Lower & Upper Mohawk Lakes

I recently spent the weekend in Breckenridge, and not being from the area, there was one hike that was on my bucket list: Mohawk Lakes. It didn’t disappoint! In late September, the Breckenridge area is full of gorgeous golden aspen trees, providing spectacular long-range views. In summer, abundant wildflowers are the name of the game.

This hike starts out deceptively easy. But the rule of thumb is that the best views are the ones you have to work for, and this is no exception. The first two miles are a wide, well-traveled and soft trail with a gain of only about 700 feet. Once you cross a 4WD back road, however, the climb—and the fun—begins. The third mile (to Lower Mohawk Lake) has a gain of about 800 feet, and the remaining half-mile to Mohawk Lake is 300 feet gain, with most of it occurring in the last quarter-mile.

Once you get warmed up and pass the 4WD road, the good stuff starts, and this is what makes it such a good hike. There are a number of historic log cabins and abandoned mining equipment along the trail, including one cabin that is in good enough shape to serve as a storm shelter. Mayflower Lake is a small diversion if you have the time. The trail more or less follows Continental Falls, a fabulous opportunity for some photography, as the rock outcroppings allow you to get pretty close.

Lower Mohawk Lake is small and shallow, a pretty setting with beautiful pine trees and lush vegetation. Mohawk Lake is a short but stiff climb up to the ridge. It sits at tree line and is bordered by a rugged ridge on the south, and is that wonderful aqua color that alpine lakes are known for. Look for wildlife—when I was there, I saw 5 mountain goats high up on the ridge! Also, moose and elk love the marshy areas full of willow.

If you have the time and energy, follow the lower ridge towards the west, and you will find three more unnamed lakes in the shelter of Pacific (13,950’) and Crystal (13,852’) Peaks. (I did not go that far, due to time constraints and weather concerns.)