Classic Anchorage Adventure at Flattop Sunnyside Trailhead
Flattop Sunnyside Trailhead is a classic hiking spot just 30 minutes from downtown Anchorage, offering breathtaking city and inlet views alongside distant vistas of Denali. This popular trail features a steady uphill climb with gradual switchbacks that provide a solid workout while remaining accessible for many skill levels.
Families and solo hikers alike appreciate the safe, well-trafficked paths and the opportunity to encounter local wildlife such as bears and moose. Seasonal highlights include blueberry patches in late summer, adding a delightful natural treat to the journey. With convenient parking options and a manageable 3.5-mile round trip, Flattop Sunnyside Trailhead provides an inviting hiking area that showcases the best of Anchorage’s outdoor scenery.
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Tobias P.
3 months agoClassic Anchorage hike about 30 min from downtown. Beautiful views of the city and the inlet. Denali visible in the distant northwest. It’s close to 1600 feet elevation gain from parking area - signs indicate that trail will take you 2-4 hrs, but I climbed it in 41 minutes - rushed it as I got to trailhead late at 4p. The trail itself is not hard to hike, just continually uphill which makes it a good workout. Including peak 2 and 3 close to 3 hours
Kristen Abt
1 year agoGreat alternative to the original flattop trail. It is nicely marked, and easy to follow. It takes you up the backside of flattop and allows you to access Peak 2. If you would like to extend your hike you can follow the Flaketop trail traverse to Ptarmigan Pass and down to Rabbit Lakes Trail. Fall colors are showing. Not many people today. Great views of the Chugachs, Turnagain, and the Anchorage Bowl. One of my favorite areas to hike.
Landon Fillmore
1 year agoWe’ve done this hike a few times as a family and we love it. You can do Flattop from the North side or South, but this South-side approach is easier. The North-side has some steep rocks and scrambling at the end. There are gradual switch backs most of the way up. My watch clocked it at just about 3.5 miles round trip. We saw a momma bear with 2 cubs from a distance today too! A moose ran across the trail a couple switchbacks up from us too, so keep your head on a swivel. Later in August you’ll find lots of blueberries along the path as well! Probably closer to late August or early September. You do have to pay $5 to park as part of Alaska State Parks, unless you have the annual pass.
Jesse James
4 years agoParking is tight, so be careful, especially on the side that just drops off. The parking situation creates a one way road. There is a trail map, outhouse, and garbage can at the trail head so you can get situated for your 1.8 mile hike to the summit of flattop. Great berry picking opportunities along the trail, some Arctic ground squirrels, and a lot of switchbacks. Seemed “easier” than the scramble on the other side of flattop. Good way to see the Chugach. 8/10, would recommend.
Alex Petkanas
1 year agoGreat place to go for a solo hike - always feel safe with plenty of people around.