The trailhead/parking lot is directly off the highway, and from there, it’s approximately 1.7 miles up a snow packed road to the old Boston Mine ruins at 11,500’, and in my opinion, one of the coolest views around. If there hasn’t been any recent fresh snow, the road will most likely be OK for warm hiking boots, but I would highly recommend snowshoes or skis, especially for when you get up to the end, where the snow will definitely be deeper. The hike up is a nice stroll, going through the trees, past a few old mine buildings, and gaining about 580’ of elevation over those 1.7 miles.

Once at the end of the road, you come out of the trees and into a large u-shaped bowl surrounded high, jagged peaks. Gorgeous! Fletcher Peak and the adjoining ridge catch the evening light. There are several old ruined buildings, one of which still has the roof on, which comes in handy for going in and getting out of the wind if necessary. They also make nice subjects to shoot.