Boston Mine via Mayflower Gulch Trail
Frisco, Colorado
Details
Distance
3.2 miles
Elevation Gain
630 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Eric Schuette
Snowshoe through a scenic gulch to the old Boston Mine site via the Mayflower Gulch Trail. 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. In the winter months, it is usually plowed 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, which is drivable with high-clearance in the summer and covered in ski/snowshoe tracks in the winter.
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 there 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 in the winter months, 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.
ADDITIONAL MILEAGE:
If you're looking to venture 2 miles beyond the Old Boston Mine, check out the Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse adventure.
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Boston Mine via Mayflower Gulch Trail Reviews
Mayflower Gulch is my go-to hike when I have visitors in town. Its an easy hike with minimal incline so totally doable for those coming from a lower elevation. The hike is along a jeep road and in the summer vehicles on the road are very minimal as lost people park in the lot, and in the winter youll see people ski touring on the trail. Big bang for your buck with incredible, rocky mountain views and remnants of buildings from the Boston Mine.
5.0
11/24/24 - Mayflower Gulch is a fantastic winter hike with incredible views. The trail is about 6 miles round trip, mostly on a wide, packed path, making it accessible for snowshoes or microspikes. The whole way for us was stunning, especially as you approach the old mining cabins with the beautiful peaks in the background. It’s a gradual climb, and you will see a lot of skiers on the path. We only hiked till the cabins since going further up required snowshoes and we didnt carry it with us that day. Arrive early, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. The area gets windy and cold, so dress in warm layers. Overall, it’s a must-do winter hike with breathtaking mountain views!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
4.0
Leave No Trace
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