Name: Flattop Sunnyside Trail
Rating: 4.5

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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.

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.