Yankee Boy Basin
A high-mountain basin in the San Juan Mountains. In summer, wildflowers, waterfalls and abandoned mines fill the landscape, making it Ouray’s classic off-road jeep route.
Yankee Boy Basin lies about 15 km southwest of Ouray, at the foot of the Sneffels Range at 3,300–3,900 metres. The route passes the ruins of the Camp Bird gold mine and gravel tracks along cliff edges. In July, columbine, Indian paintbrush and other wildflowers carpet the valley. The basin has multi-tiered waterfalls and alpine lakes, and it is also the starting point for climbing Mount Sneffels (4,315 metres). The first section can be driven by an ordinary high-clearance vehicle, but the later section requires a four-wheel drive. Visitors who are not comfortable driving off-road can book a jeep tour in town (about US$100–150 for half a day) or rent a 4WD. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so set out early.
Opening hours
All day in summer and autumn (seasonal road access)
Nearby sights
- Mount Sneffels
- Blue Lakes Trail
- Box Cañon Falls Park
- Ouray Ice Park
- Ouray
- Ouray Hot Springs Pool
- Ouray County Museum
- Wiesbaden Hot Springs