Mt Flora is a stunning hike up a Colorado 13er that starts at treeline, with spectacular 360-degree views the entire trek. A perfect beginner peak bagger trail with an elevation gain of 1,778′.
Flora Peak Trail starts at the top of Berthoud Pass at an elevation of 11,307′ and begins an ascent from the start! At the end of August, fall colors are showing, and we are excited with sunny skies, crisp air, and, luckily, no wind.
I am with a friend who has yet to make it to the summit due to high winds on her previous attempts, so my fingers are crossed the winds hold out for us.
We headed straight up but found later we should have taken the road to an obvious signpost directing you to the actual trailhead to Mt. Flora. (just a tip).
BREAKING THE TREE LINE!
Within minutes we are out of the forest and seeing for miles while hiking a path through gorgeous alpine tundra.
NUUN Hydration tablets – I add hydration tablets to my water on every hike in every season in Colorado.
Osprey Backpacks – I love my Osprey Pack. It’s comfortable and holds all my essentials.
Hiker Hunger Outfitters Extra Large Blanket. Waterproof, Durable, Warm, and Lightweight. – I always have it in my car!
Dramatic views in all directions. It keeps getting better and better. The winds were picking up yet not blowing us over, so we continued heading to the Summit. I can’t get over the views!
All around us, the alpine tundra has bright red flowering. Everything thing is still so green from our rainy summer.
NOT THERE YET!
The trail is steep yet gentle and smooth, with small areas of rocky ascents. I think a beginner peak bagger, acclimated to the altitude, would enjoy this as a first-time summit.
A trail to be prepared for with all the recommended > hiking essentials.
MT FLORA SUMMIT, 13,127′
Whoa! The summit is glorious. Views are endless in all directions. Amazingly the wind stopped, and we could hang out for a while. The air was chilly so on with the jacket, but only until heading back down.
We must have spent an hour locating mountain ranges, deciding where James Peak Wilderness, Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park were, and also looking over the Continental Divide as far as the Gore Range in Summit County.
There is an app that will name the peaks holding up your phone. -Called: Peak Visor.
Just a few feet down the summit, the winds come again. I loved this hike. Of course, we had a perfect weather day which always leaves you happy. Nonetheless, I highly recommend choosing a great weather day and hiking to Mt Flora Summit.
TIDBITS
Located: Top of Berthoud Pass
6.2 miles out & back
Rated: strenuous
Restrooms
Dogs ok on leash
Summit 13,127′
Elevation gain: approx 1800′
Nearest town: Winter Park, CO
Above the Tree Line
WATCH the weather!
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Can't wait to see you on the trail!
LEAVE NO TRACE
ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE
APPROPRIATE HIKING GEAR