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blue Mohawk Lakes

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  4.7 ( 23 )
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  3. …Central Rockies
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Trail

4.3 mile 6.9 kilometer loop
Singletrack
Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 1,267' 386 m
Descent: -1,266' -386 m
High: 12,395' 3,778 m
Low: 11,133' 3,393 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 11% (6°)
Max Grade: 35% (19°)

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Trail shared by Tom Robson

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“A fairly easy hike providing awesome views from a high alpine lake.”

— Tom Robson
GPX File

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Although steep in places, kids will love the views of the surrounding area and the Tenmile Range backdrop.

Please stay on the established trail above treeline, the alpine tundra is very fragile.

Overview

This hike offers a variety of scenery as it climbs through lodgepole, spruce and fir forests and eventually to Lower Mohawk Lake which is nestled against the mountain walls. Beyond this lake the trail continues a short distance to Upper Mohawk Lake where you can enjoy views of Mt. Helen and the rugged southern section of the Tenmile Range.

Need to Know

This route is accessible via 2WD vehicle from the Spruce Creek Trailhead and that parking fills up rapidly on a busy weekend. If you have a 4WD vehicle, drive up Spruce Creek Road to the Mohawk Lakes TH.

Description

From the lower parking area (Spruce Creek TH), the trail leads off to the left toward Spruce Creek and is marked by traditional tree blazes (removal of square-ish pieces of tree bark). Continue on the trail through a thick lodgepole pine and aspen forest. Approximately 1.72 miles from the trailhead you'll come to the intersection with the Wheeler National Recreation Trail - WNRT (FDT 39). Continue straight past the WNRT intersection for approximately .77 miles to the sign for Mayflower Lakes and bear to the left (west).

Approximately .53 miles from Mayflower Lakes, the trail rises onto a shelf with Lower Mohawk Lake nestled against the mountain walls, to the north Mt. Helen is visible. The trail continues approximately .34 miles to Upper Mohawk Lake. The view from the top of this trail of Mt. Helen and the rugged southern section of the Tenmile Range make for a spectacular conclusion of this trail.

Flora & Fauna

Aspens and wildflowers abound on this route.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Dillon Ranger District, White River NF

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Check-Ins

Oct 26, 2018
Mike Tozier
Oct 7, 2018
R Lee
Sep 30, 2018
Elena Pocs
Made it half way in 2mi
Sep 29, 2018
Carolyn L
Sep 9, 2018
Ross Therrien
Sep 8, 2018
Isabel Stroot
Sep 7, 2018
Jen Kearns
Spruce creek trail the back and up to Mohawk lake. 9mi
Sep 1, 2018
Taylor Seeley
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 23 votes

#2

in Blue River

#226

Overall
  4.7 from 23 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
26%
3 Star
4%
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1 Star
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Rankings

#2

in Blue River

#56

in Colorado

#226

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Photos

Area above Mohawk Lake
Area above Mohawk Lake
 4
Lower Mohawk Lake
Lower Mohawk Lake
 3
Interesting weather - lots of cool shadows and textures
Interesting weather - lots of cool shadows and…
 3
One of the many small ponds on the Mohawk Lake Trail.
One of the many small ponds on the Mohawk Lake…
 3
The effort on trail is worth it when you get to Mohawk Lake!
The effort on trail is worth it when you get to…
 3
The fourth lake on a windy day in late June.
The fourth lake on a windy day in late June.
 3

2 Comments

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Amanda Kronberg
Denver, CO
Amanda Kronberg   Denver, CO
A few things to know... 1 - This trail is a little over 8 miles out and back if you go to the top lake and 7 if you go to only the lower lake. (NOT 4.3 miles as indicated here) 2 - The trail is a little hard to follow at points as you get closer to the lower lake. You'll reach many forks in the trail that probably all for the same place, but it's confusing. It's great to have another person with you on the first trip. 3 - This is heavily trafficked. 4- The upper lake is only about a 15 minute hike from the lower lake. Go if you can! Jul 27, 2018
Amanda Kronberg
Denver, CO
Amanda Kronberg   Denver, CO
ALSO... Please note that the "Driving Directions" button on this website will take you to McCullough Trail Head in Blue Lakes and NOT Mohawk Lakes. Both are amazing though. Jul 27, 2018

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