Flat Tops last weekend

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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Scott P
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Flat Tops last weekend

Post by Scott P »

I don't know how many 14ers.com members get our in the Flat Tops, so I thought I'd link an album from last weekend's climb in case anyone is interested in seeing a few photos:

http://www.summitpost.org/album/326789/ ... -2007.html
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GlueBoy
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Post by GlueBoy »

Great stuff! I live in Glenwood and really want to get out to the Flat Tops, but I'm having problems figuring out where to go. What I would really like is a guide book, but I can't seem to find one. Can you suggest one? Is there one out there? Any help with the Flat Tops would be a great help. Thanks

steve
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Scott P
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Post by Scott P »

Can you suggest one?
None I know of are in print.

Try using maps with summitpost:

http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/18 ... -tops.html

On the left bars are several mountains with climbing/hiking directions.

With a map, I've never bothered having a to need a guidebook for the Flat Tops. Just use the Trails Illustrated/NG maps.
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wasclywabbit
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Post by wasclywabbit »

Great shots. I really had no idea that the Flattops were so beautiful.
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ketel1
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Post by ketel1 »

They are fabulous! We hiked the county highpoint, Flattop Mtn, on our last trip to the area. The surrunding area is stunning and we will be back to climb the Devil's Causeway. A favorite lake in the area is Trapper's Lake. It is beautiful. The Big Fish Fire wreaked havoc there 5 years ago but we went shortly after and plants and trees were starting to pop up from the ashes. If anyone likes to fish, the lake has some big cutthroats in it :)
Beth

good photos:
http://rockymountainscenery.com/flattops/causeway.html

Trapper's Lake
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99386169@N00/1153909605/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trappers_Lake
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Alpine
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Post by Alpine »

I have only had one trip into the Flattops - it was gorgeous. We went up Turret Creek (SE side of Flattops) to Shingle Peak area in mid-September one year - miles and miles of yellow aspen. I hope to go again some day.
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llsampson
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Re: Flat Tops last weekend

Post by llsampson »

The pictures are great! I would like to hike in this area next summer, but am a bit concerned about the amount of horse traffic. The last time we hiked in an area with lots of horses we ended up turning back because the trail became a widening sea of mud. Does anyone have information on which trails are less likely to be beaten up by equestrian traffic?
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hotrod
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Re: Flat Tops last weekend

Post by hotrod »

1. I have a book entitled "A Hiking and Camping Guide to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area" by Al Marlowe, published in 1994. It describes trails and has small and not too clear topos.

2. The National Geographic maps show all the trails, but there are four sections to the area. You would need to know about where you intend to go, or else order all four.

3. When I was up at Trappers Lake in August of 2008, the area was orange from the beetle and also black trunks from a major fire a while ago.
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