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Abyss Lake Trail #602
Trail
8.6 mile
13.8 kilometer
point to point
86% Runnable
Intermediate/Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
3,087'
941 m
Descent: -65' -20 m
High: 12,655' 3,857 m
Low: 9,630' 2,935 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 7% (4°)
Max Grade: 20% (11°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
Minor Issues
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“A manageable uphill run that brings you to the shores of a stunning alpine lake.”
— Luke SnowFeatures Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Wildlife
Wilderness rules apply. It is open year-round, but access during the winter may be limited due to snow. There is a required self-permitting system at the trailhead.
Need to Know
Winter access: The road is plowed for the first 5 miles, meaning this trailhead is the farthest point north where the road is plowed.
Description
From the trailhead, follow the Abyss Lake Trail #602 northeast within the Scott Gomer Creek drainage. You'll cross the Scott Gomer Creek three times before reaching the Rosalie Trail #603. This trail briefly joins Rosalie Trail #603. Briefly follow the Abyss Lake and Rosalie Trail #603 until you reach the next trail junction, where the Rosalie Trail #603 will continue north-northwest up to Guanella Pass.
Head northeast again and cross several small streams before ascending a series of moderately steep switchbacks. You'll begin to leave the more heavily forested areas, entering a grove of willows near a small lake. Upon leaving this scenic area, you'll continue your climb up the drainage, crossing Lake Fork Creek that is draining Abyss Lake.
From this point, you'll head west across the stunning alpine tundra. The trail finally ends at the shores of Abyss Lake, between Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans.
Mt. Bierstadt can be seen along much of the trail.
Head northeast again and cross several small streams before ascending a series of moderately steep switchbacks. You'll begin to leave the more heavily forested areas, entering a grove of willows near a small lake. Upon leaving this scenic area, you'll continue your climb up the drainage, crossing Lake Fork Creek that is draining Abyss Lake.
From this point, you'll head west across the stunning alpine tundra. The trail finally ends at the shores of Abyss Lake, between Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans.
Mt. Bierstadt can be seen along much of the trail.
Flora & Fauna
Mountain goats and bighorn sheep can be seen on occasion in the tundra between Mt. Evans and Mt. Bierstadt.
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