Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I drive to the Trailhead myself and hike Flattop for free?
Yes. There is a $5 self-serve parking fee. The address to the trailhead is 13101 Glen Alps Road.
Click here for directions on how to drive to and from Flattop
Click here for a live webcam of the parking lot and the mountain.
2. What are some other ways to get to/from Flattop?
A) Taxi, Uber or Lyft.
It can cost as little as $40 one way for an Uber, Lyft from downtown to the trailhead but at busy times with flex fare it can also cost $60 or $70 one way. A taxi will usually cost about $45 each way or $90 roundtrip.
B) Bike.
Rent a bike and ride it 16 miles on a bike-friendly route to the trailhead, hike, then bike back. The first half of the bike ride is flat. Then there is a one-mile-long steep hill climb. After that first hill, it's slightly uphill for the next two miles. However, after that, the last three miles are very steep. After finishing your hike, choose between singletrack mountain bike descent, road, or a combination of the two.
C) Electric Bike
Rent an ebike from us for between $45 and $55 and ride it to and from the trailhead. Battery has enough juice to get you there and back.
D) Bus and cab.
Take the People Mover City Bus to south Anchorage for $2 then Uber or Taxi the rest of the way. The number 35 bus is a straight shot from downtown to the Dimond Center. Unless flex fares from high demand are in effect, the fare should be about $30 each way or $60 roundtrip.
3) If less than 7 people sign up for your shuttle and those that have signed up are unwilling to make up the difference in revenue ($175) you need to run, how can I/we get to and from the mountain at an affordable price?
We will introduce the hikers who are here to one another so you can split the cost of a rideshare or tax.
During June, July and August we almost always have at least 7 people wanting our service. Occassionaly we have just six hikers who want to go but they're almost always ok paying $4 more - $29 - especially since that means there is more elbow room in the van. $29 is still a great value.
4. What footwear is best for this hike?
From late May through early June there will likely still be some snow and mud so hiking boots are advised. If you don't have any we have a variety of sizes you can borrow. After about June 1 trail running shoes or sneakers with good traction are the best choice for most people although some people still prefer higher ankle support.
4. What should I wear?
Light layers and a breaker that you can peel off as you heat up during the hike. It's better to over-pack than under-pack because you can assess the weather at the trailhead and leave behind in the van whatever you decide you don't actually want on the trail. Be prepared for cold, wind, and rain but also be prepared for hot and sunny in which case all you'll need is a t-shirt and shorts.
5. Do you loan out hiking poles?
Yes. We have three or four sets and pass them out after arriving at the trailhead.
6. Can I store luggage at your store or in the van while I hike?
Yes.
7. Can you pick me up on your way out and/or drop me off on the route back?
Yes. On the outbound route we pick you up in midtown at the water fountain on the south side of the Z.J. Loussac Public Library. It is on 36th between A and Denali. A second outbound pickup spot is the Alaska Airlines Sports Arena at UAA. Driver will text you when he departs downtown. After leaving Flattop the driver can drop you off anywhere in midtown on the inbound route.
8. If all of the shuttle's seats are reserved is there a wait list?
Yes. If someone who has signed-up doesn't show-up and you are here you can go.
9. After I check in what can I do while waiting for the shuttle to launch?
To bide time before departure here are some fun, free things to do.
1) Take glass elevator across the street to the top floor of the parking garage where there are great views and you'll see Flattop. Be back at bike rental no later than 12:05
2) Stretch or lift weights. We have four large stretching mats and lots of room in in the spacious mall where we are located. We also have a complimentary bench press and dumbells.
3) Our mall is home to a 1964 Earthquake exhibit that is on many city tours. Read/walk through the exhibit.