yankee boy basin

This hike was the highlight of our honeymoon!Hiking this trail has led me to believe that calling Ouray the "Switzerland of America" is not correct, it should be the "New Zealand of America!" The stark, jagged peak with the low clouds rolling over them is a sight to behold, truly. This is probably the best hike I've been on. We parked our Subaru just past the restrooms and hiked up to Wright's Lake. We were up there in early/mid August and the wildflowers were incredible, they just seemed to blanket the mountain and in every color you can imagine. Apart from a couple of Jeeps, we didn't see anyone, it was like we had the whole mountain to ourselves. It had rained earlier that day and with all the moisture still in the air, dramatic, low-lying clouds just kept rolling over the peaks.If you look a little bit, you can actually find small geodes and crystal formations in the rocks.An absolute must-do if you're up there and not a strenuous hike.

Take your family on the finest Jeep trail around... climb past the mining town of Sneffels that once had 2000 people living at about 10,500 feet... all year when the weather and roads were good enough for mules only. You will go past Twin falls... a view like no other... two waterfalls that appear to be 4 and a background like no other...All withing 30 minutes of Ouray CO..

The wildflowers were at near peak this year and the hillsides green due to the recent rains. The jeep trip to Yankee Boy is a lot of fun. Photo ops are abundant.

NO I would not camp here anymore. It is overcrowded with jeepers, 4 wheelers, motorcycles and tour guides. OH, and the mines have opened back up so this place it like a freeway in the middle of what use to be campers paradise! :(

You will love this drive, but be prepared. 4WD recommended with steep curves and narrow roads. Views are unprecedented. I have photographed weddings up here, but be prepared for a lot of tourists and drivers who are not experienced with the rules of "jeeping". Wildflowers galore in July!

I love the San Juan Mountains and the Sneffels Range. Drop down into Telluride for a beer. Watch out for wannabe ice climbers.

Breathtaking,magnificent,felt like we were in Switzerland.. we went up further than the basin... had 4 wheel drive vehicle... a highlight of our trip to Colorado!

A few years ago we drove the 4X4 Yankey Boy Basin road. The color of the wild flowers was amazing. It was in the middle of July and the flowers were in full bloom. Suggest you go there in early summer.

This trail is so much fun!!!!!! Along with the breathtaking views and driving under a rock ledge you will love the little bits of history you see along the way. From a ladder still hanging from a mining hole to mining entrances so far up the mountain you are left wondering how in the world that was ever possible!!!!!!

This is a beautiful view. I am from Florida where it is totally flat and this land is just amazing. We were able to take to many pictures on the ride up and right near twin falls. Plan this as part of your trip for sure.

Beautiful ride. Loved the Twin Falls, beautiful fall colors! Would enjoy seeing this when the mountain flowers are in bloom.

Part of the fun on this hike is driving your 4 wheel drive vehicle to the trail head. Stunning views especially of the blue lakes once you get close to Sneffels

Private trip with friends to a spot below Mount Sneffels. Great views and exhilirating air. Quite bumpy so make sure you have good AWD with high clearance.

The drive is fun - not much need for 4 wheeler until you get to the top. We took lunch with us and ate by the waterfalls. Beautiful area!

Nice atv ride into this basin lots of scenery. It is a 4x4 road so be aware. Waterfalls to be seen, And during hte right time of year you might even see some wildlife.