Mohawk Lakes, Colorado
Total Distance: 8.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2106 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Difficult
The Hike: Mohawk Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in summit country – and it’s easy to see why. Hikers have the opportunity to spend the afternoon around not one, but SIX turquoise blue alpine lakes high above the trees outside of Breckenridge, Colorado.
The trail is insanely gorgeous as it winds under towering mountains, and right up to the banks of Mayflower Lake, Lower Mohawk Lake, Upper Mohawk Lake, and three unnamed alpine lakes. This trail does get extremely crowded, and dangerous afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer months. We recommended starting early to avoid both crowds and weather danger in the warmer months, or hike during the off season and week days!
The Details: Mohawk Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in the area, and parking does fill up early in the morning. We recommend arriving around sunrise for an uncrowded experience and a better chance at a parking spot. The large crowds have caused many social trails in the area, and it’s best to carry a map or GPS to ensure you are staying on the correct route..
Most hikers start their treks at the Spruce Creek Trailhead – however, if you have a high clearance 4wd vehicle, you can continue down the rough dirt road to the point where the Mayflower Lake trailhead meets up with the Spruce Creek Trail.
Continue following the Spruce Creek trail until you pass your first lake – Mayflower Lake. After the lake, the trail will begin climbing up a rocky trail through a series of switchbacks. About half way up these switchbacks, you will hear the roar of Continental Falls – which can be easily accessed via a short side trail off of the switchbacks. After enjoying the falls continue up the switchbacks once again until you reach Lower Mohawk Lake. You officially completed the steepest section of trail! Feel free to take a break here and enjoy the stunningly clear water – be sure to look out for trout swimming around.
After a short break, continue climbing to the much larger Upper Mohawk Lake. Don’t get too comfy though – there are still three more lakes up in the valley. Continue up the trail until you reach a large, mostly level meadow. The three unnamed lakes will be along the gradual trail, with the last one at the base of Pacific Peak being the largest.
After reaching the final lake, retrace your steps back to your car.
Gear: For this hike, we recommend bringing along either the Winter or Summer Day Hike Essentials, depending on the season. Micro-spikes or Snowshoes are strongly advised in the winter.
*The information in this article is for planning purposes only. Actual trail conditions may vary depending on environmental factors. It is always advised to get the latest trail information from a park office or ranger before you begin your hike.