Trip
Hiking – Abyss Lake TH - Abyss Lake Trail to Abyss Lake
Abyss Lake (12,650’) is in the Mt Evans Wilderness southeast of Mt Blue Sky below the Sawtooth. This out-and-back route starts in the forest and climbs above timberline, passing Helm Lake on the way to a high cirque. Expect the aspen trees to be showing classic Colorado fall colors.
Contacts
- Thu, Sep 26, 2024
- Bobcats Section
- Hiking
- Adults
- Difficult
- Difficult
- Mileage: 16.7 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,300 ft
- High Point Elevation: 12,650 ft
- Pace: Brisk, 2.3 mph
- 7 (7 capacity)
- 2 (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This is a 16.7 mile out-and-back hike to an alpine lake nestled in a high glacial cirque below Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Blue Sky. The grade is relatively consistent and gradual over the 8.3 miles to the lake. Expect a cool start in the forest with warmer temps as the sun climbs. Total elevation gain/loss is roughly 3,300’ for the day. There should be easy water access in several places if you choose to treat your water.
This route travels through the Mount Evans Wilderness within the South Platte Ranger District in Pike National Forest.
More information:
Weather: Link to weather.gov
Map: Link to CalTopo
Trail info: All Trails
Trail info: Hiking Project
We will carpool from the Home Depot parking lot located at Quincy and Morrison (4277 S Eldridge St, Morrison, CO 80465) for a 6:00 AM departure. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange carpools. Link for Google Maps.
Our hike will start at the Abyss Lake/Burning Bear Trailhead on County Road 62 (Guanella Pass Rd), accessed by driving west on US 285 from Denver to Grant. Link for Google Maps. Our goal is to start hiking around 7:00 AM.
CMC suggests that all occupants of a vehicle share the costs of driving. Based on a reimbursement rate of $0.32 per mile, the total amount for the 92-mile roundtrip drive via US 285 is about $29 per vehicle. This cost typically is divided by the total number of people in the vehicle, including the driver.
Required Equipment
10 essentials (including sun protection, rain jacket, and 3 liters of water or ability to treat water)