Trailhead access is reached by driving about 2 miles into upper Cunningham Gulch. At the head of the gulch is the remains of Highland Mary Mill and regular cars should park here. Those with 4-wheel drive may continue down to the right across Cunningham Creek for another mile. Turn left here and cross the creek again. The trailhead is signed and begins on BLM and continues on forest service land in the Weminuche Wilderness.
Fishing is popular at the several lakes in the basin.
Wildflowers and wild life viewing is spectacular. The Highland Mary area is a beautiful high altitude sub-alpine basin that is, for the most part, free of trees. The open meadow is filled with wildflowers in the late summer, providing spectacular views and excellent opportunities for photography. The lakes provide fishing, but like most sub-alpine lakes, tend to remain frozen until summer. Water availability is not a problem, but all water used should be filtered due to Giardia.