Abyss Lake Hike

I’ve hiked the trail to Helms Lake 3-4 times, but never gone all the way to Abyss Lake. So Abyss is a first for me. This is a long hike so please make sure you’re up for the hike at a good pace…see details below. I’m not doing this long hike if the weather doesn’t cooperate so if there is a high risk of afternoon thunderstorms, I will change the date or cancel.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to have a short lunch at Abyss lake & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 17-18 miles with about 3400-3500 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 12,700 feet. And this hike is considered HARD in Alltrails.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Abyss Lake is a stunningly beautiful blue Colorado body of water sitting in the alpine bowl below two of the state’s highest peaks, Mount Bierstadt (14,065′) and Mount Evans (14,265′). The jagged 13,842′ Mount Spalding closes off the bowl and completes the alpine scene in a way that steals the show. Abyss Lake is found in the Mount Evans Wilderness and is a great destination. Add in Helms Lake and the views found along the Abyss Lake Trail in Colorado is a must due for those who are seeking the best high country trails in the Rocky Mountains. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/abyss-lake-via-abyss-lake-trail-602

DOGS: no dogs on this hike please.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Abyss trailhead. For directions, you can either click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Abyss Trailhead” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Abyss Lake Trail” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, lunch, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.585300000000075&lon=-105.65882999999997

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.