The Abyss

So at the end of July, I went on a more significant backpacking trip to Abyss Lake, nestled in between Mt. Bierstadt 14, 061, and Mount Evans 14,264.  It was far longer than the last trip taken, however not a physically demanding, I was able to make my destination, instead of being lame and unable to complete the trek.

The trip began with a packing lesson on a Tuesday evening, which truly helped to pare down the amount of things that I was bringing. It's interesting that once you've been on a trip, you are able to determine what is truly necessary vs. what you think is necessary. My pack went from over between 40-50 lbs, to around 30 or under.

I was picked up early on Thursday morning, and proceeded to Guanella Pass and the Abyss Lake Trailhead. We were met with beautiful blue skies, and and a nicely shaded trail.

The trail starts at approx 9,600 ft, and ascends over 8 miles to its terminus at Abyss Lake, 12,650ft. It wanders through beautiful conifer forests, beautiful alpine meadows, and the awe-inspiring Sawtooth.

The start was slightly steep and rocky, however about a mile in the angle softens, and the trail is well traveled with ambling streams.  Everything was progressing smoothly until we hit a confusing trail junction, the arrows were misleading, luckily we had a map.

As the afternoon progressed, the weather started to shift, as is typical in the mountains. Dark clouds rolled in as we made our way above tree line.

The Fearless trip leader stands on the precipice of bad weather, determining wether or not we could continue up the trail, or if it'd be smarter to set up camp below tree line. We did, however, continue along the trail, and attempt to make our way through the willows to the alpine meadow above. The willows proved to be slightly confusing, however we managed our way through.

Once in the meadow above, we began the last leg of the journey.

 About a half mile from the lake, it began to hail, which quite honestly, hurts.

Finally reaching our destination we quickly set up the tent, as the rain began to pour, and the thunder/lightening started. The tent was located in a small indentation surrounded by boulders. After the storm had run its course, we emerged from the tent to experience the location, it was quite cool outside.

The marmots were everywhere!!

I spent some time walking around the lake, climbing on boulders, and scaling up the side of Bierstadt for better photos.

This is the Sawtooth above Abyss Lake. 

My photo with the Sawtooth!

Hail!

The sun peaking over the Sawtooth to the side of Evans, courtesy of my hiking partner...I was eating dinner.

Setting sun, facing west. Amazing view!

After the sun had set, we went to bed, probably 8:30, and it was horribly wet and cold. I was comfortable wedged into the middle of my lightweight down sleeping bag, however my partner was not so lucky, he was terribly cold most of the night. Neither of us felt, so great, and I slept alright, but not fantastically. We awoke early, and packed up to head out. We made amazing time, and were able to stop for a coffee at the Knotty Pine in Bailey, CO. 

This trip was by far one of my favorites thus far, and I'm looking forward to my next significant backpacking trip!