Snowshoe the Mayflower Gulch

Frisco, Colorado

4.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

4 miles

Elevation Gain

1000 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eric Schuette

Snowshoe through a scenic gulch to the old Boston town site. It is a very photogenic area, particularly for sunrise or sunset. There are options to continue to beautiful 13'ers in Atlantic, Pacific, Drift, and Crystal mountains

To begin, park in the large parking lot (it is usually plowed all winter except right after a large storm). The parking lot can be reached via highway 91, approximately 6 miles south of Copper Mountain and will be on the east (left if coming from the north) side of the road. Begin up the obvious trail that follows a 4x4 road but will be covered in ski/snowshoe tracks.

Continue up the road for a little over two miles until you reach the basin. You will be walking primarily through a pine forest until you get to the basin. Once at the basin the views will really open up! The old buildings are obvious and their are no restrictions in exploring here. Take your time and explore the basin or climb the valley on either side for wonderful views!!

If one is interested in climbing the 13K'ers in the area Atlantic and Pacific are reached via ridges on the north side of the valley. Crystal and drift peaks can be accessed via the ridge on the south side of the valley. If one is interested in climbing these peaks, winter mountain gear including ice axes and crampons are required as well as self-arrest skills.

Note: the area can be prone to avalanches so take appropriate precautions and check the CAIC forecast before venturing out.

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Features

Photography
Snowshoeing
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Snowshoe the Mayflower Gulch Reviews

The 2 mile hike in is pretty mellow even on snowshoes. It's way less of an elevation gain if you're just heading to the bottom of the gulch where the old mining town is. Amazing place to catch a winter sunrise!

A quick skin from the parking lot will take you to the old Boston town site, where a likely clear skin track heads up and to the right to the ridgeline. From the top, you can take a direct route or meander through the trees before strapping those skins back on for another lap. This area is subject to avalanche danger, so check avalanche conditions (http://avalanche.state.co.us/) before you go.

Mayflower Gulch is stunning in the winter. It's great for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. I'm putting it on my list to visit again this winter!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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