Campsite #1

The Mohawk Lake to Pacific Peak and Crystal Peak trail offers a journey through diverse and stunning alpine scenery in Summit County. You'll start in lush forests, follow Spruce Creek past waterfalls, and then ascend to the beautiful Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes, nestled against dramatic mountain walls. Beyond the lakes, the route becomes a true high-alpine experience, traversing rocky gullies and scree slopes to reach the expansive views from Pacific Peak and Crystal Peak.

This is a difficult 12.6-mile (20.4 km) hike with 3821 feet (1165 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 7 hours and 9 minutes. The trail is accessed via the Spruce Creek Trailhead near Breckenridge. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, especially above treeline, and ensure you have sturdy hiking boots and good route-finding skills for the upper sections.

Beyond the natural beauty, the trail is rich in history, with ruins from the Mayflower Gold Mine dotting the landscape, including old cabins and mine shafts. You might also spot wildlife like deer, elk, or even mountain goats in the higher elevations. The opportunity to reach Pacific Tarn, the highest named lake in the United States, adds another unique highlight to this challenging adventure.