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Backpack – Abyss Lake Trail

Trip

Backpack – Abyss Lake Trail

Abyss Lake is nestled in a high glacial cirque between Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans in the Mt. Evans Wilderness.

Contacts

Craig Townsend
Craig Townsend
Primary Leader
  • Tue, Sep 20, 2022 — Thu, Sep 22, 2022
  • Backpacking Section
  • Backpacking
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 16.9 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,539 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 12,670 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 - 2.5 mph / 1,000 ft./hr.

Itinerary: 

  • Set up a car shuttle between Mt. Bierstadt Trailhead and Burning Bear Trailhead.
  • Day 1: Hike from Mt. Bierstadt Trailhead along Rosalie Trail to trail junction, take Abyss Lake Trail to Helm Lake and find a suitable campsite (6.4 miles, + 1,300 / - 1,200 ft): Map
  • Day 2: Hike to / from Abyss Lake (Elevation 12,670 ft., 2.25 miles, +/- 930 ft.): Map ... After returning to Helms Lake we will break camp and head south on the Abyss Trail to a suitable campsite (6.1 miles, + 160 / - 2,650 ft.): Map
  • Day 3: Break camp and hike out to Burning Bear East TH (2.25 miles, + 80 / - 610 ft.): Map 

Notes on your leader: 

I'm out here to have a good time, and enjoy Colorado's backcountry.  I try to create a friendly team dynamic and to be as inclusive as possible, considering everyone's abilities, experience, and needs out there. I ask the same of you. We stay together on my hikes, no exceptions. We're going to spend 3 days stinking together, let's make it fun.

W/respect to where we are going to meet on Tuesday morning ... Since this is a point to point hike which requires a shuttle and to minimize the time to do the shuttling ... I'd like to do the following:

  • Meet 2 of you at the Burning Bear Trailhead @ 7:00 AM where we will leave 2 cars and then drive in one car to the Mt. Bierstadt Trailhead, and
  • Meet the rest of you at the Mt. Bierstadt Trailhead @ 7:30 AM

NOTE: Please email me as to which trailhead you'll be meeting me at ... And remember 2 of you need to meet me at the Burning Bear Trailhead @ 7:00 AM.

Driving Directions: 

Mt. Bierstadt Trailhead:  Geneva Road/Guanella Pass 8 miles from Burning Bear Trailhead

Burning Bear Trailhead:  49 miles on 285 to Geneva Road / Guanella Pass. Turn right on Geneva Road/Guanella Pass 5.2 miles to Abyss Trailhead parking lot

Maps: https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/38572?t=fyOPBN889zVhT5E9Yopc

Route/Place

Abyss Lake Trail

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Various hiking guides have lists of basic equipment needed for every hike, such as the "10 Essentials," etc. The CMC's members have found through experience that the following items are essential for every trip for every participant; please carry them in your standard day pack and don't go on a trip without them. Don't "share" your essentials with other people, and don't rely on the leader to have extra water, food, or gear for your use.

  • At least 2 liters or 2 quarts of water. (Do not drink untreated stream or lake water! Many streams and lakes in Colorado and elsewhere are infected with parasites.)
  • Lunch, plus extra food.
  • Rain/wind parka and pants.
  • Extra layers of clothing: wool or synthetic insulating layer, gloves/ mittens, warm hat and socks. (Avoid cotton clothing because cotton does not insulate when wet.)
  • Waterproof matches and lighter, plus fire ribbon or other commercial firestarter.
  • Sunglasses/goggles.
  • Sunscreen/lip balm.
  • Pocket knife.
  • First aid supplies.
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Toilet paper in waterproof bag; please also consider a ziplock bag to carry out used toilet paper.
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