Abyss Lake - 17.1 miles - Advanced

THE PRE-MEET:

Meet at The Fort on Highway 8 in Morrison (about half a mile north off of 285 at the Morrison exit)

We will leave the Fort at 6:30 a.m. sharp (if not earlier)! Please try to arrive around 6:15 a.m. If you do not plan to meet at the pre-meet, please let me know in advance so that we are not waiting on you. Also, it is completely okay for you to meet there and still drive to the trailhead by yourself if that is your preference.

WE WILL HIT THE TRAIL ONCE WE HAVE ARRIVED FROM THE PRE-MEET (approximately 7:30 to 7:45am). We will not wait on you if you are not at the pre-meet so please plan accordingly.

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DIRECTIONS TO TRAIL HEAD:

From Denver, drive south on U.S. 285 to the small town of Grant. From Grant, travel north on the well-maintained Guanella Pass Road for 5.2 miles to the Abyss Trailhead, at 9,600 feet, on the eas side of the road.

THE TRAIL:

STATS:

Round Trip Distance: Approx. 16 Miles (the book says 16.... but my "ghost writer" says 17.1)

Start-End Elevation: 9,654' - 12,650' (12,666' max elevation)

Elevation Change:+2,996' net elevation gain (+3,283' total roundtrip elevation gain)

Skill Level: Strenuous

Dogs Allowed:Yes (leashed at ALL times)

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TRAIL DESCRIPTION:

Abyss Lake is located in a deep glacial cirque between Mt Bierstadt (14,060') and Mt Evans (14,265').

The Abyss Trail begins 20 miles south of Georgetown on Guanella Pass Road, and travels 8.55 miles northeast through the Mt Evans Wilderness to the lake.

While the lake is exceptional, the hike to it is equally compelling. Visitors will enjoy pristine valleys, abundant aspen, open alpine travel and excellent backcountry camping en route to Abyss Lake:

The trail begins on a steady grade through uniform lodge pole and young aspen (1.0 miles : 10,020'). It crosses south over Scott Gomer Creek (2.15 miles : 10,162') and levels beside it through dense aspen.

There are several established campsites on this stretch with great views up-valley. Look for moose in the willow-shrouded creek corridor.

The trail crosses back over the creek (3.2 miles : 10,395') and climbs steeply away on a rocky, shifting path to a large, marshy meadow (3.8 miles : 10,682').

The valley opens and forest breaks at the first of two Rosalie Trail splits (4.2 miles : 10,880'). Follow signs to the second Rosalie - Abyss Trail split (4.4 miles : 10,878').

Here the trail becomes steep, faint, and obstructed by several down trees. Though brief, this section is difficult to navigate and reclaim the trail once off course. Pay close attention to your progress and location. {This is a new hike for me... so route finding in these parts may be a group effort}

Travel moderates in a thinning forest touched by wildfire (5.0 miles : 11,265'), and levels across expanding meadows with many good places to camp (5.5 miles : 11,430').

It weaves through the vestiges of treeline to Helms Lake (11,750' : 6.15 miles), a worthwhile destination in itself. The lake's south slope provides good terrain and tree-cover for backpackers.

The trail intuitively skirts the lake, but is enveloped by willow and difficult to follow. You'll likely get wet improvising to the far side where it clarifies on drier ground.

The trail continues NE above the lake into open alpine with views of Mt Bierstadt, Mt Evans, andEpaulet Mountain (13,523'). It crosses Lake Fork Creek (7.2 miles : 12,168') and turns sharply NW for the cirque.

Short, steep intervals moderate in rolling alpine tundra to Abyss Lake (8.55 miles : 12,650'). The lake's south shore and outlying tarns are easy to explore. Glass the cirque walls for mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and hikers on Mt Bierstadt and Mt Evans.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84 (As a disclaimer.... someone added these to this event for me. I have no idea where they came from. I'm am appreciative of the person who added this as I am not a GPS person, but please keep that I did not add these and don't know who did. Use your best judgment. :)

View these GPS points on a Google Map (http://www.protrails.com/trail/summit-county-eagle-county-clear-creek-county-abyss-lake/Trail_Map)

N39 30.686 W105 42.625 — 0.0 miles : Abyss Trailhead on Guanella Pass Road N39 31.046 W105 42.428 — .5 miles : Steady, rocky climb N39 31.376 W105 42.155 — 1.0 miles : Steady climb through lodgepole and aspen N39 31.596 W105 41.705 — 1.5 miles : Grade moderates thru meadow N39 31.908 W105 41.337 — 2.0 miles : Flat stretch to creek crossing N39 32.155 W105 41.046 — 2.5 miles : Level stretch throuh dense aspen N39 32.600 W105 40.677 — 3.2 miles : Cross creek, begin steep climb N39 33.036 W105 40.568 — 3.8 miles : Cross stream on rickety bridge N39 33.308 W105 40.563 — 4.2 miles : Abyss - Rosalie Trail split #1 N39 33.253 W105 40.448 — 4.4 miles : Abyss - Rosalie Trail split #2 N39 33.343 W105 40.077 — 5.0 miles : Steep, shifting trail around deadfall N39 33.473 W105 39.686 — 5.5 miles : Thinning alpine forest thru 11,400' N39 33.854 W105 39.462 — 6.15 miles : Unnamed lake at 11,750' N39 33.892 W105 39.390 — 6.25 miles : Clear trail resumes past lake N39 34.187 W105 39.024 — 6.8 miles : Cross creek and rise above last of willow N39 34.583 W105 38.560 — 7.5 miles : Moderate climb in open alpine N39 34.884 W105 38.919 — 8.0 miles : Mild grade on final approach N39 35.066 W105 39.373 — 8.55 miles : Abyss Lake

APRES-HIKE:

Brooks Place Tavern

27175 Main St
Ste 100
Conifer, CO 80433
http://www.brooksplacetavern.com

The website is momentarily disabled... but it will be tasty after a long day's hike!

NOTES (PLEASE READ!!):

1. By coming on this hike, you acknowledge that you have READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO OUR GENERAL RULES, PHILOSOPHY AND LIABILITY WAIVER ON THE MAIN PAGE. We are not responsible for your safety, behavior or whereabouts at any time during an outing. Please use common sense.

2. Bring extra water (and food), as high elevations dehydrate the body at a faster rate. This is a very long hike. Please be prepared for all eventualities (including weather, injury and nightfall). You never know what might happen when you're looking at a long day like this.

3. Hiking poles would be helpful for some of the steep grades and uneven terrain.

4. Please remember that mountain hiking might mean that we end up spreading out according to our pace and fitness levels. That being said, most of you know that I am of the philosphy that people show up to meet-up events to hike together. I will ask that you not wander off and that you wait up at trail junctions and other reasonable intervals if you hike faster than the rest of the group. While you are responsible for your own well-being, I believe this is part of being a good group member. Along the same lines, please be confident that you are in shape to do this hike (and at a good pace) before signing up. This is a long day and we will need to proceed at a good clip in the morning in particular to avoid storms.

5. Bring a change of shoes for the restaurant. Your feet will thank you!

6. Have fun!!