Adventure Collective
null - Ouray

Yankee Boy Basin BONUS!

Ouraymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most physically fit individuals; moderate walking and vehicle transfers involved.

Overview

Discover the rugged beauty of Yankee Boy Basin on an exciting Jeep tour in Ouray, Colorado. Perfect for adventure seekers, this trip offers stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and wildflower-filled landscapes that will leave you inspired.

Ouray, Colorado

Yankee Boy + Governor Basins

Great for Families

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Adventure Photos

Yankee Boy + Governor Basins photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 4-hour adventure to Yankee Boy Basin, where you'll discover stunning twin waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers, and intriguing mining ruins. This unique "Bonus" tour takes you off the beaten path to hidden gems like Governor Basin or Imogene Pass, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to your interests.

See Yankee Boy Basin's Famous Twin Falls, wild flowers, mining ruins, and MORE!

Duration

4 Hours

About

"Bonus" you ask?

The Bonus Tour visits Yankee Boy Basin and its famous wild flowers and mining ruins. Our tour continues on where the others turn around. The bonus is a visit to either GOVERNOR BASIN, SYDNEY BASIN, SILVER BASIN, UPPER YANKEE BOY BASIN or PORTIONS of IMOGENE PASS*. This trip traverses a wide variety of terrain and scenery. The "Bonus" tour will take you to wonderful places few visit or even know of. Our guides are the experts on finding you the best scenery on the day of your tour and we love to share the hidden gems. When you book let us know what you are most interested in seeing in space provided so we can customize your tour. You WILL see stunning waterfalls on this tour.

  • PLEASE NOTE: ​Some higher roads can be snowed in until July but we always will have a bonus for you in addition to seeing Yankee Boy Basin. Early season destinations include the rough and tumble "Amphitheater" or the panoramic Cutler Creek Trail.

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy footwear

The terrain can be rocky and uneven, so good hiking shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.

Bring layers of clothing

Weather in the mountains can change rapidly; pack waterproof and warm clothing, even in summer.

Stay hydrated

Bring plenty of water as the high-altitude environment can lead to dehydration.

Capture the scenery early

Golden hour provides the best lighting for photography—plan some stops for photos around sunrise or sunset.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mountain bighorn sheep
  • Black bears (rare sightings)

History

Yankee Boy Basin was historically a mining area during Colorado's gold rush era, and remnants of old mining equipment can still be seen.

Conservation

The area is protected by local regulations to preserve its natural beauty, and visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles.

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Adventure Hotspots in Ouray

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sturdy hiking shoes

Essential

Provides grip and ankle support for rocky and uneven terrain during stops and short walks.

Layered clothing

Essential

Helps adapt to changing weather conditions in the mountains.

Sun protection

Essential

Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen shield you from strong mountain sun exposure.

summer specific

Camera or smartphone

Capture stunning vistas and memorable moments along the way.