Flattop is so popular simply because it's an awesome hike with easy access from Anchorage. Beginning as a wide trail with an easy warmup, it gains elevation quickly and becomes progressively steeper––going from tall stairs to a full-on rock scramble. Danger of falling is minimal, however. Rest spots are ample, and views are incredible the whole way. The popularity is well deserved, because this really is a must-do hike in Anchorage!

If you want to avoid the crowds, just get there early in the day. In the Alaskan summer, practically endless daylight means that your hiking is limited only by your sleep schedule. On Flattop though, the lively crowd can actually be a part of the fun.

The top of the route gets quite steep and rocky, pushing some people to their limits of comfortable hiking. It's not so vertical that scrambling is required, but most will use their hands on at least a few moves. You'll need to be careful on the way up, and even more so on the way down, to keep from slipping or from kicking rocks on those below.

Once on top, you'll see why it's called Flattop. Walk just a bit farther to stand on the true summit––a rock mound near the center of the mesa. You can stroll the perimeter to gaze off every side of the mountain, and enjoy impressive views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and peaks of the Chugach Front Range. On a clear day, you can see to snowy mountains across the inlet, and if you're really lucky with the weather you'll get an incredible view of Denali in the north.

The descent is by the same route down the rocky ridge and steep stairs. Once back at the trail junction, you might choose to switch it up and take the other side of the loop around Blueberry Knoll instead.