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- Award-winning Author Mark Obmascik to Headline CFI’s June 26th Season Kick-off Event in Avon
– May 11, 2012
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative kicks off its 2012 field season protecting summit hiking trails on Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks with an evening program and book signing featuring … Read More
- CFI Headquarters Takes Direct Hit
– May 3, 2012
Having your office wrapped in crime scene tape is never a good way to start the week. But that is what CFI faced on Monday … Read More
- Mount Bierstadt Google Earth flyover video launched
– February 25, 2012
You may have heard about CFI’s Sustainable Trails Project, but see how using Google Earth Pro allows us to bring our field work to life … Read More
- CFI Seasonal Job Announcements Posted
– February 7, 2012
CFI is looking for 12 enthusiastic, hard-working seasonal staff leaders/members to complete our most ambitious project season in years. If you think you have what … Read More
Mount Sneffels
- Elevation:14,150 feet (28th highest)
- Maps:USGS Quads: Mount Sneffels, and Telluride
Trails Illustrated® – TOPO Map # 141
Click here to purchase Trails Illustrated® maps for this route. - Contact:US Forest Service, Ouray Ranger District (970) 240-5300
Local Avalanche information for Durango area: 970-247-8187
Ouray Chamber & Resorts Visitor Information (good for accommodations and local road conditions): 970-325-4746.
Recommended Route
Yankee Boy Basin Route—use of this route will help to reduce impacts to this Fourteener’s fragile alpine environment. For detailed route information including pictures, maps, and elevation profiles, click here.
Route Information and Additional Resources
South of Ouray, CO leave US 550 and go west on Colorado 361 for 7 miles to the old town of Sneffels. Hike the continuing rough jeep road from the town of Sneffels into the upper Yankee Boy Basin. The route travels through Yankee Boy Basin and cuts off north from the Blue Lakes Pass Trail. The final approach is up a couloir on the southeast side of Sneffels.
The above information does not replace the need to consult additional maps and Colorado Fourteener Guidebooks for more detailed route descriptions. We suggest checking multiple resources before departing on any hike. Keep in mind that not all guidebooks list this recommended route and that each guidebook’s description or route name may vary slightly.
Peak Specific Environmental and Safety Concerns
Much of the land in Yankee Boy Basin is privately owned. Respect the rights of these landowners. Camping is not allowed on private land unless written permission has been obtained from the owners. Camping is allowed at the Amphitheater Campground in Ouray, Ridgeway State Park, and various other campgrounds in Ouray and Ridgeway. Dispersed camping is available along Canyon Creek southwest of Ouray. Protect the historic mining structures on these lands.
Minimize Campfire Impacts. Open fires are discouraged, especially in Yankee Boy Basin where wood is scarce. Campfires are prohibited in the Blue Lakes drainage of the Mount Sneffels wilderness.
Yankee Boy Basin is a popular jeep tour area. At times parking areas can be congested. Car-pooling is recommended. Drive or park only on roads and previously impacted parking sites.
Properly dispose of human waste. There is one composting toilet available for use along the road into Yankee Boy basin. If unable to use the toilet, please use proper Leave No Trace practices (i.e. below timberline, bury waste in a “cat hole” and pack out toilet paper. Above timberline, pack out all solid human and dog waste).
Plan for highly variable weather and exercise safety around other climbers. Be cautious of rolling rocks.