I'll be in SW Colorado the first week in August (Southfork) for a few days...and I have about a week before and after. Would like to really concentrate on Wildflower areas. I've never been to Yankee Boy Basin, so I wouldn't mind giving it a try. I drive a 3/4 ton pickup, fourwheel, is that vehicle OK? The wheelbase is pretty long. I'm really concerned about large crowds in Yankee Boy - any alternate suggestions? I could do a day hike or two but my wife doesn't get around too well, so I need some "drive-to" locations also. We're pretty flexible on locations.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Welcome to the forum Jim. You should be OK with your truck going to Yankee Boy Basin. It might be a little snug if you need to pass anyone but I've seen bigger vehicles up there. Consider going early on a weekday morning if possible. You should be fine with the clearance.
As far as other options American Basin on the Alpine Loop northeast of Silvertoon is a favorite of a lot of people here. Again it might be a little snug with your truck, but you shouldn't have too many problems. The other portions of the Loop are a little rougher. Also consider Ice Lake Basin which is also close to Silverton, although it will require a day hike. Gold King Basin and the Alta Lakes ghost town is one of my favorite areas and it should be easily accessed by your truck. I have posted a picture I took last year from there a little bit lower down in the forum.
Even though there aren't as many wildflowers, the Red Mountain Pass area and Little Molas Lake south of Silverton are beautiful locations too that are easy to drive to.
If you have more time consider going to the Elk Range around Crested Butte or Aspen. CB has a ton of flowers all around the town with some areas that are near the 4wd roads. I also like the Maroon Bells in late July and access shouldn't be a problem for your wife.
Jim,
I concur with Josh, you shouldn't have any problem with Yankee Boy. A lot of passenger cars make it up there. There is one narrow section along a shelf that can take some patience when traffic backs up. That is one reason to get up there early, besides the better light. From a photographic standpoint, if the flowers are plentiful, Yankee Boy is a place you can spend the whole day (if your wife can stand it). There is a lot to do around the first major stop at the toilets. If you continue up towards Blue Lakes trailhead (maybe on foot, the road gets rougher) there is a lot of more alpine tundra terrain.
You can pick up the alpine loop out of Lake City off CO 149. It will take you over engineer pass. The road up Engineer from Lake city is easy. From Engineer the easiest route is usually to drop down into Las Animas, a pretty well preserved ghost town near Silverton, then drive into Silverton to the highway. The roads from Engineer that drop into Ouray can be challenging. Lots of beautiful scenery between South Fork and Silverton on that route. I'd probably allocate at least half a day to get from South Fork to Ouray on that route if you want to take picture along the way. So a night in Ouray might be best to set up for going into Yankee Boy. Get reservations early.
Staying on 149 to Hwy 50 and Gunnison will lead you to Crested Butte, which, as Josh mentioned, can be spectacular. If you go up there, I recommend driving up Washington Gulch to Paradise Divide. The road is pretty easy overall and you get some great views. There are also some nice areas around Lake Irwin and the basin above it.
Gentlemen - thanks for your help/suggestions. I'll sit down with my map and plan things out around your suggestions. We travel in a 5th-wheel trailer, so I'll try to make reservations for Ouray for a few days.
Discussion
3 repliesAny suggestions will be appreciated.
As far as other options American Basin on the Alpine Loop northeast of Silvertoon is a favorite of a lot of people here. Again it might be a little snug with your truck, but you shouldn't have too many problems. The other portions of the Loop are a little rougher. Also consider Ice Lake Basin which is also close to Silverton, although it will require a day hike. Gold King Basin and the Alta Lakes ghost town is one of my favorite areas and it should be easily accessed by your truck. I have posted a picture I took last year from there a little bit lower down in the forum.
Even though there aren't as many wildflowers, the Red Mountain Pass area and Little Molas Lake south of Silverton are beautiful locations too that are easy to drive to.
If you have more time consider going to the Elk Range around Crested Butte or Aspen. CB has a ton of flowers all around the town with some areas that are near the 4wd roads. I also like the Maroon Bells in late July and access shouldn't be a problem for your wife.
Good luck!
I concur with Josh, you shouldn't have any problem with Yankee Boy. A lot of passenger cars make it up there. There is one narrow section along a shelf that can take some patience when traffic backs up. That is one reason to get up there early, besides the better light. From a photographic standpoint, if the flowers are plentiful, Yankee Boy is a place you can spend the whole day (if your wife can stand it). There is a lot to do around the first major stop at the toilets. If you continue up towards Blue Lakes trailhead (maybe on foot, the road gets rougher) there is a lot of more alpine tundra terrain.
You can pick up the alpine loop out of Lake City off CO 149. It will take you over engineer pass. The road up Engineer from Lake city is easy. From Engineer the easiest route is usually to drop down into Las Animas, a pretty well preserved ghost town near Silverton, then drive into Silverton to the highway. The roads from Engineer that drop into Ouray can be challenging. Lots of beautiful scenery between South Fork and Silverton on that route. I'd probably allocate at least half a day to get from South Fork to Ouray on that route if you want to take picture along the way. So a night in Ouray might be best to set up for going into Yankee Boy. Get reservations early.
Staying on 149 to Hwy 50 and Gunnison will lead you to Crested Butte, which, as Josh mentioned, can be spectacular. If you go up there, I recommend driving up Washington Gulch to Paradise Divide. The road is pretty easy overall and you get some great views. There are also some nice areas around Lake Irwin and the basin above it.
Plenty of choices! Have fun!