A steep climb to a vast stretch of openness is even more magical than it sounds, trust me. It’s hard to find a sense of solitude that can compare with that found on an alpine plateau. In a way, this type of peculiar terrain can have one feeling as if they’ve somehow reached the top of the world.

Deep in the heart of Colorado is a natural attraction that’s unlike any other spot in the state – the aptly named Flat Tops Wilderness.

Know for its remoteness and located in the northwest corner of Colorado, the peaks in this swath of backcountry appear to be missing their summits, as if prehistoric giant came through with a massive sword and sliced off another thousand feet of vertical gain with a clean swipe.

The unique appearance of its peaks were formed by uplift said to have taken place 52 million years ago, coupled with horizontal basalt flows and glaciation. Meanwhile, human presence in the area reportedly dates back to more than 8,500 years ago.

Not only is the Flat Tops Wilderness area a stunning display of how nature can shape the landscape, it’s also where the idea of preserving land as a ‘wilderness area’ was said to be born.

In 1919, a man named Arthur Carhart was tasked with surveying the area in relation to building a recreational housing development consisting of summer cottages. That plan didn’t last long, though, as when Carhart quickly became enchanted with the landscape, he instead recommended that the area remain undeveloped to maintain its pristine nature.

Carhart’s proposal was said to be the first time the idea of maintaining true wilderness was applied to public land, with the Flat Tops Wilderness Area officially established by the United States Congress decades later in 1975.

Today, the Flat Tops Wilderness is the second-largest wilderness area in Colorado, spanning 235,214 acres and behind only the Weminuche Wilderness in size.

Don’t be mistaken though – the Flat Tops Wilderness hasn’t been left completely untouched. Home to more than 160 miles of trails, it’s relatively easy to explore this area and take in similar views of steep volcanic terrain and alpine tundra that left Carhart in awe. Some of the trails even scale these cliffs, dropping hikers off on massive plateaus of alpine tundra that seemingly stretch toward the horizon with few prominent features in sight.

It’s also worth noting that more than 100 lakes and ponds can be found in the Flat Tops Wilderness, with the Flat Tops being part of the White River Plateau with an average elevation of roughly 10,000 feet above sea level.

Two well-known points of interest in the Flat Tops Wilderness include Trappers Lake – the inspiration behind Carhart’s proposal, as well as the Devil’s Causeway trail – a narrow land bridge that soars above two valleys that sit at its flanks. Camping, backpacking, and fishing opportunities await, as well, and the early summer wildflowers in this part of the state are hard to beat.

While it’s absolutely crucial to follow the best practices put forth by Leave No Trace regardless of what part of Colorado you’re exploring, this commitment to preservation is especially important for those headed to the Flat Tops Wilderness. It’s rugged, it’s remote, and much of the terrain is fragile.

Stay on designated trails, pack out trash, camp only where allowed and do so in a responsible manner, and always ensure fires are constructed when not prohibited and in a safe manner (read more about these guidelines here).

Learn more about the Flat Tops Wilderness here.