Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado
Usa, north-america
7.56 km
3,818 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for a wild ride on Yankee Boy Basin Road, a super-scenic trail tucked away in Ouray County, Colorado! This route, snaking through the majestic San Juan Mountains, is one of the highest you'll find in the state.
Find it north of Silverton, nestled within the Uncompahgre National Forest in southwest Ouray County.
This unpaved adventure stretches for 4.7 miles (7.56 km) from Camp Bird Road up to Yankee Boy Basin, a breathtaking alpine wonderland sitting pretty at 12,526 feet (3,818 m) above sea level.
Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive for your sedan! The lower part is easy-going, but it quickly ramps up with rocky, narrow, and steep sections. High-clearance vehicles are a must to reach the Basin, and if you're thinking of tackling the trail beyond to the Mt. Sneffels trailhead, 4-wheel drive is highly recommended. The road gets more "interesting" with each mile - think bumpy shelf roads and challenging sections that low-clearance vehicles should avoid altogether.
Open season is usually June through October, when the snow melts away. But be warned, thunderstorms roll in during the afternoons, and heavy rains can wash out the road, so plan your visit early. Keep an eye out for altitude sickness, and remember to bring your own water and lunch because there are no services along the way.
Factor in 1-2 hours to drive the road without stops. Expect some traffic, especially on summer weekends, as it's a popular spot thanks to its stunning beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant wildflowers. Photographers flock here for the wildflowers and waterfalls, while history buffs will love exploring the abandoned mines. Think mines, cabins, waterfalls, wildflowers, and the incredible Mount Sneffels!
Where is it?
Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 45.1553, -95.3362
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.56 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,818 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.1553, -95.3362
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Teton Peak Located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Wyoming, right? Southern tip of Grand Teton National Park. Picture this: Teton Peak, towering over Jackson Hole valley. Views for days, stretching all the way to Idaho. You get there via Highway 22 (Teton Pass) – legendary, but be warned: 10% grades! Then, at the pass summit, there's this gnarly, short-but-intense access road leading straight up to the peak. Think seriously steep. We're talking 14% gradients on loose gravel and dirt. It's technically closed off with a gate – access is mainly for the radio towers and forest folks, but hikers and mountain bikers still love it. It’s not long, only 0.8 miles. But you gain over 220 feet in elevation, so get ready to feel the burn! The average gradient is 8.6%, but with the altitude, it feels way steeper. Oh, and a HUGE heads up: bear country! Seriously, carry bear spray! And don't even think about trying this before late June. It's usually snowed in until then, and clear by late September. This ain't your average Sunday drive, but the views... totally worth it.
moderateWhere is the Devil's Gate Pass located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Devil's Gate Pass in California's Mono County. This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude thrill ride topping out at 7,519 feet! You'll find this gem nestled in the Eastern Sierra, marking the divide between the East and West Walker Rivers. Legend has it the ominous "Devil's Gate" rock formation nearby, named for some seriously spooky history, gave the pass its name. The good news? It's all smooth sailing on U.S. Route 395 – completely paved! The pass stretches for about 16.8 miles between Sonora Junction and Bridgeport, the Mono County seat. Heads up – you'll be hitting the highest point of the entire U.S. Route 395 so expect views for days. This drive is a must-do for any road trip warrior!
hardWenatchee Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Wenatchee Mountain in central Washington State, a beast of a peak topping out at 6,755 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be climbing high above the Mission Ridge Ski Resort, and trust me, the views from the lookout near the summit are worth the trek. But here's the thing: this road is a gravelly, rocky, bumpy ride that demands respect. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. Expect steep climbs and a road that's slow going. We're talking ruts, rocks, and potentially tricky conditions. Keep an eye on the weather too - thunderstorms can quickly turn this road into a 4x4-only situation, or even make it impassable! And be prepared for some serious wind at the top – it can really whip up there. Basically, this road is a challenging climb, but with stunning panoramic views that make it an unforgettable adventure. Just be prepared! Also, the road is typically closed from October to June, weather permitting.
moderateWhen was the Zion Mount Carmel Highway built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a seriously stunning road trip on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway! This 25-mile (40 km) stretch of road, also known as State Route 9 or HWY 9, carves its way through Zion National Park, connecting Springdale to Mount Carmel Junction. Built way back in the late 20s, this fully paved road serves up gentle curves and incredible views of the Utah landscape. Picture this: you're cruising along, slickrock formations rise around you, and seasonal waterfalls cascade down the rocks. It's a photographer's dream! Trust me, you'll want to hit this road early to beat the crowds and soak it all in. Now, let's talk about the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a 1.1-mile (1.77 km) marvel that opened in 1930. It’s an experience just driving through it! The tunnel is pretty narrow, so larger vehicles need to arrange an escort. Keep in mind that vehicles over 13 feet 1 inch tall, semi-trucks, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, vehicles weighing more than 50,000 pounds, single vehicles over 40 feet long, combined vehicles over 50 feet long, all bicycles, and pedestrians are not allowed through the tunnel. But don't let that deter you. The views from the windows carved into the tunnel walls are simply breathtaking. It’s a drive you won't soon forget!