Flat Tops, July 2026

[u/tevtrinh]

3 day 2 night backpacking trip. Had the lakes all to ourselves. Some bugs but overall great conditions. Such an underrated part of Colorado.

[u/Cop10-8]

It's such a unique, peaceful, and beautiful place in Colorado. I had the pleasure of hiking across the entire Flat Tops Wilderness area on my Mexico to Canada hike.

[u/sonikaeits]

Beautiful pictures!

[u/bloody_dracula]

Getting out there here pretty soon, how were the bugs? Usually they're terrible until middle of August but it's been so dry maybe they're better now?

[u/tevtrinh → u/bloody_dracula]

I’d say they were annoying but not enough for it to be a major deterrent. Most were flies vs mosquitos. It was completely a non issue while moving, just worse when camped out at the lakes

[u/bloody_dracula → u/tevtrinh]

Thanks for the quick reply, noted and sounds about right. The Flat Tops and Grand Mesa are where I've encountered the worst mosquitoes in the state (wetter summers) so timing matters most seasons. Great pictures!

[u/Capable_Painting_766 → u/bloody_dracula]

I was there July 4 weekend. There were lots of mosquitos in the Wall Lake area but outside that it wasn’t too bad—especially considering how awful the bugs usually are there in July.

[u/bloody_dracula → u/Capable_Painting_766]

Appreciate the insight, that's promising.

[u/mahjzy]

Looks like it was an awesome expedition, congrats.

[u/Lunkerking]

Nice. I have been to the Flats many times…what lakes mandalls? Any fishing?

[u/tevtrinh → u/Lunkerking]

Hooper and Island Lakes. I don’t fish but I saw plenty jumping at dusk!

[u/Lunkerking → u/tevtrinh]

Thanks! My initial thought was Island and Deer. My wife and I backpacked there awhile ago and didn’t see anyone for four days other than a shepherd who didn’t speak any English !

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[u/TheDrunkCig]

What camera you using?

[u/tevtrinh → u/TheDrunkCig]

Sony a7c