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

Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray

4.7
#1 of 7 in Trails in Ouray
Geologic Formation · Hiking Trail
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

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
457 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By Hopper211
    We rented an ATV to explore Yankee Boy. It was incredibly beautiful and the trails were mostly manageable for us (novices). It was pretty cold in late September, though, so I'd recommend checking it.....  more »
  • By costaricagregg
    The road up to the mine is open to cars and SUV's. Beyond the mine, it's hard core SUV's only. In the fall the aspen viewing is phenomenal.  more »
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Google
  • By Bob Kane
    One of the most beautiful places in Colorado. Make sure you get there using a high clearance 4wd.
  • By Marie Soraya
    Best time to go is in July for the best show of wild flowers. Have a guide take you on a Jeep ride to this place. The road to this place gets very narrow and dangerous.. you'll need an S U V or Jeep to get there.
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