Mayflower Gulch

This understandably popular area that provides incredible views of Jacque Peak, the Tenmile Range and the picturesque cirque created by Fletcher Mountain, the Pacific and Atlantic Peaks is an adventure one shouldn't miss. The parking area and trailhead are easily found and accessed, located about 6 miles south of the Copper Mountain Ski Resort. From the Mayflower Gulch trailhead sign follow the path leading up toward Fletcher Mountain and the visibly impressive mountain cirque. Just a short ways up the trail the route forks. Head left to enjoy the open gulch and access to some steep backcountry slopes off of Mayflower Hill, or stay right and gradually climb through the pine forest before reaching the cabin remains in the basin. It is nice to save the open gulch trek for the return trip to marvel at the views of Jacque Peak, the Tenmile Range, and the cirque you just left behind.

The remains of a few cabins are found just 1.6 miles from the trailhead in a wide open basin granting breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. These abandoned cabins are remnants associated with the mining camp for the Boston Mine that busted before it ever boomed. This may not have been the most logical location for a town, sitting around 12,000 feet of elevation in a basin surround by steep mountain peaks, but miners only had one thing in mind: gold! Though they had found a thick vein of it in the mines up Mayflower Gulch, the poor quality of the ore caused the mine to fail in the late 19th century.

This ghost town could be the final destination for an easy yet satisfying and spectacular day in Mayflower Gulch, but the options to explore are limitless and the backcountry slopes around the basin and throughout the gulch are ideal or adventurous souls looking to carve some fresh tracks.