Mohawk Lakes

While I usually have to work most Saturdays and Sundays, I lucked out in mid-July with a full weekend off--better believe that I took full advantage.

I spent Saturday in Breckenridge with Anna and Alex. We got an early start, and were there by 8:30 am. The familiar ski town was oddly masqueraded in the summer season. I could not wrap my head around the green--almost naked--slopes, which are usually covered in feet of white snow. It was still a beautiful sight in its own right.

Ready for a challenge, we parked at the Spruce Creek Trailhead and embarked on a popular yet moderately difficult hike to Mohawk Lakes. Roundtrip, this highly-rated summer hike clocks in at just under seven miles.

The first two miles were relatively flat through a forest of aspen, fir, and spruce trees.

                                       

Afterwards, the trail steepened to Mayflower Lakes, Continental Falls, and mining remains.

It was difficult to ignore the views as we climbed higher and higher--a total elevation gain of 1,810 ft.

Lower Mohawk Lake lies at treeline below Mt. Helen.









Through another steep and winding climb, we passed other hikers heading back, which encouraged us to keep going. Just as I thought we would never make it, a deep blue lake stretched before my eyes--Upper Mohawk Lake.

At a maximum elevation of 12,073 ft, fantastic valley views of the Ten Mile Range lay before us.

Completed in only four hours, this hike was my favorite to date. We pushed ourselves through to the end, which was an enormous accomplishment. Our biggest challenge was the change in elevation. This meant both physical fatigue from the climb and drastic temperature changes from base to summit. At any rate, our hard work paid off, as we treated ourselves to a relaxing afternoon in downtown Breckenridge, soaking in the sun, beer, and grub.

I joined Anna and Alex again on Sunday for a laid-back morning in nearby Boulder. We shared a tasty breakfast at the local favorite, The Buff--named after the University of Colorado's buffalo mascot.

Afterwards, we strolled through the Pearl Street Arts Festival, where the local artists had their best work on display. I thoroughly enjoyed downtown Boulder, reminiscent of our family visit there years ago. It is a beautiful, clean, and active town nestled at the base of the mountains.

The afternoon was rounded out with patio drinks and sunshine.

 

Back in Denver, I joined a coworker that night for the outdoor jazz concert in City Park--a weekly summer event.



After spending so many weekends at Whole Foods, this was by far my favorite weekend since I moved. Although I love living in Denver, it was great to get out of town for a few days and spend time in the mountains!
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