Abyss Lake Trail

The Abyss Lake Hike is an incredibly stunning adventure through the Mount Evans Wilderness. This path will guide you through various Colorado landscapes before delivering you to the striking glacial cirque. This excursion is lengthy, so if you plan to complete it in a day, make sure you set out early. If you have backpacking gear, consider dispersed camping along the trail. This adventure is challenging and features technical terrain, only experienced hikers should attempt this trek. Make sure to pack plenty of food, water, and layers before commencing this hike. As always, check the forecast to avoid inclement weather at the high altitudes.

Embark on your journey up the Abyss Lake Trail from the Abyss Trailhead. From the trailhead, take the route northwestward along Scott Gomer Creek. Follow the well-marked old logging road through the lush aspen forest. Trek up the wooded path until you meet the junction with Rosalie Trail. Ignore the intersecting route and continue along the Abyss Lake Trail. Hike up the steep terrain and navigate a few sets of switchbacks. The path, now rocky and exposed, will guide you up through the alpine tundra and past Helms Lake. Continue trekking up the trail along Lake Fork Creek, and you will soon enter the glacial cirque.

Climb up the alpine tundra to Abyss Lake. Revel in the vista of the small alpine lake hemmed by Mount Bierstadt in the west and Mount Evans in the northeast. Explore the lake’s shores and admire the mountainous scenery before beginning your descent. When you are rested and ready to start hiking again, retrace your steps along the entirety of the trail back to the parking lot.