Flattop Mountain (Alaska)

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Flattop Mountain rises to 3,550 feet just above Anchorage, Alaska, where it is, with Mount Susitna ("Sleeping Lady") and Mount McKinley (Denali), perhaps the most recognizable part of the natural skyline. It is the most-climbed peak in the state, due to its proximity to Anchorage and relative ease of access.

The actual top of the mountain is actually flat for a considerable area, though sloping down slightly to the east. So it is easy for get-togethers, planned and impromptu, to occur on Flattop, especially and famously on summer solstice. This day has a special significance in Alaska, since it is the longest day of the year, and, especially from a high point like Flattop, the sky never gets dark, even at 1 AM.

(CC) Photo: Rob Baird
View of Anchorage from Flattop.

One of the main reasons for the popularity of the hike to the top of Flattop is the stunning view of the entire peninsula that Anchorage rests on (called the "Anchorage bowl").

The mountain lies a little over 1,200 feet above and east of the very popular Glen Alps trailhead, above Blueberry Hill, and between Powerline Pass to the north and Rabbit Creek valley, which leads to Rabbit Lake, to the south.