Backpacking Mohawk Lakes

Oh hey guys. You thought I forgot about you. No, never...



Hiking is fun. Camping is fun. Backpacking is fun. Backpacking three miles up steep, rocky terrain only to have to turn around due to snow, snow and more snow is not fun.

A couple of weekends ago, one Saturday in early June, the bf and I decided to backpack up to Mohawk Lakes. Mohawk Lakes (or Mohawk Highway as I like to call it) is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in Summit County. The seven mile, round trip trail is steep and rocky going up, making the lakes at the top of the hike even more beautiful and rewarding. On this hike you see gorgeous views of Summit County, mining ruins, streams, waterfalls, wildflowers and four different lakes. It is truly one of the best hikes in Summit County. However, due to it's beauty and easy accessibility, this hike is also one of the busiest trails in the county. (Get it? Mohawk Highway? Clever, I know).

Because the bf and I know how busy this trail becomes as soon as July hits, we decided to be smart and beat the crowds by backpacking to the lakes in June. How right we were. We practically had the whole trail to ourselves. Our smugness wore off quickly though as soon as we reached the top, and discovered why most people wait to hike Mohawk Highway until later in the summer...snow. A lot of snow. Snow up to our shins. We were not appropriately packed. So we succumbed to hiking back down. It wasn't at all a waste though. We pitched our tent at Mayflower Lake, on a dry and mossy patch, with complete and satisfying privacy. Winning.

Starting the hike off with happy faces and high hopes.

No snow, just lush and green at the bottom, by an old mining ruin.

The Continental Falls were raging due to the snowmelt.

So we took a picture next to it. Obvi.

When we reached the first of Mohawk Lakes: Lower Mohawk, we were happy!

When we realized how much snow there was, we were sad.

So we started hiking back down.

And saw some b-e-a-u-tiful wildflowers on the way.

We set up camp at Mayflower Lake, about a mile from the trailhead. I gathered kindling while Wes chopped wood.

After we finished setting up camp, we went fishing.

And by we went fishing, I mean Wes fished while I drank wine. Camping is fun.

Then he caught one, so I took a picture like the good girlfriend that I am,

Fire under the stars. Backpacking up and then back down is the best.