Mohawk Lakes Trail

Mohawk Lakes is a stunning hike that will take you through the trees, up an incline and end at mountain lakes. This hike is suited for all ages, but does have steep inclines that you will need to take your time on. We would not recommend this hike for anyone that struggles with altitude sickness or is not in reasonable shape.

You will want to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, layers and wear hiking shoes for this hike. This is a 6.8 miles round-trip hike (to Lower Mohawk) topping out at an elevation of 12,073′. It cannot be stressed enough how important having proper hydration for this hike is. If you are worried about any possibility of altitude sickness pack a Gatorade as well.

You will begin your hike at the Spruce Creek Trailhead. The Spruce Creek Trailhead is located south of Breckenridge off Highway 9. Coming from Breckenridge you will make a right hand turn onto Spruce Creek Road and follow that for about 1.2 miles until reach the trailhead. This is an extremely popular hike, so prepare to park along the side of the road before you reach the trailhead. The road continues past the trailhead, but it gets rocky and narrow. Do not continue on this road unless you have 4 wheel drive.

From the Spruce Creek Trailhead you will begin your hike and pass through aspen, fur and spruce trees until you reach a crossing. This trail will dump you out at a road and it will appear that you have come to the end of the hike, but you will want to follow the road up to a dam where the trail picks back up (this may sounds confusing, but it’s a really easy to follow).

After the trail picks back up you will reach the beginning of the big incline. Take your time and stop when needed. You will pass a sign for Mayflower Lake, and eventually get to the Continental Falls view trail and mining ruins. I recommend taking a small detour and checking out the Continental Falls view point (you really don’t want to miss this). After taking a family photo in the falls head back on the trail and prepare to make some more gains in elevation. The trail will turn into long switchbacks that are rather rocky.

After making some major gains in elevation you will reach an area called Lower Continental falls Vista where there will be a old mining cable. From here the trail can get a little tricky so make sure to keep your eyes open for carins (large piles of rocks that indicate where the trail goes). You will follow the rocky trail and hit a dirt trail. Keep following this and it will take you right to the Lower Mohawk Lake! If you are up for a little more hiking (about .5 mile each way) keep following the trail and you will reach the Upper Mohawk Lake.