With hiking season just around the corner, I thought I’d share one of my favorite places to hike in Colorado.
Four years ago, my family discovered a gem tucked away in the mountains near Breckenridge, Colorado ~ Spruce Creek Trail. My son was three at the time, and with the help of a Kelty child carrier backpack, we hiked on this breathtaking trail to the first of three lakes—Mayflower Lake. There at the lake, we found a rocky outcrop to rest our feet and enjoy a picnic. Oh, we savored the gorgeous scenery—the massive mountains surrounding us, the clear mountain lake with a healthy stock of trout, and the stoic evergreens towering over us. I knew in that moment we’d be coming back.
And yes, we’ve hiked this trail several times since then, each time stopping at Mayflower Lake. But last summer, we decided to hike on past our usual stopping point to the next lake on the trail—Lower Mohawk Lake. The last stretch to the Lower Mohawk Lake challenged us all as it snaked up a steep section of the mountain. My little guy was such a trooper, though, as he pressed onward, eager to see what awaited us up on top. One of the highlights for him was grabbing onto an old cable (used to lift and lower ore carts for mining operations) to climb the steepest section of the trail.
When we finally reached Lower Mohawk Lake, we breathed in the refreshing mountain air and marveled at the alpine lake and beautiful scenery. Oh, it was well worth the extra exertion to reach the lake!
For more information about about Mohawk Lake Trail, please click here.
Photographs of the Hike
Below are several photos I took when hiking the Spruce Creek Trail last summer. I hope you enjoy them!
The beauty of wildflowers
Dainty wildflowers along the trail
My favorite mountain flower ~ the columbine.
Colorful and vibrant wildflowers
The pristine Spruce Creek
My little guy tries out his new binoculars for the first time.
Oh, this is the life for me!
Continental Falls
A mountain view from the remnants of an old cabin
Gorgeous mountain views on the last stretch to Lower Mohawk Lake.
Oh, you can’t beat Colorado’s blue skies!
Lower Mohawk Lake. . . Yep, that challenging hike was well worth this view.
Remnants of mining operations on the mountain.
Close-up of tramway used in mining operations in late 1800s.
My family
These boots were made for hiking, but after a six mile hike, give me my sandals! :0)
Good to know, I’ll see if I can get Dorothy to hike it Looking forward to seeing you
Rose, it’s so beautiful up there!! Oh, I’m so excited to see Dorothy and you on Friday. :0)
wow what a stunning place, and gorgeous snaps, look like you all had a great time. x
Thanks! I can’t wait to hike this trail this summer. I think there’s a bit too much snow up there right now, but hopefully it will melt soon. :0)
I’d love to do that but my lot would all moan, they hate walking! xxx
looks like a great trail….love the photos…especially of the Continental Falls….! also like the mining artifacts as we live in a historic mining area here in the mountains of Eastern Oregon.
Thanks! Mining history is fascinating, isn’t it? I’ve studied about the silver mining history in Colorado and would love to one day write a historical novel that includes some of that history.
that’s what I love about our area here in Sumpter!
Beautiful photos! Looks like an awesome trail to adventure on!
Thanks, Pam! It’s fun, family-friendly trail to hike. I can’t wait to go up there this summer. :0)
Beautiful pictures, Juliet!
Thanks, Bill! :0)