Where is Yankee Boy Basin Road?
Usa, north-america
7.56 km
3,818 m
moderate
Year-round
Yankee Boy Basin Road is a very scenic trail located in Ouray County, in the US state of Colorado. This drive through the majestic San Juan Mountains is
one of the highest roads in Colorado
Where is Yankee Boy Basin Road?
The road is located to the north of Silverton, in the southwestern part of Ouray County, within the Uncompahgre National Forest in the western part of Colorado.
How long is Yankee Boy Basin Road?
The trail is totally unpaved. It's 7.56 km (4.7 miles) long and runs from
to Yankee Boy Basin, an alpine basin nestled at an elevation of 3,818 m (12,526 ft) above sea level.
Is Yankee Boy Basin Road dangerous?
The road is really scary if you are afraid of heights.
Traveling to Yankee Boy Basin should not be attempted by low-clearance passenger cars. The lower portion of the trail is easy and becomes progressively more difficult.
In the middle, the trail gets rocky, narrow, and steep, but is suitable for aggressive, high-clearance stock SUVs. Medium-to-high-clearance vehicles are required to reach the Basin, and 4-wheel drive is recommended beyond the basin to Mt. Sneffels trailhead.
This road becomes more "interesting" with each passing mile—turning from a graded dirt road into a slightly bumpy shelf road, finally ending up as a moderate 4WD road with some steep, rough, rutted sections that shouldn't be attempted by any low-clearance 2WD vehicles at all. High-clearance 4WDs are preferred, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable.
Is the Road to Yankee Boy Basin open?
Set high in the San Juan Mountains, the road is accessible when the snow melts, usually from June through October. The upper portion of the trail is closed with a gate in winter.
Thunderstorms often develop in the afternoon in the Colorado high country. Note that heavy rains can wash out or clog this road at any time. Visiting early in the day and being back at your vehicle is advisable. Be aware of high altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening, and drink plenty of water.
There are no services available. Be sure to take water and lunch on your visit.
How long does it take to drive Yankee Boy Basin?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 1 and 2 hours.
The road is narrow at the higher sections, and passing other vehicles is nearly impossible, so be prepared that you can get stuck in traffic on summer weekends.
It’s one of the most popular 4x4 roads in the area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and colorful wildflowers. The wildflowers and waterfalls along this road attract photographers from all over the world, and the abandoned mines are great for history buffs.
There are mines, abandoned cabins, waterfalls, wildflowers, and of course, the incredible Mount Sneffels.
Shelf Road in Colorado: If you don't like steep drop-offs, don't take the road
Lion's Back in Utah: the consequences for mistakes here are severe
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.56 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,818 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs Mil Cumbres Road paved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for the legendary Mil Cumbres Road in Michoacán, Mexico! Officially known as Mexico 15 (or Carretera Morelia-Toluca, if you want to get technical), this fully paved road stretches for 237 km (147 miles) from Morelia, the state capital, to Toluca. But be warned, this isn't a Sunday drive. Mil Cumbres, meaning "One Thousand Hills," lives up to its name with a relentless series of curves that might leave you feeling a little queasy. You'll climb from Paso Ancho, a low point at 980m (3,215ft), to a dizzying 2,930m (9,612ft) near San José de la Cumbre. But oh, the views! This road teeters on the edge of a canyon, offering incredible panoramas of the Michoacán mountains and the Tierra Caliente lowlands. Keep an eye out for waterfalls during the rainy season, and get ready for some seriously stunning sunsets. The landscape is unique, with pine forests right next to you and desert valleys stretching out below, creating a colorful, unforgettable experience.
hardWhere is NM-567 road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on New Mexico State Road 567! You'll find this gem nestled in southwestern Taos County, in northern New Mexico. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at just under 12 miles, this winding, steep road connects US 285, south of Tres Piedras, to NM 570, north of Pilar. Expect a mostly paved surface with a brief, but fun, gravel section to keep you on your toes. But don't let the short distance fool you! This road is a real challenge. The photos simply can't capture the true steepness, the hairpin turns that’ll test your skills, and the narrowness that'll make you feel like you're on a rollercoaster. We're talking gradients hitting a max of 12% in some spots! While NM-567 is open year-round, be aware that winter weather can cause temporary closures. Seriously, avoid this one at night, or if it's raining or snowing. But if you're up for an adventure, you'll be rewarded with some incredible mountain scenery!
moderateHistory: Military Base to Bio-Security Fortress
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: a mysterious island lurking just off the coast of Long Island’s North Fork, called Plum Island. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. This place is seriously off-limits. We're talking Fort Knox levels of security. Why the big deal? Well, beneath the surface of this small island lies a network of paved roads, a relic of its past as a military fort. But these roads aren't for leisurely drives. They're exclusively for accessing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a top-secret research facility. Think high-containment labs studying scary animal diseases. Getting anywhere near these roads is a no-go. No public access, no private vehicles, nada. We're talking federal law enforcement and serious security. The reason isn’t treacherous terrain or hidden dangers, but a bio-containment and national security protocol. Every move is monitored, every person decontaminated. This isn’t your average scenic route. It's a network of roads existing solely within a high-security quarantine zone. The primary danger isn't a sharp turn or a steep drop, but something microscopic. So, while the scenery might be intriguing, this is one road trip you'll only experience in your imagination.
moderateA Scenic Drive to San Cristobal de la Barranca in Jalisco
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you’re near Guadalajara and itching for a seriously gorgeous drive? Head north and check out the road to San Cristóbal de la Barranca in Jalisco, Mexico! This fully paved gem, also known as Mexico 23, hugs a stunning canyon, running parallel to Mexico 54. Starting near García de La Cadena, this 44 km (27-ish miles) adventure packs a punch. Get ready for steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and views for days! Picture this: you’re winding through a canyon in central-western Mexico, with breathtaking panoramas of towering canyon walls and lush greenery. You'll be driving through ever-changing landscapes, from semi-tropical rainforest to cacti-studded terrain. Trust me, you will want to stop and take in the view!