Mayflower Gulch—A Short Colorado Hike with Epic Views
Winter Hiking Edition
Mayflower Gulch is a popular, moderately easy hike located between Frisco and Leadville, Colorado, just off Highway 91.
While it’s stunning year-round, this trail really shines as a winter hike, offering jaw-dropping alpine views without requiring a long or technical trek.
The hike is best known for the historic cabin ruins sitting in the middle of a wide basin.
It’s one of those classic Colorado photo ops—you can step inside the cabin and frame the surrounding mountains perfectly through the old window.
If you’re craving big mountain views with minimal effort, Mayflower Gulch is a fantastic option.
The trail is out and back, which means you can turn around whenever you want, making it approachable for a wide range of hikers and energy levels.
Why Hike Mayflower Gulch in Winter?
Winter transforms Mayflower Gulch into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland.
The trail is typically well-packed thanks to its popularity, and the gradual incline makes it a great choice for those new to winter hiking in Colorado.
You’ll get up-close views of the Tenmile Range, dramatic ridgelines, and a wide open meadow that feels straight out of a postcard—especially after fresh snowfall.
It’s one of those hikes that delivers a big payoff without feeling exhausting.
Trail Details
The trail starts as a wide old mining road winding through the forest. After about a mile, the trees open up into a stunning meadow surrounded by towering, jagged peaks. This is where the views really start to shine—and where you’ll find the cabin ruins.
AllTrails link: Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse
Trail Type: Out & Back
Distance:
3 miles round trip to the cabin ruins
6.5 miles round trip if you continue to the Grand Traverse
Elevation Gain: 1,722 ft (if you do the full trail, less if you turn around at the cabins)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Off Highway 91 between Frisco and Leadville, Colorado
What to Bring on a Winter Hike:
Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so being prepared makes all the difference.
Recommended Gear:
Waterproof hiking boots or snow boots
Microspikes or snowshoes (seriously—don’t skip these)
Hiking poles for balance on snow and ice
Sunglasses (snow glare is real)
Plenty of water (even in winter)
Snacks
Shoutout to the kind human who found the microspike I lost on this trail and returned it!
Important Things To Know Before You Go
Check trail and weather conditions before heading out, especially in winter.
Be aware of avalanche risk, particularly if you plan to go beyond the cabins or explore nearby slopes.
The parking lot comes up fast on Highway 91—keep an eye out or you’ll drive right past it.
While the parking lot is fairly large, it fills up quickly on weekend mornings, especially after snowfall.
The incline is gradual but consistent, making it manageable but still a solid workout.
No restrooms are available at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.
Is Mayflower Gulch Worth It?
Absolutely! Whether you’re easing into winter hiking or just want a short hike with huge mountain payoff, Mayflower Gulch is one of the best options near Frisco.
It’s scenic, approachable, and delivers that classic Colorado alpine experience without requiring an all-day commitment.
If you’re building a winter hiking bucket list in Colorado, this one deserves a top spot.
