43 mi
+1,731 ft
Little O'Malley Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Little O'Malley Out-and-Back

Views
moderate
4.02 mi
+1,446 ft
O'Malley Peak

Hike Route

O'Malley Peak

Views
strenuous
7.85 mi
+3,466 ft
Contributors
Abe H