Mohawk Lakes
Trail
4.3 mile
6.9 kilometer
loop
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°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
Minor Issues
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“A fairly easy hike providing awesome views from a high alpine lake.”
— Tom Robson
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.
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.
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Contacts
Land Manager: USFS - Dillon Ranger District, White River NF
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Check-Ins
Jun 21, 2019
Ray Lopez
Drove in a 4Runner on the 4wd road with no issues. knee high snow. Made a bridge at mayflower. Got to lower Mohawk lake and turned around. Great hike!
Jun 19, 2019
Dawn Landau
Tons of snow. Hiked to the water diversion area and the trailhead to the top and came back via the jeep road only to hit an avalanche area. Made it.
4mi
—
4h 00m
Jul 8, 2018
William Stephen
Parked as far up Mohawk Lake trail as we could with RAV4. Stopped to check out Mayflower, lower Mohawk and upper Mohawk. Got crowded by 11am.
7.5mi
Sep 17, 2017
Haslam Ford
We had snow to battle to get to the upper Mohawk Lake, especially when we got off the trail because the snow cover. Definitely worth the struggle!
5mi
Aug 13, 2016
David Gibson
Great hike - stunning views - ran out of time to go to Upper Mohawk Lake - will be back
6.2mi
—
5h 54m
Jul 28, 2016
Nate Lawless
Amazing hike with incredible views. Great opening hike if you are acclimating
8.1mi
—
3h 30m
Oct 2, 2015
Jeff Darrow
Did this hike as a quick overnight backpacker. Hiked in on a Thursday and had the whole area to our selves. Mid week is best to avoid crowds.
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