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

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

The unnamed lake at 6.1 miles (11,750') is an ideal place to camp before entering the tundra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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