Mayflower Gulch Hike
This is the first in a series of posts we'll do on some local hikes.
Posted by
Dwight Eppinger
on July 3, 2012
Mayflower Gulch is less than 6 miles from Copper and offers beginning hikers a fun and beautiful 2-3 hour hike.
View of the natural ampitheatre on the hike in.
Location: Drive roughly 6 miles south on 91 from exit 195 (Copper Mountain). The trailhead parking lot will be on the left after a deep valley.
This is a quick 4 mile round trip that offers spectacular views of the Ten Mile Range and an opportunity to explore the ruins of Colorado’s mining past.
GPS mapping of the hike.
Soon after you start up the wagon road look up and to your right, tucked back in the woods is your first sign of this area’s mining past. The path is a gently sloped wagon road and you will be accompanied by Mayflower Creek on your left. The hike in offers no shortage of things to look at, including ruined buildings, tailings from old mines and a dilapidated ore chute.
Looking towards the Ten Mile Range.
Roughly 2 miles of wagon road lead you to the ruins of 3 or 4 old buildings, one still complete with roof and flooring. There’s plenty to explore here and a great place to have a picnic. You can hike out the same way you came in or if you’re still full of energy check out this article for a way to continue this hike.
Last Cabin looking back towards 91
Flowers of Mayflower Gulch
Valley View on the way in
Mining Camp
Framed Mountains
Dog Friendly
What was this used for?
End of the road
Cabin towards ampitheatre
Hiking Out
GPS route of hike
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Your Comments
Took the two boys and our Great Dane up there two weeks ago and it is a beautiful quick getaway. Short enough for the kids and a lot to see along the way. We even went on a Saturday and there maybe 10 other people on the trail. No need for backpacks or water, but you should always take along some water no matter what.
Comment posted by David Foster on August 9, 2012 11:12 AM MDT
Great idea giving a short narrative on the local hikes. We always take this hike each year. If you take the trail on the right before the cabins, it provides spectacular views
Comment posted by Stew Everard on August 26, 2012 7:13 PM MDT
Flower ID on photo uptop:
left to right (top then bottom):
chiming bells
watercress
marsh marigold
sedum
alpine aster
queens crown
rocky mtn columbine
indian paintbrush
parry's primrose
Enjoy!
Comment posted by Sherie on March 24, 2013 9:18 AM MDT