Mohawk Lakes

Mohawk Lakes is the classic Breckenridge day hike: up Spruce Creek past the Mayflower Mine ruins, beside Continental Falls, to a chain of lakes in a high cirque under Pacific Peak. The lower lake at 11,800 feet is where most people stop; the upper lake at 12,100 is a half mile farther and worth it. From the upper 4WD lot the round trip is about 5 miles with 1,200 feet of gain, and from the lower lot add 2 miles and 400 feet.

From the lower Spruce Creek trailhead the trail climbs through spruce for about 2 miles, past the Wheeler Trail crossing, to the junction near Mayflower Lake and the old mine cabins. From the upper lot the walk to this point is a few hundred yards. The Mohawk Lakes trail turns uphill here and steepens at once, climbing beside Continental Falls, a long series of cascades, on a rocky trail with a couple of steps where hands help.

Above the falls the trail passes the wooden mill and cabin of the Mayflower Mine, clinging to the slope, and reaches Lower Mohawk Lake at 11,800 feet in a bowl of rock. The trail continues around the lake's north side and climbs a final rocky pitch to Upper Mohawk Lake at 12,100 feet, with Pacific Peak above and a smaller lake beyond. Return the same way; the falls section is slow on the descent.

From Breckenridge, drive 2.5 miles south on Colorado 9 to Spruce Creek Road (Forest Road 800) and follow it 1.2 miles to the lower trailhead. The dirt road is fine for passenger cars when dry. High-clearance vehicles can continue a mile of rough road to the upper lot; the Forest Service recommends 4WD above the lower lot and closes the road to all motor vehicles from November 23 to May 20 or until it is dry. Both lots fill by 7 AM on summer weekends. No fee or permit. Dispersed camping is allowed only at the seven designated sites past the lower lot, and overnight parking at the trailhead is allowed only with a Francie's Cabin reservation.

Dogs are allowed; the trail is outside the wilderness, so voice control is the rule, but the falls section and the crowds argue for a leash. The climb beside the falls is steep and exposed enough that this is a better hike for older kids than small ones. The trailhead is above 10,400 feet, so take the first mile slowly. The mine buildings are unstable; photograph them from the trail. Breckenridge is 10 minutes away with every service, and the Breckenridge hikes page has the rest of the Spruce Creek and McCullough Gulch trails.