Mohawk Lakes
Waterfalls, mining cabins and twin alpine lakes stacked above Breckenridge in the Tenmile Range.
About Mohawk Lakes
The Mohawk Lakes sit in a high basin of the Tenmile Range a few miles south of Breckenridge, reached by the Spruce Creek Trail. From the Spruce Creek Trailhead it's roughly 6 to 7 miles round trip, depending on whether you stop at Lower or Upper Mohawk. Expect somewhere around 1,400 to 1,800 feet of gain. Lower Mohawk Lake sits at about 11,850 feet.
To get there, take CO 9 south through Breckenridge and turn right onto Spruce Creek Road about 2.5 miles past the south end of town. Two-wheel-drive cars can reach the main trailhead, and high-clearance 4WD vehicles can go farther up the road. Beyond the Wheeler Trail junction and the Mayflower Lakes turnoff, the trail climbs past Continental Falls and old mining cabins to the lakes.
This hike has nearly everything a mountain photographer looks for: a big waterfall, weathered cabins, tundra and two turquoise lakes under rugged peaks.
A moderately demanding hike south of Breckenridge, under two hours from Denver, that climbs through pine and aspen along a mountain stream to a waterfall spilling over granite slabs. Push past treeline around mile three and you'll reach Lower Mohawk Lake, with Upper Mohawk Lake a bit further on for anyone wanting the full loop of surrounding peaks — the granite-slab waterfall partway up is worth its own dedicated stop even if the lakes are the main goal.
History
Breckenridge was founded during the 1859 gold rush, and the Tenmile Range above town was heavily prospected. The Mohawk Lakes route passes old cabins, at least one still largely intact near the falls, along with mine shafts and rusting equipment. They're reminders of hard-rock miners who worked this basin well above 11,000 feet.
The trail is now part of White River National Forest. Continental Falls, which pours out of the lake basin, became a natural stopping point and landmark on the way up.
Photographing Mohawk Lakes
Best light: Morning is best for calm lakes and soft light on Continental Falls. Late July into early August is peak wildflower season in the upper basin. Snowmelt in June and early July makes the falls thunder, but the upper trail may still hold snow. Clouds often build by midday, so plan to shoot the lakes early.
Shots to look for
- Shoot Continental Falls from below with a slow shutter and a wide lens, using the boulders and spray as foreground.
- Frame the intact mining cabin near the falls with the waterfall or peaks beyond, so you show both history and landscape.
- From the shore of Lower Mohawk Lake, make a calm-morning reflection of the rugged ridges ringing the basin.
- Use Upper Mohawk Lake's shoreline rocks and wildflowers as foreground for a wide alpine scene.
- Look back down valley from the upper basin with a short telephoto to compress the drainage and Breckenridge's ski terrain.
Photo tips
- Carry a lightweight ND filter and tripod for the falls.
- Stay out of mine shafts and away from old equipment. Collapses and bad air are real dangers.
- Upper Mohawk is where crowds thin out. July through September is peak season, so weekdays are much quieter.
- Stay on the trail above treeline to protect fragile tundra.
- Weather is exposed and windy above treeline. Pack layers and turn around if storms build.
Know before you go
- Spruce Creek Road becomes rough above the main trailhead. Only high-clearance 4WD vehicles should continue to the upper lot.
- There are no restrooms at the trailhead.
- Old mines along the route are hazardous. Never enter shafts or adits.
- Snow and ice can linger on the upper trail into early summer. Traction helps in the shoulder seasons.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Mohawk Lakes hike?
From the Spruce Creek Trailhead, it's roughly 6 miles round trip to Lower Mohawk Lake and closer to 7 miles to Upper Mohawk.
Do you need 4WD to get to Mohawk Lakes?
No. Two-wheel-drive cars can reach the Spruce Creek Trailhead. Only high-clearance 4WD vehicles should drive the rougher road to the upper lot, which shortens the hike.
When is the best time to hike Mohawk Lakes?
July through September, when the trail is usually snow-free. Late July is best for wildflowers, and early starts beat both crowds and afternoon storms.
Featured in: Best Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado · Best Wildflower Hikes in Colorado · Colorado Waterfall Hikes
Combine it with
Quandary Peak · Isak Heartstone · Breckenridge · Mount Sherman
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: 5280.com · dayhikesneardenver.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.