Pike National Forest
Abyss Lake Trail #602

The Abyss Lake Trail is rated as difficult (probably because of the elevation and the distance) and is about 8.8 miles long each way. Recommended season for this popular trail is summer and early fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 9,620'
• High Point: 12,620'
• Trail ending: 12,620'

Access: The Abyss Lake Trailhead is about 5.5 miles north of Grant on the east side of Guanella Pass Road, just south of the Burning Bear Campground. There is a large parking area there.

Notes: Abyss Lake is in the center of the glacial cirque between Mt. Evans and Mt. Bierstadt. The trail follows Scott Gomer Creek to the Rosalie Trail junction, then joins with the Rosalie Trail for a short distance. There's another junction where the Rosalie Trail heads northwest to Guanella Pass while the Abyss Lake Trail continues to the northeast across several small streams and up several switchbacks toward Mt. Evans, paralleling the Lake Fork (the stream running downhill from Abyss Lake). You'll cross the Lake Fork and then start out across the tundra right up to Abyss Lake. Nearly the entire trail is within the Mt. Evans Wilderness Area so wilderness regulations apply (no mechanized vehicles, etc.)

USGS Maps: Mount Evans