Flat Tops Wilderness
Flat Tops Wilderness in northwest Colorado is a high-elevation plateau dotted with fragile forests, alpine lakes, and open grassy valleys. Known for great fishing, hiking, and horsepacking, it’s a remote corner of Routt National Forest with few roads and abundant wildlife.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Rocky Mountains |
| Subregion | High Plains |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Routt County |
| District | Flat Tops Wilderness Area |
| City | Yampa |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 40.124 |
| Longitude | -106.841 |
| Maps |
7:13 PM LOCAL TIMEFlat Tops Wilderness is a sprawling, high-altitude mesa about 11 miles across in northwest Colorado. Its signature feature is a broad, rounded plateau where subalpine forests give way to open grassy flats, often dotted with small lakes and ponds. The area’s namesake - the flat, expansive summit surfaces - are backed by rugged rims and steep drainages. Colorado guides highlight fly fishing in lakes like Meaden or Breeder and multi-day backpacking routes that cross to the neighboring Routt National Forest. Visitors come for horsetrekking, wildlife viewing (including elk, mule deer, and numerous bird species), and backcountry camping. Due to its remoteness and limited access, planning—especially for fuel, supplies, and weather—is essential; trailheads are typically vehicle-accessible but can be snowbound into late spring or early fall.
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