Trip Planner: USA / Colorado / Ouray / Yankee Boy Basin

Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray

4.8

#1 of 7 in Trails in Ouray

Geologic Formation · Hiking Trail

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Brave the dirt road up to Yankee Boy Basin, a scenic alpine valley in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. The 7.5 km (4.7 mi) road remains accessible from June to October for high clearance vehicles only. Drive the winding, narrow trail through the canyon and to the basin, where you can spot a variety of native animals, including black bears and deer. Don't forget your camera--the valley's colorful wildflowers and mountainous backdrop make for postcard-worthy photographs. Plan your Yankee Boy Basin visit and explore what else you can see and do in Ouray using our Ouray travel tool.

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Yankee Boy Basin reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

476 reviews

Google

4.7

By bigfluffydogs

This is a truly spectactular drive. The first part will lull you into thinking this is an easy drive. At about 6 miles, this is impassable for anything other than high clearance 4wd vehicles. Most...

This is a truly spectactular drive. The first part will lull you into thinking this is an easy drive. At about 6 miles, this is impassable for anything other than high clearance 4wd vehicles. Most... more »
By S O

You can go as far as stony mountain turn off, no problem. Very scenic drive. Amateur is fine. Use lowest range vehicle has coming down hill.

You can go as far as stony mountain turn off, no problem. Very scenic drive. Amateur is fine. Use lowest range vehicle has coming down hill. more »
By samde102

I am a world traveler and this was one of the best places I have ever seen. Took Crazy Carl (our tour guide) Jeep via Alpine Tours and it was the best decision we made. Worth every penny!

I am a world traveler and this was one of the best places I have ever seen. Took Crazy Carl (our tour guide) Jeep via Alpine Tours and it was the best decision we made. Worth every penny! more »

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Google

By Alexander Mazin

Beautiful. Really fun road to get there too. We were stopping sooo many times for scenery. Absolutely gorgeous.

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By Lana M.S

I would be more than happy to spend the rest of my days on this trail, in this area ❤️ pictures never do any justice! Absolutely beautiful! Please stay the trail ✌️🤙

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By MaKayla Hood

Take your car as far as it can go and just hike up -you will love every second of it. Just bring pants and a rain jacket -it hailed on me last week right as I reached the base of mount Sneffels

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By Paden Lynch

Unbelievable views! We drove over from Telluride for the day looking to get away from the city and closer to the mountains. It was the perfect choice. The higher you go the more challenging the drive. But the scenery near the top is worth it. 4x4 vehicle with some good ground clearance is recommended and is almost a must for the final leg of the drive.

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By Greg Doyle

Great views, but can be a challenge with the rocks

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