Mohawk Lakes- in fall Breckenridge Colorado

This was my first time hiking Mohawk Lakes. We did this in October and there was quite a bit of snow. We started at the trailhead of Spruce Creek.

This trail is know for the many social or side trails. I took along my GPS to help keep us on the trail.

There are lots of old mining structures along the trail.

The first body of water are the Mayflower lakes.

Here is one of the hiker huts along the trail.

Inside the hut there was a log that lots of hikers had written in.  

Beautiful views all around.

There is a waterfall along the trail.

More mining structures

Finally made it to Lower Mohawk lakes.

Starting the climb up to Upper Mohawk Lakes. We needed spikes because it was so steep.

Mohawk Upper Lake. Total distance was 6.7miles with an elevation gain of +1810.

Shrine Pass/ Vail in the clouds

We had heard so much about this trail near Vail. We got a room for the night and headed over.  Unfortuneatly the weather was awful.

It rained almost the whole time but we were equipped with our raincoats and rain pants.

The trailhead starts on Shrine Pass about 2.3 miles from Interstate 70 and the Vail Pass rest area. Most of the trail was really muddy.

There is supposed to be wonderful views but only clouds for us.

There was some snow we had to trek across.

Lots of pretty trees. The distance is 2.1 miles each way.  Elevation 11,089. Gain is +743 feet.

This trail is named Shrine for its excellent view of the Mount of the Holy Cross. It was used by silver miners and settlers.

Can be viewed on a clear day: Gore Range, Uneva Peak, Copper mountain ski area, ptarmigan Hill, Sawatch Range, and Flat Top Mountains.

Wildflowers are supposed to be wonderful too. We didnt see much.

Lots of clouds :(

One snowfield we had to cross.

We will have to return again since the weather did not cooperate.

Staunton State Park- New Trail opens

We took another trip to Staunton State Park because we heard about the new trails they have been creating and improving.  This was a not too hot day to go as some of the park is exposed to sun without alot of tree cover.

Last time we hiked through, most of the Staunton Ranch trail (shortest to get to the waterfall) was mostly gravel road. Since then they have constructed new a new trail through the trees to keep you off the road. Part is still the road toward the end. Here you can see the road section.

They have also added some restrooms along this trail- 2 in addition to the one at the start. 

Approaching Elks Pond from Bugling Elk Trail.

Another  view of the Pond.

We like to sit here and have lunch. This time we saw a Marmot sunning himself on a rock.

   

The Lion'sBack Trail up to the overlook is a bit steep. The views are worth it when you get to the top. Below you can see views of neighboring mountains and the falls far away.

The Total miles were about 11 to get to the overlook . I highly recommend the Marmot Passage on the way back.

Hall's Ranch Trails- Bitterbrush, Nelson, and Nighthawk trails- near Lyon

This trailhead : Turn left and follow 36 to 66 into Lyons. Drive through Lyons and turn left on Hwy 7. Head southwest on Hwy 7 for about 1.5 miles. Drive to the second parking.  These trails are relatively open so I wouldnt go in summer. It was a bit hot in June.

I enjoyed this hike as it had a variety of terrains and scenery of rock and such. There is also a decnt elevation of 1450 by the end. Mileage was about 6 miles but you could go longer or shorter choosing different trails.

The oldest rock in the area is about 1.7 billion years old and the youngest is approximately 62 million years old. The rocks are a mix of sandstone and granite.

There are supposed to be lots of wildflowers but we were too early I guess.

View of Mt Meeker and the Continental Divide from the Nighthawk Trail

Hiking down to Havasupai Village to Havasu Falls

We drove to a big parking lot where we began our hike down to the Havasupai Village at the bottom of the canyon. We went with a group that arranged for our permits, and reservations for the small lodge at the bottom in the village. There is also a campground but very difficult to get reservations as they dont usually answer their phone. It seemed much easier to let someone else get the dates we wanted. I organized a meetup with my group to get 4 ladies to drive together down to Peach Springs, AZ where we started.

Our trip was in March and you can see most of us had pants and jackets to start.

The view of the canyon from the top .

We stayed together for most of the hike. The trail wound through canyons on either side.

We sent most of our gear on ahead with some horses so we only had to carry our daypacks.

Each part of the trail was unique with different stone formations.

The entire trek was obviously downhill but very gradual. 

More different rock formations.

From time to time groups of horses would pass us with gear or supplies for the reservation.

You can see how high the formations were compared to the people.

We knew we were getting close when we saw the sign for the village. Everyone must have a permit to go down to the village. Even if you are jogging in and out in one day. They have people checking.

There is a bridge with water flowing that begins the first signs of the waterfalls to come.

There is a little store with ice creams and drinks as you enter the town. We took a break here to wait for all to catch up.

This is the community center. There is also a small cafe where we ate our dinners. They had homemade Indian fry bread. Just behind is where the helicopter takes off and lands on certain days. We had one person go back on this because she got sick.

Here is the local church in the village. We had a local woman talk to us one night about life on the reservation. Lots of people grow up only knowing of life here. Some people have cars that are permanently parked up on the top to go our grocery shopping to the big town of Kingman (3 hours each way).

Photos I took of the beautiful falls of Havasu. There were actually three we went to. Mooney Falls involved a steep metal ladder and tunnel climb (very fun).  We didnt make it to beaver falls- next time.

Looking down at Mooney falls.