Plan with
Confidence
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Wilderness rules apply. It is open year-round, but access during the winter may be limited due to snow. There is a mandatory self-issuing permit system in the Mount Evans and Lost Creek Wilderness areas to enable us to better manage visitation. Permits are available free at each trailhead. As you enter the Wilderness, fill out the provided permit and deposit the stub in the slot in the lower front of the register box. Keep the permit in your possession.
Path Type
There and Back
From the trailhead, follow the Abyss Lake Trail #602 northeast within the Scott Gomer Creek drainage. The first 3-4 miles is a mellow sandy path suitable for families with young kids. You'll cross the Scott Gomer Creek three times before reaching the Rosalie Trail #603. This trail briefly joins Rosalie Trail #603. Briefly follow the Abyss Lake and Rosalie Trail #603 until you reach the next trail junction, where the Rosalie Trail #603 will continue north-northwest up to Guanella Pass (continue straight to stay on the Abyss Lake trail). Head northeast again and cross several small streams before ascending a series of moderately steep switchbacks. You'll begin to leave the more heavily forested areas, entering a grove of willows near Helms lake. Upon leaving this scenic area, you'll continue your climb up the drainage, crossing Lake Fork Creek that is draining Abyss Lake. A portion of this upper trail is more creek than trail, and some bush whacking through willows that are overtaking the trail is required. From this point, you'll head west across the stunning alpine tundra. The trail finally ends at the shores of Abyss Lake, between Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans. Mt. Bierstadt can be seen along much of the trail.
All Clear
Some Issues
All Clear
All Clear
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