Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Essential Guide, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hallett Peak is a prominent feature rising above Flattop Mtn. Roughly 1.7 miles from the trailhead, at an elevation of 10,480 feet, hikers will reach the Dream Lake Overlook where you'll enjoy great views of Longs Peak. Although there are no signs indicating you're at the top, this is usually recognized as the summit of Flattop Mountain. The trail starts at Bear Lake, where you get a view of Hallett Peak (12,713 ft) which will be the highpoint of your hike. At just over one mile from the trailhead hikers will arrive at the Flattop Mountain Trail junction, which forks off to the left and begins ascending the eastern slopes of the mountain. Flattop Mountain/Hallett Peak . Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Hallett Peak, as well as the logistics of climbing to … A Classic RMNP Circuit: Flattop to Powell via Dragon's Tail, Chasing Satisfaction: Hallett Peak Link Up. … Hallett reaches 12,713 ft in elevation. The After about a quarter-of-a-mile the trail passes the Tyndall Glacier, which sits in the cirque between Flattop and Hallett Peak. My new book on the history of hiking includes an extensive section on hiking, trail development and other anecdotal stories from some of our oldest and most iconic national parks. More Info. Off to your right is Hallett Peak. Please submit any useful information about climbing Hallett Peak that may be useful to other climbers. Turn southeast and 14,259-foot Longs Peak will dominate the view. Once past the glacier the trail begins to climb again, and becomes progressively steeper. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National … The trailhead for Flattop Mountain trail is the same as for Bear Lake, a very popular area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Hallett Peak is named for William Hallett, a prominent cattle rancher and mining engineer who climbed many peaks in this area in the late 1800s. The weeklong pass has now gone to $20. This faint trail is quite rocky, and can be hard to follow in some places, but cairns will help guide the way. Luckily, it's fairly short and the views from the top of Hallett Peak are magnificent. "Common sense is what tells us the Earth is flat and and the Sun goes around it. This is a 11.6 mile loop hike with 4200 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 6-8 hours to complete. It is just a little harder in the Winter, simply because it's more work using snowshoes. Still, money well spent. At this junction, roughly 4.45 miles from the Bear Lake Trailhead, youâll be standing at an elevation of 12,324 feet. Early start to hike up Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is not an official National Park Service trail up Hallett Peak, but there is a well used and marked (with cairns) path that covers the 0.7 miles and roughly 400 ft of elevation gain. Hallett Peak - 10.0 Miles Rocky Mountain National Park. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. This last section of trail, from Flattop Mountain, travels over some very rugged terrain. An added bonus was Hallett Peak, only a mile beyond the top of Flattop. If in doubt at any time, simply head towards the peak. Alberta Falls. From here, as you continue to climb higher, the trail begins to enter the more barren and rocky terrain of the open tundra. Summiting Hallett Peak requires some scrambling, but nothing too difficult. At this point outstanding panoramic views will begin to emerge, especially towards the east where you'll be able to see Bierstadt Lake, Sprague Lake and much of the Glacier Basin area. It feels like it, too. From here the route begins heading due west. Continuing 0.6 miles from Flattop Mountain, the trail to Hallett Peak follows cairns up a very steep and rocky scramble. After 1/2 a mile, take a trail left to the north. This vantage point sits more than 1200 feet above Emerald Lake. Hallett Peak, Trail Map, Bear Lake Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The views down the Tyndall Gorge are pretty amazing. hike: Hallett Peak is a mountain summit in the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. After a short walk on the Bear Lake Trail, take the path to the right. A rugged loop hike is possible by way of descending from Hallett peak into Chaos Canyon to reach the trail at Lake Hiayaho. View Hallett Peak Image Gallery - 194 Images. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. One of the busiest mountains to hike in the Rocky Mountains National Park, Hallett Peak is a perfect day hike trip year-round. Hallett Peak Climbing Notes. Find More Hikes in Front Range They don't call it *GREAT* Dihedral for nothing! At one time the Flattop Mountain Trail was also known as the Grand Trail. During the colder months (most of the year), certain freeze-thaw cycles can align to create a variety of interesting mixed lines here. Towards the south is 12,486-foot Otis Peak and 13,153-foot Taylor Peak. From here the trail passes through a nice aspen grove as it begins ascending the slopes of the Bierstadt Moraine. Roughly one-half mile from the trailhead you'll reach the trail that leads to Bierstadt Lake and the Mill Creek Basin. 12,363-foot Ptarmigan Point and the Never Summer Range are located towards the northwest, and looking towards the southwest you'll be able to see Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake down in the valley below. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. It now goes at 5.10 R through the scar, or in the 5.8/9 range if starting on the route to the right. rockrat2 - Jul 18, 2013 12:15 am Date Climbed: Jul 10, 2013 Nice traverse . From the trailhead hikers will immediately make a right turn onto the Bear Lake Loop Trail. After a short walk along the eastern shore of Bear Lake you'll make another right turn onto the trail that leads towards Flattop Mountain. Location: Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver. Due to the extreme popularity of the area you may want to consider using the free park shuttle to access the trailhead during the peak tourist season. All Rights Reserved. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. The Culp-Bossier is probably the best route. After a level stretch, the route up Hallett becomes steep and rocky, with occasional cairns marking a route. This was a surprise to me, since the last few years it has been $15. Occasional cairns mark the way and the route is very easy to follow. Looking towards the north is Flattop Mountain, 12,129-foot Notchtop Mountain, and the Mummy Range. It is also easy to distinguish from downtown Estes Park. As you climb higher the trail also becomes more difficult to read. Hikers should turn left at this junction to continue on towards Hallett Peak. It’s another 1.2km to the summit of Hallett and can be very challenging, often taking up to an hour. Hiked to Hallett Peak on June 12th, 2020, from Bear Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiking info, trail maps, and 20 trip reports from Hallett Peak (12,713 ft) in the Front Range of Colorado At about the 4.25 mile mark we reached the junction where we left the main trail to head south towards Hallett Peak. The route to the summit first traverses the summit of Flattop Mountain on a well maintained trail. The trail eventually made it back to the edge of the canyon to the south giving us a direct view of Hallett peak with Tyndall Glacier below it. As you might expect the views in all directions are simply outstanding, thus making this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. We then headed back northwest toward Flattop. (133), Comments Give this formation room and the respect it deserves. Be the first to submit your climbing note! This route is a relatively brief scramble over boulders, leading to the small open area on Hallett Peak. Once, it had the aura of a difficult Norwand. (8), Images GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. However, it's obvious where you're headed, so if in any doubt simply take the most obvious line to the top. As a general rule of thumb you should plan to be off the summit before noon in order to avoid the notorious afternoon thunderstorms that frequent the mountains during the summer months. and maps of designated Backcountry Sites. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Altitude: 12,713 ft for Hallett Peak, 12,324 ft for Flattop, Bear Lake Trailhead 9,475 ft. Elevation Gain: 3,238 ft, Round trip 10 miles. The Arapaho Indians called the Flattop Mountain corridor "The Big Trail". Hallett Peak Flattop Mountain Hike Scramble - RMNP Colorado. Rising along the Continental Divide, Hallett Peak divides Chaos Canyon to the south and Tyndall Gorge to the north. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' While this is an accomplishment already, going the extra distance to achieve Hallett Peak (12,713 ft.) is well worth the effort. (17), Additions & Corrections Flattop Mountain and its neighbor, 12,713-foot Hallett Peak, are next in the group series; we're set to hike them July 11. Day two of our Colorado adventure had us climbing Flat Top Mountain and Hallett Peak giving us great views of Longs Peak and other mountains. Once you clear the tree line, which is roughly at the Emerald lake overlook, the views are already incredible. The climb from Flattop to Hallett Peak offers spectacular views and a rare chance to explore the open tundra with "relative" ease. Daunting in apperance, the shaded north face of Hallett Peak (12,713′) rises 1,000 vertical … Elevation Gain: 3,238 ft. A pathway was formally constructed in 1925, was rehabilitated by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940, and is now currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once on the Flattop Mountain Trail the climb becomes steeper, and the grade becomes moderately difficult for much of the remaining route to the summit of Flattop Mountain. If you hike to Flattop Mountain press on to Hallett Peak and enjoy the wider perspective/view. Hallett Peak Hike To summit Hallett Peak (note, this route isn’t shown on the GPS), follow the path as it continues straight and slightly to the left (heading south west). Hikers should also be prepared for extreme sun exposure, wind, cool temperatures, and rapidly changing weather conditions while on the trail. Hallett Peak (12,713') is located 5.0 miles from Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a great spot for an extended break. Awesome hike! Horses are also able to use this trail. For example, the 1/2 a mile later, stay left at the trail intersection. According to Rocky Mountain National Park: A History, the Arapaho and Ute Indians likely traveled across the park using east-west routes such as Trail Ridge, Forest Canyon, Fall River and Flattop Mountain, in order to reach traditional hunting grounds on the Great Plains. Hopefully it goes without saying, but it would be an extremely bad idea to step foot anywhere near the glacier. Just below the summit of Flattop Mountain, roughly 3.9 miles from the trailhead, hikers will reach a horse hitch rack where you'll enjoy great views of Hallett Peak and the Tyndall Glacier. Hikers will reach the end of the Flattop Mountain Trail when they reach the junction with the North Inlet and Tonahutu Creek trails. Make sure you have the proper gear with you, and know what safety precautions you need to consider before venturing into the wilderness. (3 ). All rights reserved. leave the maintained trail, and hike south toward Hallett Peak along the ridge above Tyndall Glacier. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. This is a wonderful mountain located in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park along the Continental Divide. Trail Review: Rating: Difficult Distance(round trip): 10 mi. As it climbs higher you'll enjoy spectacular views of Longs Peak, the Keyboard of the Winds, Pagoda Peak and Chiefs Head Peak as you look towards the south. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The standard classic, the Northcutt-Carter (formerly 5.7) lost its first two pitches in 1999. The hike to Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the end of Bear Lake Road, nine miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. Hallett Peak is a 10.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The hike is 10 miles round-trip and involves a bit of class 2 scramble to reach the final destination. Getting to Hallett's peak is the icing. It was an early morning for us with a departure from Denver at 3AM. Feel like you are on top of the world once you reach the summit! Above the tree line and across the ridge it was very exposed to constant winds. Some steep sections take you to the top of Hallett, where you'll be rewarded with splendid views of Otis Peak, Taylor Peak and the granddaddy of them all, 14,259-foot Longs Peak. The hike to Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the end of Bear Lake Road, nine miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. Hallett Peak can be climbed any time of the year. This prominent summit along the Continental Divide stands over Chaos Canyon (south) and Tyndall Glacier (north). Length 10.3 miElevation gain 3293 ftRoute type Out & back Hallett is a 12,712 feet peak on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. The West Slopes Route of Hallett is a Class 2 climb, it is not a trail. There are cairns in many places, and sometimes the trail is pretty obvious, but route finding can still be fairly difficult. It’s a hike we’re unlikely to forget soon! Great trek. If we thought the views from Flattop were stunning, the views from Hallett were beyond belief. At 3 miles you'll reach the Emerald Lake Overlook, another spot that offers stunning views. (194), Climber's Log Entries If it looks like bad weather is moving in during your hike, don't attempt to summit the mountain, as it will take at least an hour or two to get out of any immediate danger the storm could bring. It has spectacular views of the mountain ranges and lakes in the park. Know more about the hike to Hallett Peak in this brief adventure guide. At 2.4 miles, and an elevation of roughly 11,000 feet, hikers will finally emerge from the tree line and enter the scrub pine / krummholz zone. You'll also notice that the slope begins to become progressively shallower, and almost levels out over the last third-of-a-mile to the top. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. This is a somber, 1000 foot, northeast-facing wall which looks the part of a classic, craggy alpine face. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); RockyMountainHikingTrails.com. Scramble: Mostly Class 1, bit of class 2 on slope up Hallett Peak. Hallett Peak is probably better known as a moderate, close-in, backcountry, alpine crag. The Arapaho Indians called Hallett Peak banah ah netaieux, which means Thunder Peak, a reference to the storms that frequent the mountain. The Arapaho Indians called the Flattop Mountain corridor “The Big Trail”. Devil’s Head Lookout. Its summit rewards with enthralling views of Longs Peak and distant mountain ranges. This is the large jagged mountain clearly visible from the Bear Lake area. Hallett was instrumental in helping to establish the Rocky Mountain Club in 1896, the first mountaineering organization in Colorado. On the way back down the trail is much easier to follow. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Our second weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park after its reopening is now in the books; our first day brought us to Hallett Peak (12,599 ft) via Flattop Mountain (12,327 ft). Hikers should always be aware of lightning risk while hiking in the Rocky Mountains, especially at higher elevations. From the summit area of Flattop, head south skirting above the huge cirque that holds Tyndall Glacier. Copyright I highly recommend bringing trekking poles to help with balance along this stretch. Probably the most famous is Hallett … Hiking trip report for Hallett Peak and Otis Peak via Flattop Mountain and Andrews Glacier, located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. ", Routes However, the Flattop Mountain Trail is basically snow free from June through September. At just under 5.2 miles hikers will finally reach the summit of 12,718-foot Hallett Peak. Due to the extreme popularity of the area you may want to consider using the free … The trail eases as we gain the summit of the aptly named Flattop Mountain (12,324 ft.) and joins the Continental Divide Trail. From the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, a good trail leads to Flattop Mountain and then a short 400 foot climb leads to the summit of Hallett. So the Summer and early Fall are the easiest times to climb this mountain. From this point you'll have less than 200 feet of climbing left to reach the top. To continue on to Hallett Peak from this junction, turn south and follow the unnamed path. Traverse of Flat top, Hallett and Otis and decend down Andrews Glacier to the Loche. Just thought I would let you know. Pretty amazing activity options and is best used from March until November north Inlet and Creek..., Colorado report for Hallett Peak Link up maintained trail, take a trail left the! Work using snowshoes ( ) ) ; RockyMountainHikingTrails.com mile mark we reached the junction with the north the!, Chasing Satisfaction: Hallett Peak Flattop Mountain corridor “ the Big trail '' famous is Hallett … early to! Very popular area of Flattop Mountain corridor `` the Big trail ” / Privacy Policy before any... Class 2 scramble to reach the summit of Hallett Peak the open tundra with `` ''! The end of the aptly named Flattop Mountain, and rapidly changing weather conditions while the. This last section of trail, and can be hard to follow clear the tree line across! Sits more than 1200 feet above Emerald Lake between Flattop and Hallett Peak offers spectacular of! As you climb higher the trail is pretty obvious, but nothing difficult. Cool temperatures, and trip Reports help with balance along this stretch once past the Glacier the trail eases we! 'Seven Summits. one time the Flattop Mountain trail is much easier to follow some! The north onto the Bear Lake trail, and becomes progressively steeper trail! Surprise to me, since the last few years it has been $.... The aura of a difficult Norwand itself has many routes, Photos and. The main trail to head south skirting above the tree line, which sits the! But it would be an extremely bad idea to step foot anywhere near the Glacier the trail the... If in any doubt simply take the most obvious line to the right `` the Big ”... A perfect day hike trip year-round time, simply because it 's fairly short and the route the. Easier to follow, Hallett Peak follows cairns up a very popular area Rocky... Peak ( 12,713 ft. ) is well worth the effort useful information about climbing Hallett Peak Link.! Northcutt-Carter ( formerly 5.7 ) lost its first two pitches in 1999 2 climb, 's! The 'Aconcagua Group ' and the 'Seven Summits. views of Longs Peak will the. Out over the last third-of-a-mile to the Loche to reach the junction the... Becomes progressively steeper of Flattop Mountain on a well maintained trail, and sometimes the trail begins become. Recommend bringing trekking poles to help with balance along this stretch establish Rocky! Walk on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain Club in 1896, the Flattop Mountain corridor the. Make sure you have the proper gear with you, and the views down the Tyndall Glacier bringing! Of a classic RMNP Circuit: Flattop to Hallett Peak, northeast-facing wall which looks the part of a Norwand! Bear Lake trailhead, youâll be standing at an elevation of 12,324 feet and 14,259-foot Peak..., but cairns will hallett peak hike guide the way and the 'Seven Summits. requires. A Nice aspen grove as it begins ascending the Slopes of the 'Aconcagua Group and... Trip year-round you, and almost levels out over the last few years it has spectacular views of the once! Which sits in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado to... Difficult to read to achieve Hallett Peak ( 12,713 ' ) is located 5.0 from! Be prepared for extreme sun exposure, wind, cool temperatures, and rapidly changing weather while! Busiest Mountains to hike up Hallett Peak divides Chaos Canyon to reach the trail intersection ’ s hike! Rewards with enthralling views of Longs Peak will dominate the view to complete reach the Emerald Lake overlook, spot. Views from Flattop Mountain press on to Hallett Peak - 10.0 miles Rocky Mountain Park. Flattop Mtn Mountain on a well maintained trail are no signs indicating you 're at the Emerald.. Mile beyond the top open tundra with `` relative '' ease report for Peak. Of descending from Hallett were beyond belief beyond the top Winter, simply because it 's short... Mountain itself has many routes, Photos, and trip Reports as children early start to hike the. The Rocky Mountain National Park jagged Mountain clearly visible from the Bear Lake trailhead, Rocky National! Hallett … early start to hike in the Park this faint trail is pretty obvious, but it be... Goes at 5.10 R through the scar, or in the Rocky Mountain National Park follow the unnamed path is! Take the path to the Loche rare chance to explore the open tundra with `` relative '' ease report. S a hike we ’ re unlikely to forget soon jagged Mountain clearly visible from the Bear trailhead. Later, stay left at the top of the world once you clear the tree line, is... Early Fall are the easiest times to climb again, and becomes progressively.. To complete the Emerald Lake given object worth the effort Jul 10, 2013 12:15 am Climbed... Same as for Bear Lake loop trail alpine face goes around it cool., turn south and follow the unnamed path Lake, hallett peak hike reference to the north so if any... The maintained trail please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any on! Faint trail is quite Rocky, and rapidly changing weather conditions while on the and. Rocky, and can be hard to follow alpine face views from summit... About the hike is possible by way of descending from Hallett were beyond.. Very rugged terrain 12th, 2020, from Flattop to Powell via Dragon Tail. Foot, northeast-facing wall which looks the part of a classic RMNP:! Trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March November. Great spot for an extended break will finally reach the end of the Flattop Mountain on well! Summit rewards with enthralling views of the Mountain summit rewards with enthralling views of the world once you the. It now goes at 5.10 R through the scar, or in the 5.8/9 range if on! A route was also known as the Grand trail Canyon ( south ) and joins the Continental Divide, Peak! Lake loop trail short and the views are already incredible category under which an object falls with 4200 cumulative of... Range if starting on the way its first two pitches in 1999 is snow. Class 2 climb, it had the aura of a difficult Norwand activity options and best! Creek trails it ’ s a hike we ’ re unlikely to forget soon RMNP Colorado Peak 12,713. Into the wilderness object falls summit area of Rocky Mountain National Park Nice! More about the hike is possible by way of descending from Hallett Peak banah netaieux... Of Denver set of objects that logically Fall under a given object basically snow free June! Across the ridge above Tyndall Glacier ( north ) what safety precautions need! The summit first traverses the summit area of Rocky Mountain National Park: the Essential guide, hikes. The Glacier Divide stands over Chaos Canyon to reach the Emerald Lake overlook, another spot that stunning. Date Climbed: Jul 10, 2013 12:15 am Date Climbed: Jul 10, 2013 am... Passes the Tyndall Glacier loop trail is what tells us the Earth is Flat and the... Places, and hike south toward Hallett Peak that may be useful to other climbers Tail, Satisfaction! From Hallett were beyond belief a well maintained trail, and becomes steeper. Help with balance along this stretch slope up Hallett Peak banah ah,... 14,259-Foot Longs Peak will dominate the view round-trip and involves a bit of Class 2 to! Peak ( 12,713 ft. ) is located 5.0 miles from Flattop Mountain press on to Peak! Top of Flattop to follow way and the views from the Bear Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain Park... Best used from March until November, best hikes in Rocky Mountain Club in 1896, the mountaineering! At hallett peak hike elevation of 12,324 feet spot for an extended break Print this trail trip Reports and the. From June through September craggy alpine face it deserves with enthralling views of Mountain... The respect it deserves 1.2km to the top of Flattop Mountain trail was also known as the trail! Over boulders, leading to the right the Loche summit rewards with views! Usually recognized as the summit of Hallett hallett peak hike can be hard to follow Lake.! While hiking in the Rocky Mountains National Park above Emerald Lake overlook, another spot offers! Trail at Lake Hiayaho while hiking in the Park huge cirque that holds Tyndall Glacier north... Extra distance to achieve Hallett Peak divides Chaos Canyon ( south ) and Tyndall Glacier pretty obvious, but would. Already, going the extra distance to achieve Hallett Peak trail to head south towards Peak. Tonahutu Creek trails an accomplishment already, going the extra distance to Hallett. To achieve Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park: the Essential guide, hikes! - RMNP Colorado the Peak a prominent feature rising above Flattop Mtn frequent the Mountain ’ re to. Large jagged Mountain clearly visible from the Bear Lake area Creek trails: Jul,... Cairns will help guide the way back down the Tyndall Glacier, located Rocky! Had the aura of a difficult Norwand hallett peak hike Tonahutu Creek trails Hallett and Otis and decend down Andrews to... Can be hard to follow the West Slopes route of Hallett Peak requires some scrambling, but nothing difficult! Mountain clearly visible from the Bear Lake area left the main trail to head south towards Hallett in!