- Region
- CO, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and wi…
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service — White River and Routt National Forests
Plan with verified data
Flat Tops Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Flat Tops Wilderness
How to get there
Choose the side of the wilderness that fits the intended route: the Blanco Ranger District at Meeker covers the northwestern Flat Tops, the Eagle-Holy Cross District covers the southeast, and the Yampa District covers the northeast. Obtain trailhead directions and current access conditions from the appropriate Forest Service office before driving.
- Northwestern Flat Tops — Blanco Ranger District
Use the Blanco Ranger District at Meeker to plan access to the northwestern Flat Tops. This is a regional access-planning area, not a single trailhead.
- Southeastern Flat Tops — Eagle-Holy Cross District
The Eagle-Holy Cross District is the planning contact for trails in the southeastern Flat Tops. Confirm the specific trailhead and approach for the chosen itinerary.
- Northeastern Flat Tops — Yampa District
The Yampa District provides the trail listing for the northeastern Flat Tops. Select a specific trailhead before arranging transportation.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CO, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Camping
- Canoeing
High plateau, volcanic cliffs and lake country
Flat Tops Wilderness protects 235,214 acres in Colorado’s White River and Routt National Forests. Part of the White River Plateau, the country averages about 10,000 feet in elevation. Steep volcanic cliffs rise behind Trappers Lake, with subalpine terrain giving way to alpine tundra above. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds lie above and below the flat-topped cliffs, and roughly 100 miles of fishable streams run through the wilderness. The valleys and relatively gentle terrain above the cliffs hold more than 160 miles of trails. That combination supports day hiking, backpacking, horseback travel and fishing, but gentle ground does not mean low-elevation conditions. Plan for changing mountain weather, carry layers for exposed terrain and choose a route that matches the group’s ability to travel at altitude.
Trappers Lake and the case for keeping land undeveloped
Trappers Lake has a specific place in the history of wilderness protection. In 1919, Forest Service landscape architect Arthur Carhart visited to survey a proposed recreational development of summer cottages. Instead, his experience at the lake led him to recommend that the area remain undeveloped. Congress designated Flat Tops Wilderness in 1975. The landscape visitors encounter today also carries visible ecological history: dead spruce and fir on the higher slopes below the tundra remain from a 1940s bark beetle epidemic. In 2002, fires burned more than 17,000 acres around Trappers Lake and more than 5,500 acres near Lost Lakes in the East Fork of the Williams Fork drainage. Together, those burns affected almost a tenth of the wilderness. Expect a landscape shaped by both open high country and substantial forest disturbance, rather than uninterrupted green forest.
Choosing a trip and traveling responsibly
Start with the kind of terrain the trip should reach. The Arthur H. Carhart Trail circles Trappers Lake, while the Wall Lake Trail provides the most direct route to the plateau. Broader planning can begin with the northwestern, southeastern or northeastern Flat Tops access areas. Hiking and horseback travel are established uses, alongside camping, hunting and fishing. Elk, deer and moose use this country in summer; give wildlife space and avoid approaching animals. Potable water is not available, so carry drinking water or a way to treat natural sources. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are prohibited within the wilderness, and drones may not be operated there. Use Leave No Trace practices, check current occupancy and use regulations, and confirm permit requirements with the managing Forest Service office before departure.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Flat Tops Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 39.9539, -107.2558
- Latitude (DMS)
- 39° 57′ 14.0″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 107° 15′ 20.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Flat Tops Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Arthur Carhart's 1919 visit to Trappers Lake in the verdant embrace of the Flat Tops prompted him to be the first U.S. Forest Service official to initiate a plea for Wilderness preservation. No wonder...
Key takeaways
- Region: CO, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 39.954, -107.256
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Flat Tops Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Flat Tops Wilderness
High plateau, volcanic cliffs and lake country
Flat Tops Wilderness protects 235,214 acres in Colorado’s White River and Routt National Forests. Part of the White River Plateau, the country averages about 10,000 feet in elevation. Steep volcanic cliffs rise behind Trappers Lake, with subalpine terrain giving way to alpine tundra above. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds lie above and below the flat-topped cliffs, and roughly 100 miles of fishable streams run through the wilderness. The valleys and relatively gentle terrain above the cliffs hold more than 160 miles of trails. That combination supports day hiking, backpacking, horseback travel and fishing, but gentle ground does not mean low-elevation conditions. Plan for changing mountain weather, carry layers for exposed terrain and choose a route that matches the group’s ability to travel at altitude.
Trappers Lake and the case for keeping land undeveloped
Trappers Lake has a specific place in the history of wilderness protection. In 1919, Forest Service landscape architect Arthur Carhart visited to survey a proposed recreational development of summer cottages. Instead, his experience at the lake led him to recommend that the area remain undeveloped. Congress designated Flat Tops Wilderness in 1975. The landscape visitors encounter today also carries visible ecological history: dead spruce and fir on the higher slopes below the tundra remain from a 1940s bark beetle epidemic. In 2002, fires burned more than 17,000 acres around Trappers Lake and more than 5,500 acres near Lost Lakes in the East Fork of the Williams Fork drainage. Together, those burns affected almost a tenth of the wilderness. Expect a landscape shaped by both open high country and substantial forest disturbance, rather than uninterrupted green forest.
Choosing a trip and traveling responsibly
Start with the kind of terrain the trip should reach. The Arthur H. Carhart Trail circles Trappers Lake, while the Wall Lake Trail provides the most direct route to the plateau. Broader planning can begin with the northwestern, southeastern or northeastern Flat Tops access areas. Hiking and horseback travel are established uses, alongside camping, hunting and fishing. Elk, deer and moose use this country in summer; give wildlife space and avoid approaching animals. Potable water is not available, so carry drinking water or a way to treat natural sources. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are prohibited within the wilderness, and drones may not be operated there. Use Leave No Trace practices, check current occupancy and use regulations, and confirm permit requirements with the managing Forest Service office before departure.
Route options
- Arthur H. Carhart Trail #1815
A trail circling Trappers Lake, suited to an itinerary focused on the lake beneath the volcanic cliffs rather than a direct approach to the plateau.
- Wall Lake Trail #1818
The most direct route to the plateau. Consider this option when reaching the high country is the main purpose of the trip.
Sample itineraries
- Trappers Lake circuit · 1 day
Walk Arthur H. Carhart Trail #1815, which circles Trappers Lake beneath volcanic cliffs. Make this a lake-focused day rather than a plateau trip. Confirm current trail conditions and carry drinking water; potable water is not available.
- Wall Lake Trail plateau overnight · 2 days
Plan an out-and-back backpack on Wall Lake Trail #1818, the most direct route to the plateau. Use the first day for the ascent and the second for the return. Confirm trail conditions and camping regulations before choosing an overnight location; carry shelter suited to high-elevation conditions.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring thaw; timing depends on conditions
At an average elevation of about 10,000 feet, plan for lingering snow and wet ground during thaw. Confirm access and trail conditions before committing to a plateau route. Avoid widening trails around muddy sections.
Summer
Summer; verify snow conditions on higher routes
Subalpine terrain and alpine tundra call for layers and weather protection even on warm days. Elk, deer and moose use the area in summer. Give animals space and keep plans flexible when weather changes.
Fall
Fall; conditions determine route suitability
Prepare for cold nights and changing weather on the high plateau. Carry insulation and shelter appropriate for freezing conditions. Check the forecast and current access information rather than assuming summer travel conditions will continue.
Winter
Winter; assess snow and avalanche conditions
Treat travel as a winter backcountry undertaking, not a summer hike with extra layers. Check the avalanche forecast before heading out. Confirm access and choose terrain suited to the group's winter navigation skills and equipment.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring thaw; timing depends on conditions | At an average elevation of about 10,000 feet, plan for lingering snow and wet ground during thaw. Confirm access and trail conditions before committing to a plateau route. Avoid widening trails around muddy sections. |
| Summer | Summer; verify snow conditions on higher routes | Subalpine terrain and alpine tundra call for layers and weather protection even on warm days. Elk, deer and moose use the area in summer. Give animals space and keep plans flexible when weather changes. |
| Fall | Fall; conditions determine route suitability | Prepare for cold nights and changing weather on the high plateau. Carry insulation and shelter appropriate for freezing conditions. Check the forecast and current access information rather than assuming summer travel conditions will continue. |
| Winter | Winter; assess snow and avalanche conditions | Treat travel as a winter backcountry undertaking, not a summer hike with extra layers. Check the avalanche forecast before heading out. Confirm access and choose terrain suited to the group's winter navigation skills and equipment. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and wilderness occupancy and use regulations with the managing White River or Routt National Forest office.
Official source: Flat Tops Wilderness - White River - USDA Forest Service · Verified November 7, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- High elevation: the White River Plateau averages about 10,000 feet. Allow time to adjust and reduce exertion if feeling unwell.
- Steep volcanic cliffs interrupt otherwise gentler terrain. Do not assume a flat-looking plateau provides a safe descent in every direction.
- Dead spruce and fir cover higher slopes, and extensive burned areas surround Trappers Lake and Lost Lakes. Check overhead trees before resting or camping.
- Potable water is not available. Carry drinking water and a treatment method for water collected from lakes or streams.
- Winter backcountry travel requires avalanche assessment. Check the forecast and avoid terrain beyond the group's training.
What to pack for Flat Tops Wilderness
- Trail map covering the chosen route
- Compass and navigation skills
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Emergency shelter
- Insulating layers
- Rain and wind protection
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection
- Season-appropriate footwear
- Drinking water and carrying capacity
- Water treatment system
- Food secured against wildlife
- Shelter and sleeping system for expected temperatures
- Waste bags for packing out litter
Flat Tops Wilderness FAQ
- Who manages Flat Tops Wilderness?
- White River and Routt National Forests manage the wilderness. Trail information is organized through the Blanco Ranger District for the northwest, Eagle-Holy Cross District for the southeast, and Yampa District for the northeast.
- Which trail circles Trappers Lake?
- Arthur H. Carhart Trail #1815 circles Trappers Lake. Wall Lake Trail #1818 serves a different purpose: it provides the most direct route to the plateau. Check conditions before choosing between a lake circuit and a higher route.
- Are bicycles or drones allowed?
- Mechanical transport and motorized equipment are prohibited, including bicycles and motorboats. Drones may not take off, land or operate within the wilderness. Hiking and horseback riding are established ways to explore the trail network.
- Is drinking water available?
- Potable water is not available. The wilderness contains approximately 110 lakes and ponds and roughly 100 miles of fishable streams, but natural water needs treatment. Plan water collection around the chosen route rather than assuming every segment has a usable source.
- Why is Trappers Lake important to wilderness history?
- In 1919, Forest Service landscape architect Arthur Carhart visited Trappers Lake to survey a proposed summer-cottage development. He instead recommended leaving the area undeveloped. That recommendation helped establish the idea of wilderness protection on public land.
- What is the terrain like?
- Flat Tops combines steep volcanic cliffs, subalpine country and alpine tundra. Valleys and relatively gentle terrain above the cliffs support more than 160 miles of trails. The plateau averages about 10,000 feet, so gentle grades do not mean low-elevation conditions.