Tenth Hike - Flattop Mountain

Flattop Mountain is in Rocky Mountain National Park and is Hike #15 under the Northern Mountain section.  Brad Winch and I did this hike on July 3, 2010 when we stayed at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park for my birthday.  The views from the hike were amazing.

The hike was a strenuous 8.8 mile round trip hike.  It went from 9,475 to 12,324 feet in elevation.  I was definitely feeling it when we went above 10,000 feet.

Longs Peak with a waterfall in the foreground was just one of the views we had when walking through the lower portion of the trail.

 Longs Peak with a lake in the foreground.  We had a beautiful day to hike - clear skies and perfect temperature.

 Aerial view of Emerald Lake was one of the overlooks. 

Getting near the treeline with a view of a glacier.

We are now above the treeline and getting closer to the top.  We actually saw a wolverine right about here.  I didn't get any pictures of it, but it looked between a cross of a bear and a dog.  It was furry but low to the ground.  It was pretty amazing that we saw one since they have just been spotted back in the park.

We had to cross through a snow patch to make it to the top.  It was pretty slushy and hard to walk in but it added a little fun for a hike in July.

View of Longs Peak from the top.  The top was pretty flat and was just a grassy field of rocks.

We had talked about climbing to the top of Hallett Peak, but the wind was fierce and I was about done.  It is amazing how much faster I was going down than going up.

Another great birthday hike.

10 Down and 90 To Go