Spruce Creek Trail to Continental Falls and Mohawk Lakes

This is, without question, one of Summit’s scenic gems. Whether a day hike or an overnight outing-this route includes 6 high-alpine lakes, surrounded by an incredible natural amphitheater complete with waterfalls, in-season wildflowers, wildlife and perhaps even a surprise or two!

 

Rating: *****

Best for: Colorado scenic landscapes-alpine lakes, forests, waterfalls, peaks, sunsets, sunrises, mining ruins, wildlife

Drawbacks: Some steep sections of hiking, route-finding can be difficult at times

Waypoints (see AllTrails Link):

·        Lower Mohawk Lake

·        Lower Continental Falls

·        Mohawk Lake (Summer shot)

·        Mohawk Lake (Winter shot)

Trailhead: Spruce Creek (Upper or Lower)

Trail Length/ Vertical Gain (Gross): 7.6 miles/1,749’ (from Upper TH to last (unnamed) lake)

Trail Access: Crystal Lakes Trail #44, Wheeler Trail #39

Camping: Dispersed backcountry campsites around Lower Mohawk, car camping sites along Spruce Creek Road FS800 / FS800.1. Check with the Dillon Ranger District (970) 468-5400 for up-to-date information regarding fire bans etc.. in the area.

Recommended Photography Gear: Tripod, wide-angle lenses from 12mm-104mm for shooting the lakes and surrounding peaks. ND and Polarizing filters for the lakes and falls, remote shutter release for long exposure shots and nighttime shots of the lakes and mining ruins.

Start the journey at the upper trailhead on road 800.1.

Not far beyond, enjoy a brief/optional side-trip to Mayflower Lake (an underwhelming photo location in my view, but since it’s easily accessible, check it out anyway!), or take trail #800: this is a more direct route to Continental Falls (and subsequently Mohawk Lakes).  This is the good stuff where the photographer is going to want to spend the most time.

Stop at lower Continental Falls and marvel at these rocky crevasses of alpine refreshment, be careful in exploring them, however some off-trail scrambling will yield some cool pockets and angles of the runoff from Mohawk Lakes.

The hiking gets steeper past here on the approach to Mohawk Lakes. Both are within a pretty short hike of one another and are incredible spots to shoot Colorado landscapes for much of the year. Walk along the shores, being mindful to avoid any “Private Property” signage to reveal unique compositions of these lakes.

Golden Hour is a prime time to shoot these scenes, of course, but given the dynamic nature of Colorado and our changing scenery and weather, don’t be surprised to find great photos at other times of day. Besides, that’s why I recommend bringing polarizing and ND filters!

Camping at Lower Mohawk Lake is an experience in itself, and puts the photographer right in the prime of the action: explore compositions and take notes, camp, and get out at early light, or wait for afternoon light, as the shot requires.

One of the best times to shoot Colorado nature scenes is the first snow. Mohawk Lake is a great choice for photographers looking to make the most of this momentous occasion!There are many different angles and perspectives to shoot Mohawk from (careful to heed the “Forest Service Boundary” signs around the lake), but I chose pretty much the same composition I had scoped out in early Summer (when I didn’t have a sky that I really loved.) The mountains make a natural amphitheater around these lakes, and I recommend exploring them -as they’re worth the effort.