A TOUR OF ANCHORAGE AND A HIKE ABOVE IT FOR ONLY $22

A fun, safe, scenic and very affordable 3.5 hour excursion suited to your individual needs.  On average it takes one hour to hike from the parking lot to the summit.  This allows about 30 minutes to walk around the flat top and photograph the views.  Some bring lunch.  If you find the hike up too strenuous or too steep, no worries, turn around wherever and whenever you want.  If you're in good shape and like to hike fast, you'll have time to go to the second or third peak.  (See logo).  Up there you'll pick your way along a ridgeline.  Unlike on the Flattop trail, up there, you'll likely be alone.  However high you hike, if it's a clear day, because of the view, there's a reward for every footstep.  Whatever the weather, you're in the mountains and getting exercise.  On average it takes 45 minutes to descend.  There is no need for a guide. 

While driving to the trailhead, some make new friends in the van and then hike together.  Others hike alone.  You can do short walks like the Overlook and/or Blueberry Loop Trails.  In July and August, you can pick berries.  Some like to find a quiet spot, read and enjoy the views.  Whatever you decide to do, because you're in Chugach State Park, you're experiencing nature.

Hiking to Flattop's "broad summit has long been the classic afternoon hike near Anchorage." 55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska, page 144.

AFTERNOON SHUTTLE	EVENING SHUTTLE
12:15 - 12:45 PM	6:30 - 7:00 PM		Check-in at Downtown Bicycle Rental. Click here for map
1:00 PM	7:00 PM		Van departs DBR.  Route passes through mid-town where van sometimes stops at the library to pick up more hikers.
1:30 PM	7:30 PM		Van arrives at Glen Alps trailhead in Chugach State Park.
1:35 PM	7:35 PM		Driver finishes short info-speech about trail and announces your turnaround time.  (3 p.m. for afternoon hike.)
3:00 - 4:00 PM	8:30 - 9:30 PM		Driver runs up and down mountain checking for stragglers.  Hikers who finished early can relax in van if it's cool or raining.
4:00 PM	9:30 PM		Van departs trailhead.  Middle of return route deviates from the ride up.  Route squares around Bicentennial Park and through the University.  Scenic and interesting.
4:30 PM	10:00 PM		Shuttle arrives back downtown.   At bike rental, Flattop t-shirts are on sale for $15. Nestle ice cream for sale too!

 

Shuttle goes up if seven people sign up.  Afternoon shuttle often goes up; evening shuttle rarely materializes.  If less than seven sign up, Shuttle will go up with 4-6 Hike/Bike Combo "HBC" people.  Driver helps lock bikes at trailhead then leaves.  On your return bike ride, it's downhill for the first half, and flat for the second half.  Click Hike/Bike Combo in toolbar for description and directions.