Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado
Usa, north-america
7.56 km
3,818 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for a wild ride on Yankee Boy Basin Road, a super-scenic trail tucked away in Ouray County, Colorado! This route, snaking through the majestic San Juan Mountains, is one of the highest you'll find in the state.
Find it north of Silverton, nestled within the Uncompahgre National Forest in southwest Ouray County.
This unpaved adventure stretches for 4.7 miles (7.56 km) from Camp Bird Road up to Yankee Boy Basin, a breathtaking alpine wonderland sitting pretty at 12,526 feet (3,818 m) above sea level.
Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive for your sedan! The lower part is easy-going, but it quickly ramps up with rocky, narrow, and steep sections. High-clearance vehicles are a must to reach the Basin, and if you're thinking of tackling the trail beyond to the Mt. Sneffels trailhead, 4-wheel drive is highly recommended. The road gets more "interesting" with each mile - think bumpy shelf roads and challenging sections that low-clearance vehicles should avoid altogether.
Open season is usually June through October, when the snow melts away. But be warned, thunderstorms roll in during the afternoons, and heavy rains can wash out the road, so plan your visit early. Keep an eye out for altitude sickness, and remember to bring your own water and lunch because there are no services along the way.
Factor in 1-2 hours to drive the road without stops. Expect some traffic, especially on summer weekends, as it's a popular spot thanks to its stunning beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant wildflowers. Photographers flock here for the wildflowers and waterfalls, while history buffs will love exploring the abandoned mines. Think mines, cabins, waterfalls, wildflowers, and the incredible Mount Sneffels!
Where is it?
Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 45.1553, -95.3362
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.56 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,818 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.1553, -95.3362
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