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The Scott Gomer Trailhead (also known as Abyss Trail) is located on the south side of the Guanella Pass Road. There are a couple of alternatives for this hike described in the following narrative. Try this one in July or August after the snow melts. How to get there: Take US 285 out of the Denver Metropolitan area and drive to Grant. Turn north on the Guanella Pass Road (CR62) at Grant. Scott Gomer Trailhead is about five miles from Grant. You will pass Whiteside CG (west side) and the second campground is Burning Bear CG (east side). Scott Gomer Trailhead is on the south side of Burning Bear CG. Park at the trailhead, noted on the map as (P)4. The trail: Scott Gomer Trail is designated as FS602 and goes east up a gradual grade. In about 4 miles you will intersect with the Rosedale trail designated as FS603. A nice side trip, if you stay for a day or two is to hike up to Abyss Lake. Abyss Lake is a high mountain lake located between Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans. The lake and the trail leading to it are above the timberline. The lake is surrounded by steep boulder walls except at the south end where you enter. This is a 4-mile hike one-way east on FS602, starting from the intersection of FS602 and FS603. Return the same way from Abyss Lake. A neat alternative is to drive to the top of Guanella Pass and start at this point. Park on the east side of the pass (P)3. This is a oneway hike or overnight backpack exiting at the Scott Gomer Trailhead (P)4. Follow FS603 southeast for 4.5 - 5 miles to the intersection of FS603 and FS602. This intersection provides backpackers a good water source and location to erect tents. To exit this area take the Scott Gomer Trail (FS602) west for 4 miles and you will exit on the Guanella Pass Road about 7 miles south of Guanella Pass. It would be wise to have parked a shuttle vehicle at the trailhead.
Created on: 2024-09-07 16:02:23
Last edited by: rhall290472 On: 2024-09-19 15:33:17