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Trail Description
Worth Noting
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Hallett Peak: 10 miles

Bear Lake Trailhead

Description

Only .6 miles and 389’ up from Flattop Mountain is Hallet Peak’s distinguishable 12,713’ summit. A cairn-marked path follows the contours of the Continental Divide over the broad shoulders of Flattop Mountain and Tyndall Glacier to the summit, where spectacular 360 views await.

The trail rises quickly above Bear Lake through young aspen stands that soon give way to a dense spruce-fir forest. After 1 mile (9,964’) the trail splits for Flattop Mountain and Odessa Lake, becoming appreciably more rocky and rough on the feet. Views are limited during what is now a very methodical and deliberate climb into the high country.

The trail reaches the Dream Lake Overlook after 1.65 miles (10,485’), an ideal place to catch your breath before pressing on. Notable from this point are surprisingly good views up famed Glacier Gorge, including Longs Peak and Mills Lake.

The forest thins considerably after 2.2 miles (10,900’), rapidly transitioning through treeline beyond 2.35 miles (10,990’). The trail reaches the Emerald Lake Overlook at 2.9 miles (11,357’), which offers a birds eye view of its namesake and a more revelaing look over the valley carved by Tyndall Glacier, one of five active glaciers in the Park.

The trail passes seamlessly into the alpine tundra after 3 miles (11,425’) with sweeping views in every direction. Snow coverage is likely much of the year at these elevations, however a series of well-placed cairns provide easy to follow guidance. Look for elk, bighorn sheep, marmot, pika and ptarmigan along these windswept alpine hillsides.

The trail bypasses a hitchrack (3.9 miles, 12,115’) from which an excellent look at Hallet Peak and Tyndall Glacier can be had. The trail gradually eases beyond this point, leveling out almost completely on the final run up to Flattop Mountain. No sign marks the summit, however the Flattop Mountain Trail – Tonahutu Trail junction is generally considered to be it.

From here an un-signed but cairn-marked path leads south over the rocky tundra toward Hallet Peak. Even when clear of snow the path is frequently indistinguishable from the landscape; it may take a moment for your eyes to adjust in this otherworldly terrain and see the route.

The flat trail moves quickly across the shallow saddle between Flattop Mountain and the base of Hallet Peak. At 4.55 miles (12,333’) it reaches a Danger-Warning sign for Tyndall Glacier - this is a useful visual landmark and your cue to begin the final ascent up Hallet Peak’s talus-strewn western slope.

Cairns mark the scrambling route, but the talus and scree of which they’re made all but camouflage them. A keen eye and patient pace will keep you on track. If off course, improvise your way to the top; it’s not very difficult to do so, and it’s quite easy to re-identify the path when looking down on it from the summit.

Atop the summit are two rock wind shelters (a third offers little protection). From here a good map will help you identify landmarks such as Otis Peak (12,486’), Taylor Peak (13,153’), Longs Peak (14,259’), Notchtop Mountain (12,129’), Ptarmigan Point (12,363’), portions of the Mummy Range, Never Summer Range and Grand Lake.

Worth Noting

The Flattop Mountain Trail closely follows a route used by the Ute and Arapaho Indians to cross the Continental Divide and reach Grand Lake.

Anticipate significant temperature drops and cold winds above treeline. Warm clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen are needed year round.

Tyndall Glacier carved the saddle between Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak, and the U-shaped valley below it. Tyndall Glacier one of five active glaciers in the Park.

Hallet Peak is an additional .6 miles and +389' climb from Flattop Mountain. An unnamed but cairn-marked path stemming from the Flattop - Tonahutu Trail junction leads through the tundra to the summit.

Starting early is a must to avoid afternoon storms and account for a slower pace in the steep, high elevations.

Trailhead Information

Hallett Peak is reached from the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Directions: Bear Lake is located at the end of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. From Estes Park, take the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station entrance into the park. There is a fee to enter the park through this entrance. Shortly after passing through the Beaver Meadows fee station, turn left onto Bear Lake Road. Take Bear Lake Road until it dead-ends into the Bear Lake Trailhead area. If parking is unavailable at Bear Lake, it is possible to park at the Glacier Basin area and take a shuttle to Bear Lake.

Local Contact Information

Visitor Information:
970-586-1206

Backcountry Passes:
970-586-1242

Campground Reservations:
800-365-2267