Abyss Lake (12,650') is located in a deep glacial cirque between Mt Bierstadt (14,060') and Mt Evans (14,265'). While the lake vicinity is exceptional, the hike to reach it is equally compelling. Visitors will enjoy pristine valleys, abundant aspen, open alpine travel and excellent backcountry camping en route to Abyss Lake.

The trail skirts Helms Lake at 6.1 miles (11,750'), an ideal place to camp before clearing treeline

The trail wraps the base of an unnamed 13,641' peak on the final approach to Abyss Lake

Special protection of the Mt Evans area actually began in 1956 with the establishment of the Abyss Lake Scenic Area

The trail moderates through rolling tundra beneath Mt Bierstadt (left) and Mt Evans (right)

Open meadows at the convergence of two valleys near the Rosalie Trail split

Snowshoe hares are larger than most rabbits, with females slightly larger than males

The trail crosses Lake Fork Creek with rangy views across the upper valley

The trail levels through the vestiges of treeline to the unnamed lake at 6.15 miles

Abyss Lake fills a capacious cirque carved from the base of Mt Bierstadt and Mt Evans

Marmots hibernate from September to May in burrows 15-20 feet deep

The lower and middle valleys are dominated by thick aspen stands

A hiker descends Abyss Lake as storms form over South Park to the west

Bighorn sheep and mountain goat are frequently seen in the Mt Evans Wilderness

The unnamed lake at 11,750 is a compelling destination in itself

Meadows at the Rosalie Trail split precede a challenging climb to treeline

View from Guanella Pass en route to the Abyss Trailhead

The transition through treeline with Mt Bierstadt in view (center peak)

Building clouds presage afternoon monsoon thunderstorms July-August

This picture was taken of Mt Evans around the time a rare funnel cloud struck the mountain in July 2012

Travel moderates on a lengthy transition through treeline

Open alpine travel above Lake Fork Creek en route to Abyss Lake