Apr 18, 2025

Flat Tops Wilderness

Colorado’s Flat Tops Wilderness is a spectacular expanse of rugged open land in western Colorado.

The Flat Tops was the first “protected wilderness area” in the United States thanks to the efforts of Arthur Carhart, a US Forestry Service surveyor who suggested the area not be developed after he visited in the 1920s. The Flat Tops Wilderness was established in 1975.

At a size of 235,000+ acres, Flat Tops Wilderness is the third-largest wilderness area in Colorado. The Flat Tops sit at elevations of 7,600 to 12,300 ft. The eponymous “flat-top” mountains are quite different than the jagged Rocky Mountains in other parts of the state, but stunningly beautiful just the same. These are literally big and flat mountain peaks, some with steep cliff sides which are noticeably lower in elevation than Colorado’s more well-known Rockies (10-12,000 ft vs 12-14,000 ft). The wilderness includes more than 100 ponds and lakes and 100+ miles of streams and is home to elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, marmot, mink, ptarmigan, trout and spectacular wildflowers in the summer.

Colorado is famous for its beautiful mountains and scenery: Rocky Mountain National Park, Pikes Peak, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Garden of the Gods, and more. The Flat Tops are not nearly as heavily trafficked or well-known and offer a more remote option for hikers, backpackers and anyone wanting to explore Colorado’s incredible beauty. Drive Flat Tops Trail from Yampa to Meeker. Hike Carhart Trail, Wall Lake Trail, Devil’s Causeway Trail, and experience Flat Top Mountain, Chinese Wall, Devil’s Causeway, Trapper’s Lake and more. The Flat Tops Wilderness is breathtakingly beautiful and definitely worth exploring!