Returning to the Dirt: Why Abyss Trail on Guanella Pass is the Ultimate Comeback Run
Hey Joy Seekers!
If you’ve been following along on my journey, you know that the last few months have tested my patience in ways I didn't see coming. Being sidelined by an injury watching perfect summer days slip by while resting, icing, and doing physical therapy exercises is a special kind of torture for anyone who thrives on outdoor movement. All summer long, I have been itching to get back to trail running. I missed the smell of the pine needles, the crunch of dirt beneath my shoes, and that unmatched feeling of freedom that only nature provides.
Today, I finally got to do just that.
I loaded up the car, packed my trail vest, brought my favorite furry co-pilots, and drove out toward Guanella Pass to hit the Abyss Trail.
Now, if you look up the Abyss Trail on the AllTrails app or do a quick search with Google Gemini, you’ll learn that the entire route is roughly a 12-mile out-and-back endeavor that takes you deep into the Mount Evans Wilderness, leading past Helens Chain O' Lakes all the way to Abyss Lake. Its an epic, bucket-list trek that I absolutely plan to conquer in full one day.
But today was not that day.
And I want to be super clear about why: it was’t because I couldn’t finish it, nor was it a case of setting out with lofty goals only to turn back in defeat. Today was strictly about smart, intentional progress. It was my very first trail run back post-injury, and I wanted to set myself up for success, not a relapse.
Based on my pre-run research, the first 3 to 3.5 miles of the Abyss Trail looked like the ideal landscape for testing my knee: manageable elevation, runnable terrain, and plenty of room to gauge how my body was handling the impact.
Spoiler alert: It was a GREAT place to get back onto the dirt.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury like me, looking for a low-intimidation entry point into trail running, or just searching for a beautiful high-country route, here is my full breakdown of the Abyss Trail, how my run went, and how you can use this trail to build your own confidence on the dirt!
The Magic of Guanella Pass: A Nostalgic Homecoming
The Guanella Pass and Georgetown area holds a truly special place in my heart. A couple of years ago, during a summer break, I fell into a routine that completely transformed my relationship with the outdoors. I would wake up early, pack my hiking bag, grab my keys, and just drive.
I spent endless days exploring the mountain towns wandering through Buena Vista, breathing the thin air in Leadville, and driving the winding switchbacks of Guanella Pass. When I reflect on that pivotal summer, my absolute favorite, most soul-nourishing, life-changing moments in nature happened right here on this pass.
Yes, Guanella Pass can get famously crowded and touristy when autumn arrives and the leaves start changing. But honestly? I don’t blame people for a second. The pass is blanketed in massive aspen groves, making it an absolute golden paradise in the fall.
Knowing how gorgeous the area is, picking the Abyss Trail felt like coming home. I knew the drive from the Denver metro area wouldn't be overly grueling, and I knew the scenery would deliver. Yet, as I was driving up the pass today, watching the mountain peaks frame the sky, I realized I had completely forgotten just how stunning it really is. By the time I pulled into the trailhead parking lot, I was practically buzzing. I couldn't help but get giddy inside with pure, unadulterated excitement.
Breaking Down the Trail: Mile by Mile
If you’re considering using the Abyss Trail for a recovery run or a beginner-friendly trail outing, here is exactly what you can expect from the first section of the trail:
Mile 0.0 to 1.0: The Warm-Up Climb
The trail kicks off with a bit of an incline right out of the gate. It starts slightly steep, but it’s completely manageable definitely 100% runnable if your legs are feeling good!
Because this is a true mountain trail, you’ll need to keep your eyes dialed onto the ground for this first mile. There are plenty of exposed tree roots and scattered rocks waiting to catch an unsuspecting toe. For me, this section served as a great wake-up call for my ankles and brain, forcing me to practice agility and watch my foot placement without overwhelming my recovering knee.
Mile 1.0 to ~2.0: The Smooth Cruiser Section
After you clear that initial mile, the trail rewards you by leveling out significantly. The path opens up and becomes relatively clear of large rocks and roots.
This was where the magic happened for me today! I was able to open up my stride, pick up my pace, and just run. Feeling that breeze against my face and finding a smooth, continuous rhythm after weeks of being stuck on flat pavement (or a treadmill) was absolute heaven.
The Bridge Crossings & Doggy Drama!
Within the first 3.21 miles, you encounter three wooden footbridges crossing rushing mountain streams. These bridges add so much charm to the run, but they also provided the funniest moment of my morning, courtesy of my two dogs.
If you know my pups, you know they have vastly different personalities:
The Royalty: My husky mix loves hiking and being outside more than almost anything, but she is an absolute princess. Instead of taking the bridge, she decided she was going to be brave and wade across the stream. Everything was going great until she stepped into a slightly deeper pool. The moment her paws couldn't touch the bottom, her eyes went wide, panic set in, and she scrambled right back out to sprint across the dry, safe wooden bridge!
The Chaos Agent: My other girl, on the other hand, is a complete wild child. She will fearlessly yeet herself into any body of water she sees, regardless of how deep, cold, or fast-moving it is.
Watching the contrast between the two of them at the water crossings had me laughing out loud on the trail.
Mile 2.0 to 3.21: The Rolling Ascent
After the second water crossing, the trail transition into a steady, rolling climb. While its a constant uphill effort, the grade isn't steep enough to force a slow grind.
I was able to keep a steady jog going for most of it. I did choose to power-hike a few times through some of the rockier, technical pockets just to protect my knee joint, but the entire stretch was totally doable. There was zero scrambling involved you never have to use your hands to hoist yourself over giant boulders or navigate dangerous drop-offs.
The Turnaround Point (Mile 3.21)
My original mental goal for the day was to hit 3.5 miles before turning around. However, right after crossing the third bridge at roughly mile 3.21, the trail takes a distinct turn. The incline steepens, and the ground becomes significantly more technical, filled with loose rock and uneven steps.
Could I have pushed through to see how much more of the trail was runnable? Sure. But part of recovering from an injury is learning to trade your ego for longevity.
I was at 3.21 miles, my body felt good, and I had already hit a fantastic workout. Recognizing that the terrain was becoming less forgiving, I listened to my body and made the smart call: I turned around.
Listen to Your Body: Managing the Descent
Running downhill can often be harder on recovering joints than running uphill due to the eccentric load and braking forces on your knees.
My plan for the day called for roughly 5 to 6 total miles. I turned around at mile 3.21 and ran comfortably back down the trail until my watch read 5.62 total miles.
At that point, I noticed the side of my knee starting to feel slightly tight a tiny whisper from my body letting me know it was nearing its current limit. Instead of trying to push through and risk irritating the IT band or joint, I immediately slowed down and walked the remaining 0.82 miles back to the car.
I am so glad I made that choice! Walking the final stretch prevented any awkward slips on the looser sections near the bottom and gave my knee a chance to cool down naturally.
Why This Route is Perfect for Comebacks and Beginners
If you’re looking to transition from road running to dirt, or if you’re rebuilding your base after a layoff, the first 3.2 miles of the Abyss Trail offer the ultimate balance of safety and classic trail elements.
1. It Offers Low-Risk Variety
You get a little bit of everything: a slight climb to test your lungs, smooth dirt to build speed, minor obstacles (roots and rocks) to train your spatial awareness, and fun features like stream crossings. It introduces you to trail running without tossing you off a cliff literally or figuratively!
2. The Incline is Forgiving
Unlike many Colorado mountain trails that immediately ascend 1,000 vertical feet in the first mile, the Abyss Trail gains elevation gradually. You won't feel forced to hike the entire time, which is ideal if your goal is to actually run. Which was super nice for me and my first trail run back.
3. Built-In Turnaround Benchmarks
Because the trail features clear landmarks (the three distinct bridges), it is incredibly easy to customize your distance based on how you feel that day:
Short & Sweet: Run to the first bridge and back.
The Sweet Spot: Run to the second bridge and back.
The Full Intro: Run to the third bridge and back.
4. Advanced Runners Can Use It for Active Recovery
If you’re an experienced ultramarathoner or trail veteran, don't sleep on this trail! The first three miles make for a fantastic, low-stress recovery run where you can lock into an easy zone-2 effort without worrying about brutal altitude spikes or extreme terrain.
How to Build Up to a Mountain Trail Run
If you are fairly new to trail running or are working your way back from an injury, heading straight up into the mountains can feel intimidating. Here is a simple step-by-step progression you can use to safely build your strength up to a trail like Abyss:
Step 1: Start on Gravel Paths and Dirt Roads
Before tackling singletrack trails full of rocks and roots, spend a few weeks running on flat, non-paved surfaces like crushed gravel paths, canal paths, or fire roads. This allows your muscles, tendons, and joints to adapt to softer ground without the risk of twisting an ankle. And I’m glad that I did that before taking on more intense trails.
Step 2: Practice "Power-Hiking" the Uphills
There is zero shame in walking! In fact, in the trail and ultra-running world, power-hiking is a strategic skill. Practice walking the ascents with strong, deliberate steps, pumping your arms, and then picking up a light jog once the trail flattens out. And this is definitely something that I’m trying to get myself to be ok with. Having grown up in competitive sports walking “wasn’t ok” and I am learning that it is.
Step 3: Train for the Downhills
Downhill running requires strong quadriceps and core stability. Incorporate bodyweight strength work into your weekly routine squats, lunges, step-downs, and single-leg balance exercises will protect your knees when navigating downhill terrain. This is definitely something I am working to be consistent with definitely post stress reaction injury.
Step 4: Use Time, Not Distance
On the road, a 10-minute mile is straightforward. On a mountain trail, that same mile might take you 14 or 15 minutes due to elevation and obstacles. Shift your mindset from tracking distance to tracking time on feet. If your plan says 45 minutes, run/walk for 22.5 minutes out, turn around, and come back! This is definitely something I’m trying to figure out myself when I’m on trails.
Essential Gear Checklist for High-Country Trail Runs
When you’re running at high elevation in Colorado, the weather can shift in minutes. Even if you only plan to run a few miles, being prepared keeps you safe and comfortable.
Trail Running Shoes: Standard road shoes lack the lugged traction needed for loose dirt and wet wooden bridges. Look for a shoe with good grip and a protective toe cap. Today I was able to run in my road shoes just fine but I would have preferred to have my trail shoes. I just couldn’t find them.
Hydration Vest or Handheld Bottle: Mountain air is extremely dry, and high altitude speeds up dehydration. Always carry water, even on short runs. Today I had 1.5 liters in my pack bladder and 500ml (2×250 ml) of electrolytes. And I did that mainly so I made sure I had enough for me and my doggos.
Packable Windbreaker or Rain Shell: Afternoon storms roll in quickly over Guanella Pass. Stash a lightweight jacket in your pack just in case. This I didn’t have today, but it’s super important. And I should have packed it.
Basic First Aid & Blister Protection: Band-Aids, athletic tape, and a small tube of anti-chafe cream are lifesavers when miles away from the car. Again I didn’t have this… I have it in my hiking pack, I just forgot to grab it. Fortunately nothing happened.
Dog Safety Gear: If you're bringing your pups, don't forget a collapsible water bowl, extra water for them, and a sturdy leash (keep them leashed to protect local wildlife and respect other trail users!). Both my girls are pretty good off leash (one is definitely better than the other) but I like having them connected to me so they don’t go after an animal and/or get hurt.
Final Thoughts & Whats Next
Reflecting on today's run, my heart is overflowing with gratitude.
Rebuilding after an injury is rarely a linear path. It demands patience, humility, and the willingness to check your pride at the trailhead. Turning around at 3.21 miles today wasn't a compromise it was a celebration of how far my body has come and a deposit in the bank for future adventures.
I absolute cannot wait to go back and explore what lies past that third bridge once my knee is stronger and fully conditioned. Taking the Abyss Trail all the way up to the lakes feels like the ultimate goal for a future long run!
To anyone reading this who is currently navigating an injury, feeling hesitant about trying something new, or trying to find their way back to the sports they love: take it one step at a time. Find a beautiful trail, set a gentle goal, listen to your body, and don't forget to celebrate the small victories along the way.
Have you ever run or hiked on Guanella Pass? Whats your favorite "go-to" trail when you need to reconnect with nature or ease back into training? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, keep seeking joy on the trails!
