Yankee Boy Basin

Jellystone Park of the Black Canyon
Montrose, CO
July 25, 2014

Yankee Boy Basin is an alpine basin located in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Access to the basin is by a dirt road 4X4 trail.

This trail is rated moderate. Most of the road is easy just like Ophir. It's the last mile that gives the trail the moderate status...it is  rocky, steep and narrow. This is a 9.3 mile trail one way.

  

A narrow spot under a rock overhang...

We started out on Camp Bird Road...0.4 miles (going south on Hwy 550) from the Beaumont Hotel on Main Street in Ouray.

Camp Bird Mine today....

The famous Camp Bird Mine...a highly productive gold and silver mine was discovered in 1896 by Thomas Walsh.
He sold his mine in 1902 for $5.2 million.



Another interesting tid-bit...Camp Bird Mine was named after the "Camp Birds" probably Rocky Jays that ate the miner's lunch.

Another highlight of this trail is Twin Falls...two beautiful waterfalls along Sneffels Creek. We did park and I enjoyed myself... trapsing thru the narrow trails lined with wildflowers, flowing water and climbing the rocks.

 

Twin Falls from the trail...

Narrow walking path lined with wildflowers...

Rosy paintbrush...common in moist meadows 10,000 to 12,000 feet



What a hoot to play on the rocks...and yes, the water is freezing!



Tall Bluebells...about as tall as my waist...

with soft, hairless leaves glistening with dew.

 After the falls, the trail continues for about 2.2 miles where it ends at about 12,000 feet elevation. There is a small area for parking and turning around.

Last mile looks like this which is why it is rated moderate.

King's Crown...in the Stonecrop family...the roots of this plant are good for physical and mental fatigue. Might come in handy next time you are hiking at 12,000 feet!



 Yankee Boy Basin is well know for its wildflowers. The week days are less congested than the week-ends. Best time of year is mid July thru September. A gate for the upper trail is closed until the snow melts in late June or early July. Many stock SUVs make it to the end of the trail.

Another must do trail if you are visiting in this area!

Until next time,

 happy trails!

 Up next: Imogene Pass...our highest climb to date!