September marks the end of the summer season and the last chance to enjoy the alpine tundra before it enters winter dormancy. At the same time, fall colors are peaking so it can be a challenge to pick that ideal hiking option. Rosalie Trail from Guanella Pass offers a two-for-one deal to address this dilemma with a trail that begins in the alpine then descends into hillsides covered in aspen gold. Fall colors typically peak in this area from mid to late September.

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From Woodland Park drive northward to Guanella Pass at 11,670 feet elevation, a trip that takes about two hours. Driving up Guanella Pass Road, the trailhead for Abyss Lake is often packed with an obscene amount of vehicles during peak color season. Continue to the Rosalie Trail at the top of the Pass, which provides a long but special backdoor access to part of this colorfest, on a trail that is likely to have only a handful of people.

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The Guanella Pass area itself is often crowded because it is also home to the trailhead for the popular 14er Mount Bierstadt. Before reaching the Bierstadt parking area, look for a large wooden sign on the right marking the Rosalie Trailhead area. Just beyond the large sign, turn left into the signed Summit View parking area. Walk back to the road and crossover to the large wooden sign, then begin hiking southward on the obvious trail and after a few hundred yards reach a sign for Rosalie Trail.

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Leave the crowds behind and continue across the hilly alpine that has some tundra but is dominated by extensive willows, with Mount Bierstadt looming large to the east. After about a mile, cut left at a signed intersection to stay on Rosalie. The trail begins to gradually drop, hovering at treeline, and after about a half mile enters a unique area of willow shrubland with scattered small spruce. After about another half mile, switchback down through a shady stand of spruce trees. After about another quarter mile, reemerge into the willow covered and grassy tundra, gliding down a broad valley to Gomer Creek.

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After a few hundred yards cross Gomer Creek, then continue southeast across the tundra. After about another 1.75 miles drop into a zone of intense aspen color at the intersection with signed Abyss Lake Trail.

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Do yourself a favor and turn right on the Abyss Lake Trail and wander downhill for at least a half mile or so to soak in the spectacularly abundant fall colors. Get lost for a while in the splendor, then return to the Rosalie/Abyss Lake Trail intersection. Trek back uphill on the lovely and lonely Rosalie Trail for about four miles, climbing about 1250 feet back up to Guanella Pass.

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Joe LaFleur has lived in Woodland Park since 2016 and is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.