Yankee Boy Basin

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4.8/5 (67 reviews)
Ouray, Colorado (Ouray County)
Last Updated: 07/15/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Picture the grandeur of Colorado, and the area that comes to mind may certainly be Yankee Boy Basin. This spectacular area has been immortalized in many landscape photos and calendars of Colorado mountains. Yankee Boy Basin offers something for most anyone that makes the trek into its mountains. From some of the most lush and beautiful evergreen forests one can imagine, seemingly infinite fields of wildflowers that stretch from peak to peak in the later part of July, to stunning craggy peaks that stand watch over the area, including the formidable 14,158 foot Mt. Sneffels. In addition to the natural wonders of Yankee Boy Basin, this area once held some of the richest mining history in the state of Colorado. Still active gold and silver mines contrast the approximately 130 year old mining ruins present from a bygone era. More information about the mining industry in the area as well as splendid photographs of the mines working in their heyday can be found at Miningartifacts.org

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (67)
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We started on the trail after completing Imogene Pass and ran this towards Yankee Boy Basin. Along the way we also ran Governor Basin. Heading towards Yankee Boy Basin, the trail become significantly more difficult after Waypoint 11, to a high 3 or low 4 level of difficulty. We used 4Lo for the rest of the trail from that point. There were some rocky ledges and hill climbs to reach the end of the trail at Yankee Boy, and the views of the mountains and the lake made the trip well worth it. Coming out, we ran the trail all the way to 550. After Waypoint 11 it's a 2WD trail. But use caution: you are descending quite a bit in elevation if heading towards 550 and need to control your speed on the gravel. There are many turns and the road narrows in several spots, making it vital to keep your speed under control. You also find a lot of traffic moving uphill towards you, and while the road is wider in spots many people take the turns too fast and cross into your lane. If it's dry dust will reduce visibility. This can be a dangerous feeder road.
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100
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 09/02/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

It is much more difficult then a 1 towards the top. I made it in my stock cayenne with A/T tires but needed a spotter for quite a few spots and low range definitely would’ve helped. Beautiful views the whole way and definitely worth the trip but don’t expect to waltz up the last couple miles without minimum 11” ground clearance.
Trail Review: Yankee Boy Basin - Zach R
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/31/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

This is totally worth the drive.
Trail Review: Yankee Boy Basin - Larry James Ruble
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Amazing views, ran up until we met with Imogene pass. Graded dirt road up to that point from what I remember
Temporary Closure
Visited: 08/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Yankee Boy Basin was closed at the governor basin turn-off. What was open had a couple of rock slides that made it more difficult.

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