Flat Tops Scenic Byway (10,343′), Flat Tops
Flat Tops Scenic Byway (10,343′), Flat Tops
Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway (County Road 8), runs through the northern portion of the Flat Tops Wilderness. The Flat Tops is Colorado’s second largest Wilderness, spanning a total of 235,214 acres.
Part of the White River Plateau, the wilderness has an average elevation of 10,000 feet. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds, often unnamed, dot the country above and below the numerous flat-topped cliffs. The valleys and relatively gentle land above the cliffs offers over 160 miles of trails to explore.
Trappers Lake is located at the halfway point, and is well worth a short detour.
Trail Stats
- Road: County Road 8
- One Way: 82 miles / 132 km (Yampa to Meeker)
- Elevation: 7,881′ – 10,343′ / 2,402m – 3,153m
- Area: Flat Tops
- County: Routt
- Agency: U.S. Forest Service
- Nat’l Forest: White River
- Nat’l Wilderness: Flat Tops
Trail Pictures
GPS Route with Elevation
Video Tour
Trail Directions
Starting from the east side in Yampa, take County Road 8 to the west.
The road soon begins to climb until you reach Dunkley Pass at 9,763′.
After descending the pass, the road begins to climb again very quickly until you reach the highest point on the byway, Ripple Creek Pass 10,343′.
Continuing west you soon reach the Trappers Lake turnoff. This marks the 1/2 point of the byway.
Soon after the Trappers Lake turnoff the road becomes paved the rest of the way to Meeker. Its a slow decent with large ranches in the lush valley.
Trailhead Directions