Explore Yankee Boy Basin and the San Juan Mountains

Ridgway, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Description

Added by Joe Whitson

Catch beautiful mountain vistas without having to hike to them. View wildlife like elk, marmots, and pikas. Visit abandoned ghost towns. See amazing displays of wildflowers.

While its nickname "The Switzerland of America" may have been invented by some overzealous marketers, Ouray, Colorado and the surrounding San Juan Mountains is a destination you won't want to skip. Expansive green valleys blanketed with wildflowers, distant snowcapped peaks, and hidden lakes will quench any explorer's thirst for beauty while crumbling ghost towns, precarious cliffside roads, and disorienting mountain passes will provide the adventure. And the best part is you don't even have to leave your car.

Begin your exploration of Yankee Boy Basin in Downtown Ouray. If you don't have a four-wheel drive vehicle with high suspension, I suggest renting a jeep from one of several off-road outfitters in the town. We had a great experience with Switzerland of America Jeep Rentals. Head south out of town on the Million Dollar Highway, a series of steep switchbacks climbing out of Ouray's gulch, and head off the pavement onto Camp Bird Road (the turnoff is pinned on the map).

Follow Camp Bird Road for about 8.5 miles up to Yankee Boy Basin. Keep your eyes out for the ruins of an old mill, abundant wildlife, and the Colorado state flower, the Colorado Columbine, but more importantly, keep you eyes on the road. It would be generous to call Camp Bird Road two lanes and if you meet a car on one of the narrow, cliff edge turns, your driving skills will be tested.

Once you reach Yankee Boy, get out of the car and take some time to explore. Take the path to a small lake or continue up to the peak of Mt. Sneffels. Elk and marmots are abundant and the summer green is refreshing in what is otherwise a pretty dry state.

If you started early in the day, you probably have time to explore other jeeping roads, so head back to the Million Dollar Highway and take the route to California Pass, Red Mountain, or Animal Pass Ghost Town. All three of these destination begin at highway 18 just a few miles further south on the Million Dollar Highway, but bring a good map! There are many unlabeled spur roads and its not difficult to get lost if you aren't paying attention. Pay close attention to landmarks like lakes and ghost towns that are clearly marked on the maps.

Finally, at the end of the day, head back to Ouray and treat yourself to a burger and brew at the Ouray Brewery's rooftop patio.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin
Photography
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Explore Yankee Boy Basin and the San Juan Mountains Reviews

Yankee Boy Basin is a very accessible off road trail that can probably be managed by most high clearance 4wd cars. It is a great place to explore. You can also use it to access Sneffels among other things

Yankee Boy Basin is absolutely beautiful. There are several off road trails that run through this area. Great place to explore and photograph.

People come from all over the country to backpack to this and other off road trails near Ouray/Telluride. Yankee Boy was one of the biggest highlights of my trip with the views and wildflowers.

Beautiful area full of adventure. skiing, hiking, jeeping. a special place

Exploring the San Juans is a little broad but Yankee Boy Basin is one of the best places in the range. For added adventure climb nearby 14er, Mount Sneffels.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Box Canyon Falls

Ice Climb the Ouray Ice Park

Lower Cascade Falls

Soak at Ouray Hot Springs

Mineral Creek OHV Trail

Backpack to Dragon's Back via Horsethief Trail