The van left ACAA at 7:00 a.m., but the early start didn't lessen traffic on I-70 westbound. Prime time commuters moved at a snails pace until we were beyond the Sheridan Road exit. After a pit stop in Frisco, it was on through Breckenridge to Spruce Creek Road and TH (10,390') of the same name.
Before setting foot on trail, Ed gave the group of 10 instructions to inform him if anyone needs to separate from the group for any reason during the day. Then we were on trail for the 7 mi. RT, O&B trek.
Trail bed is soaked indicating hard rains in the area recently. Trail climbs gradually through aspen, engelman spruce, and lodgepole pine forests before crossing Spruce Creek on a log bridge. Trail continues to climb before opening into a large marshy meadow with great views of Mt. Helen (13,164').
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| Marshy area and beaver pond. |
A number of beaver ponds dot the area, adding to the list of features offered on this hike.
Trail then reenters the forest and climbs another .6 mi. to an intersection with Spruce Creek Road (4WD). Continuing beyond the road, trail continues crossing a stream created by runoff from the lakes above. At 2.5 mi., trail splits with a spur trail leading to Mayflower Lake.
NOTE: Gold was discovered at the Mayflower Mine located close by in 1887. The mines' glory days providing 30 oz. of gold/ton were short lived.
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| 19th century abandon miners cabin. |
Trail soon passes an area where a dozen miners cabins once stood (circa 1883). Only one structure remains. It has been outfitted with a stove and sleeping flats for hikers and backpackers needing protection from the elements. Named Continental Cabin, it sits beside a solid rock ledge at 11,402' el. Terrific views of the 10-mile range can be seen from this spot.
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| Crossing a log bridge. |
Trail now becomes less pronounced as it bounces up some switchbacks and over solid rock outcroppings. Many sections of trail have parts that can cause a hiker to pay close attention to their footing and balance. One slip or misstep can cause a hiker to catch a toe, go down or loose their balance and tumble down slope. For members of the High Country Hiker group, experience and a keen understanding of trail conditions, pose little to no problem when it comes to negotiating difficult terrain such as this.
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| Steel cable and large wheel...part of an alpine tramway. |
Cairns are the best means of assuring we remain on trail as we climb to Lower Mohawk Lake (11,861'), 3.1 mi. from the TH. The lake rests on a shelf nestled against the walls of Mt. Helen (13,164'). We pass the remains of an old wooden tower that was part of a tramway used to lower ore to the mill below.
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| Continental Falls tumbles over solid rock at the foot of Lower Mohawk Lake. |
Now above tree line, the roar of Continental Falls can clearly be heard. Then as we round a bend in trail, there it is...a long gash of pure white contrasted against the dark grey rock formations surrounding the falls.
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| View of Lower Mohawk Lake from trail above. |
The area is rich in wildflower variety. Unfortunately, this hike was scheduled after wildflowers peaked. Keep in mind, this trail remains one of the best wildflower hikes in the area June through August.
As we get closer to the falls, trail is steep and physically challenging. A few hikers decide to find a spot for lunch around the falls and wait for other members of the group to return from the upper lake.
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| Luisa, at Upper Mohawk Lake, Mt. Helen at rear. |
Another 500' climb brings us to Upper Mohawk Lake (12,110') at 3.5 mi. Mt. Helen is in clear view as it's rugged slopes tower overhead. Plus Father Dyer Peak (13,615') and the ten mile range are on display for our enjoyment. We find a small shelf above the lake, a good spot for lunch.
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| View while eating lunch from above Upper Mohawk Lake. |
First time hiker with HCH group said, "I enjoyed the hike. Not only was it beautiful scenery but the (term) 'Active Adults' is an understatement. I have never been on an outing with a more fit, positive, and interesting group of people ever."
On the descent, John caught sight of something moving high above us. With the aid of binoculars, it was confirmed, a few mountain goats below the ridge of Mt. Helen.
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| Sitting (L to R): Dorothy Stromberg, Kathy Clawson, Robert Saiz, and Kathy Tedrick. Standing (L to R): Hike leader/driver, Ed Blum, John Tedrick, Nancy Bralic, and Luisa Sandoval. Raheal Kneebone, not shown. Photo by Gary Alleman, Happy Trails Photography, Aurora, CO. |
Total miles = 7
Total elevation gain = 1,720'
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