Hiking – Rosalie Trail - Guanella Pass TH

This is a beautiful hike, and we will be taking time to catch our breath, enjoy the scenery, and take some pictures. While this is a moderate hike overall, please be aware of the following challenges:

1. There are multiple stream crossings-one of which requires a three foot jump across foot deep water onto a sloped bank. Waterproof boots (or baggies inside your boots) a must, but be aware that at this one difficult crossing the water would likely overtop your boots. You may prefer to bring water shoes for this crossing and wade across. All other crossings are either very shallow or have flat log bridges.

2. There are long stretches of rock/boulder strewn trails in some of the downhill sections.

3. While predominantly a downhill hike, there are two extended uphill treks, one, about 200 ft gain, for a half mile; a second of about a mile which is a long, slow, continuous climb of about 300ft. We will take these fairly slowly, respecting the altitude.

Poles are recommended, as well as your own awareness of how your body responds to going downhill.

Be prepared for a long day, combining length of hike and travel time.

Meet at the Fort (19192 Highway 8, Morrison) lower lot at 6:50am to arrange carpools and depart by 7:00.

We will drive RT 285 to Grant then turn onto Geneva Road/Guanella Pass Rd to the Abyss Lake Trailhead on the right. After leaving a few cars at the Abyss Trailhead, we will continue up to the Bierstadt trailhead (also on the right), where we will start the hike on the Rosalie Trail. There is a vault toilet at the Bierstadt Trailhead (but you may need tissues). We will also make a brief bathroom stop at the Loaf and Jug near Bailey on our way there. 

Note: This trip requires a shuttle. When we finish the hike at Abyss Trailhead, we will need to drive back up to retrieve the cars at the Bierstadt Trailhead before returning to the Fort.