Mayflower Gulch is a family favorite and the best backcountry getaway in every season. Winter is exceptional! Easy to get to and doable for just about anyone. Make this trail once, and you will be back!
We hike here every Thanksgiving weekend, and it’s a great kickstart to the winter season.
Hiking up a slight uphill trek through a snow-covered winter wonderland was enchanting. Notice we did not have our snowshoes on up the trail, as the snow was easy to trek through on this day.
WINTER WONDERLAND
Starting on the trail is just a tease of what’s ahead. I had the pleasure of spotting a Snowshoe Rabbit hop quickly across the path and head up the slope into the trees and deep snow. Brought a smile to my face.
Coming out of a snow-filled forest, the views open up before you are staggering. I have witnessed this view of Mt. Fletcher and the Tenmile Range many times before, and each time it was beautiful.
The sun shining over the ridge was blinding but beautiful, sending sparkles across the snow.
BOSTON MINE CAMP GHOST TOWN
You cannot help but be in awe. Scattered mining cabins from the early 1900s abandoned Boston Mine Camp makes for a spectacular setting beneath the snowy peaks.
Tubbs Women’s Wilderness Snowshoes – I own and and love them.
Outdoor Research Gaiters – Keeps the snow out of your boots
Smartwool Winter Socks – They last for years and keep my feet dry and warm.
I love the smell of snow and the crunch beneath my boots as we wandered around the old structures. Something about winter is so refreshing, the cold crispy air, bright blue skies, and the stillness all around you.
Not always do you need snowshoes for winter trails? Many trails will be snow-packed from previous hikers, and only microspikes are required. I bring mine on every winter adventure.
GOLD HILL
Want more adventure? Hike up Gold Hill (pictured above) and ski down. It looked like quite the intense hike up but all glorious powder skiing down. It was thrilling to watch.
If that’s not your thing, this is still a suberb winter hike or snowshoe. Although rated moderate, it felt like a gentle incline to reach the scattered cabins, mines, and ore chutes.
Hiking in winter has its challenges. Read more on what you could expect, gear and clothing recommendations, and where to check on avalanche warnings. > CLICK HERE
SUMMER HIKE
Mayflower Gulch Trail is fantastic in spring, summer, and fall.
An easy uphill mile tops out at what some call the Mayflower Amphitheater with its surrounding views of Mayflower Hill (elevation 12,389 ft), Pacific Peak (elevation 13,950 ft), and Fletcher Mountain (elevation 13,951 ft) — Stunning in summer wildflowers.
You can explore the old mining camp or keep going on several trail options in all directions!
TIDBITS
Hike: to Boston Mine Camp, 1.8 miles, starts at 10,994 ft.
Hike: to Gold Hill and across the top: 4 miles out and back
Rated: easy to moderate
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, dogs, bikes
Avalanche-prone areas on the upper end of the trail
Located in: Arapaho National Forest
Family Friendly
Nearest Towns: Leadville, Frisco
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HIKES NEARBY
Baker’s Tank Trail
Mohawk Lakes Trail
Spruce Creek Trail
Can't wait to see you on the trail!
