Trip
Backcountry Nordic Skiing – Mayflower Gulch Trailhead
Cross-country ski on an easy, snow-covered road that rises to just above treeline where old cabin sites are surrounded by a beautiful alpine basin and a cirque of three 13,000+' peaks. Recent BNSS "grads" most welcome for practice! Casual pace.
Contacts
- Wed, Feb 25, 2026
- Denver
- Backcountry Nordic Skiing
- Adults
- Easy
- Mileage: 5.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 800 ft
- Pace: Casual
- 3 (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Join the Leader and our Leader-in-Training (LIT), Rob Osterburg, on this pleasant cross-country ski adventure! The Mayflower Gulch parking lot and trailhead are located on the east (left) side, five miles south on Hwy 91 from Copper Mtn Ski Area. About a quarter mile from the parking lot, the trail begins to climb, with a couple of flat areas, and breaks out into a scenic alpine basin that contains a few abandoned miners' cabins where we'll find a good spot for a lunch break. We'll hopefully enjoy good snow on our descent back to the cars!
MEET at 07:30 AM in the Stegosaurus Parking Lot located in the SE corner of I-70 and Hwy 93 (across the road from the Mathews/Winters parking lot). We'll carpool the 70 miles to the Mayflower trailhead and stop en route (options TBD) for a restroom break to and from. There are no bathroom facilities at the trailhead.
Meet at the Stegosaurus Parking Lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1j2rNZfojZGaNjrw9
Drive to Mayflower Gulch Trail Head: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gEvBR1n5T3ip5obW8
Required Equipment
Ten essentials and metal-edged backcountry Nordic skis with fish scales, kicker skins, or good wax. Make sure you have extra clothing layers and good wind and sun protection. Pack enough water, snacks, and lunch.