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BPX 3-Day: Abyss and Helms Lakes from Bierstadt TH to Burning Bear TH


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BPX 3-Day: Abyss and Helms Lakes from Bierstadt TH to Burning Bear TH

This moderate, 17 mile point-to-point shuttle hike begins at Bierstadt, stops at Helms Lake and Abyss Lake, and ends at the Burning Bear Trailhead, and features more net elevation loss than gain (3300 feet lost on final day). Enjoy views of Bierstadt, Mt Evans, and some alpine lakes on this fun one-way trip that requires setting up a car shuttle.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members: Set up a car shuttle between Bierstadt TH and Burning Bear East TH. Trailheads are about 15 minutes apart by car. 

Day 1: Hike from Bierstadt TH along Rosalie Trail to trail junction, take Abyss lake trail to small lakes and find a suitable camp. (6.1 miles, +1300 ft, -1200 ft)

Route Day 1 

Day 2: Hike to and camp near Abyss Lake (Elevation 12670ft) . (2.25 miles, +930 ft)

Route Day 2

Day 3: Break camp and hike out to Burning Bear East TH (8.25 miles, -3300 ft, +270ft)

Route Day 3

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 17.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft
  • 12,670 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Mount Blue Sky Wilderness Area (formerly Mount Evans), South Platte Ranger District (PSINF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 7
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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  • Trails Illustrated 104
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