Our day in OURAY - Yankee Boy Basin - this was THE MOST incredible place I've ever been

If you have never been to Ouray Colorado, you have no idea what you have been missing. This was the most spectacular place I have EVER been. We only got to spend a few hours up on Yankee Boy Basin, but it was the most incredible few hours in all my experience overlanding.
Some of the video was courtesy of Justin McBride and CBI offroad.
/ justinbmcbride
/ cbioffroadfab
#toyota #4runner #overlanding #off-roading #4x4
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[@RobKhat007]

lol, you were getting giddy, but who could blame you? Nothing like pure joy from being surrounded by natural beauty.

[@wibornz]

Thank you. I have added this to my bucket list. You inspire me and others to travel. Keep up the great work.

[@marlonm396]

Mr. J sir.. I would like to thank you for sharing all of those beautiful places you are visiting through this medium. They are indeed breath taking and I value them because you know that we don't have that here in Florida.. Thanks again and good luck in this next chapter.

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you sir!

[@everydayjay9650]

Ouray is one of the prettiest places in America. My in-laws used to take a trip there every year. Had my first experience s couple years ago and absolutely loved it!! This video is taking me back. Thanks for this!

[@mauriceaustin3442]

Jason, Welcome to the west where around every corner is new found beauty

[@c-note4146]

Jason, I super appreciate all your videos and I have a decent idea how much energy it takes for the filming and editing, much respect and thank you for your efforts..amazing shots

[@promaster185]

I have been there several times and your reactions are the same as mine. The videos are Awesome but they dont hold a candle to what it actually looks likes, so for you people that have never been there you need to go. It is probably the most beautiful Breath taking place i have ever been. Jason THANK YOU for sharing and bringing back some Very Awesome memories !!!!!!!!!!

[@PVo-1111]

Everytime i make a trip to colorado and rewatch my videos, i always say the videos never do it justice. The mountains are so majestic and beautiful.

[@wilsondillon1]

Thank you for inspiration and the information to all of us. Can wait to explore like you just did.

[@MichaelSchneiderTexas]

Colorado is beautiful place, been many times to Durango/Silverton to take the old steam train. Its awesome experience!

[@jackiegardner4677]

Ouray is my happy place!!!! Great video, thanks for sharing! During the summer it is always crazy busy and I'm with you "the most beautiful place"

[@timweimar8768]

Great video Jason!! Like you, I experienced Ouray for the first time last month and was mesmerized by its beauty. Even though I miss the beach, the mountains of the west are one reason I love living out here. Was up in Big Sky Montana for a few days as well, that is another spot to put on your bucket list. Thanks for sharing!!

[@OverlandGeneration]

I Love Love Love the San Juan Mountains! Breathtaking!

[@jsprankel4712]

Gorgeous scenery, Jason! Thank you so much for posting! By the way, I have to finish the Georgia Traverse yet! Can't wait for the next vlog!

[@RevereOverland]

We were there during the 416 fire and the trails were empty. We did Engineer Pass, California, Hurricane, and Corkscrew, and only came across about 15 vehicles the entire day.

[@fireguy2525]

Absolutely epic views! Can’t wait to get out there.

[@iluvthewolfpack]

Omg. Love you! So glad I came across this.

[@dtrn750]

Love that place. Can’t wait to visit again

[@mikerobbins5049]

Jason, we will be in Ouray Sept 9 & 10. This will be our 8th yr in a row. We always visit Ouray for at least 2 days in our travels. We have done almost all of the trails and passes in the area. 3 of those years, including last year, we have had snow. In fact we did Yankee Boy last year in the snow. We never get tired of the scenery esp the fall colors of the Aspen. There are lots of other trails (more than we’ll ever do) in Co and Utah.. we are doing Mosquito Pass and St Johns near Breckinridge this year before we get to Ouray... Dont wait to long to visit again. We always stay at Riverside Inn. Nothing fancy but clean, quaint and comfortable beds..

[@qmmt9786]

I have lived out here for about a decade and half. The trails out here and the mountains are the reason I moved out here and never left. But seeing your fresh excitement for this wonderful state made my day. I hope you come out to Colorado More often. If you ever make it further south, like Colorado Springs area, hit me up and we can go to some of my favorites.

[@dlite6358]

Great CBI plug! Love it ✌🏼

[@johnsimmons4076]

I truly appreciate the experience that you shared mouses chocolatier is amazing in ouray Colorado your candor your insight is priceless thank you so much John Simmons

[@0utKast09]

Music is always on point. Keep up the excellent videos man.

[@p0kemon4]

Can’t wait to see the icon installation video!!!

[@boostedsaleen6146]

I drove our 4 runner from Houston tx to ouray . Its breath taking beautiful had a blast .

[@daved7024]

Great video, what a beautiful area! Nice 4-Runner. Gotta love Toyota's! Funny I was expecting Justin McBride from the PBR🤣

[@UtahNick71]

Headed there in 4 weeks. Can't wait.

[@ericgraves2249]

Great shots of the “basin”. Having been there myself and as awesome as your camera work is, I think you have to see it in person to fully take in the wonder of it all and the amazing views that come one after another as you travel up the trail. Thanks Jason, great jjob. I live in Denver if you are ever in the area look me up.

[@qmmt9786]

In a little over 24 hours I will be in Oura. So I had to stop and watch this video for probably the 20th time. Thanks Jason!

[@wvoutdoorsman5326]

Can’t beat the beauty of Colorado. We’re headed out in October and I can’t wait. Enjoyed👍

[@WelshDaren]

Thanks for the vid, Jason. We just did a trip around the Alpine Loop (Lake City to Cinnamon Pass & Engineer Pass and back) and it was great. I'm working on getting the videos out now.

[@sidx32]

WOooow. Just woow. wow ...... Wow... Just WOW wow. - That is exactly how I am when Im out west. San Juans are a special place. Last year I did a few WOWs when I saw Rainier up close and personal for the first time. Another sensory overload is coming up Rising to the sun road in Glacier NP for the first time. Very well put together videos. Keep em coming.

[@baloghlcb]

Can't wait, headed out there in 2 weeks from Ohio. First trip to Colorado.

[@baloghlcb]

@Steven Goodnight We had an amazing time, although my niece and her cousin weren't too keen on the heights lol. They still had a great time though. It was very hard to leave. I'm actually headed back out there at the end of August and then headed over to Utah.

[@cw50must]

Oh wow this brings back some memories. About 8-9 years ago I drove up to Salt Lake City to visit an old high school friend. On the way back I decided to go the scenic route back through Ouray. I'm pretty sure I stayed in that hotel from the beginning of your video. Funny thing is, it was FJ Summit weekend when I went through, totally unplanned, I didn't even know that was a thing. I had a 1st gen Tacoma that I did 1 trail with, Yankee Boy Basin. I randomly picked it from a flier I got in the hotel lobby. I have a picture of my truck in that same spot at 13:10. This is good stuff, I haven't back, but now I'm wanting too. Thanks for sharing!

[@jdreaper2176]

I ran Imogene last year and my mind was blown !! He's not kidding the area is so awesome !! ❤🤩

[@joelteague8032]

I know that Ouray is the prettiest place I've ever been. Wolf creek pass isn't to shabby either

[@RiverRatsTotalOutdoors]

Cant wait to get my 4runner to the mountains! Nice Vid

[@Yetieti406]

Welcome to the west, Jason. You’ll be awe inspired for years to come if you’re going to be overlanding in the Rockies. Quite a bit different than Florida, ey? If you get a chance, make an effort to make some trips to the cascades. The Rockies and cascades are some of the most beautiful mountain ranges and diverse ecosystems in the country. Cheers!

[@insaynbcr]

Good to see you are enjoying the almost west side of the country. Wait till you make it up to the PNW. If you are game for a gorgeous green forest campout, gimme a tap when you plan to wander into Northwest Oregon and I'll see what we can put together.

[@leroidezastah]

i just came back from ouray and im still in shock ! 30 hrs of drive ! but it worth it

[@amkamk3129]

Hiked this entire road from the fork to go right toward yankee. I must say hiking this road from the bottom to the top of Sneffels and back is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Fourteen hours. Would love to experience again like you did in a vehicle for a totally different vibe!

[@Londonocw]

Shhh people don’t need to know about places like this

[@jamesb7651]

No Sheet. Colorado resident here----been to Yankee boy to climb Mt. Sneffles (if you get there, climb it---worth the time) But, Puh-Leeze tread lightly on our terrain and don't act like you're still in NYC or California up here. We frown on that . If you can't comply, I hear that Kansas is really nice.

[@jimmyaugustine4181]

Love love your videos! You sound like me every time we go to C.O. "WOW!" 😂... need your help with camping primitive spots out side of Ouray in the mountains. Any suggetions would be greatly appreciated. Also trying to decide which vehicle to bring out there. I have a AWD Chevy express van set up for van camping and is super comfortable to live out of for 2 weeks. My van does not have low range. Do you feel I would smoke the brakes on the downside of the passes? My other option is a 08 Lexus gx470 which we will be mostly living out of for 2 weeks. Lexus is a lot smaller inside but off road abilities is far greater. Really want to take the van but concerned about losing the brakes. Any help would be great! Keep the videos coming !!

[@fishenfootball]

Brother I lover your videos. Love your rig. And I love the awe and wonder you express at 16:43.... makes me wanna pack up the 4runner and point it west.

[@SwellRunner]

DO IT!

[@rbuste]

I take regular trips to Ouray, the KOA that you stayed at is where I stay if I must be around people when I'm there. Great people there and nice facilities.

[@thebiblehead2793]

Yes, Bon Ton, good eats! Excellent pasta for sure!😁 ❤🙏✝

[@veedubya4636]

Thanks for the video going to the 2019 FJ Summit and really looking forward to it.

[@roguehawaiian5945]

Awesome video man, makes me miss living in that area. 👍🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@zaphods2ndhead193]

Ouray is my Nirvana. Great view, great drives, great food.

[@mauricebattle978]

That was good! I'm going to watch it again! Peace, safe tavels and stay happy! Jesus Walks

[@lorilange8654]

Whoa wow GORGEOUS ❤️😍

[@mykalbee]

Wow very scenic. Hope to check it out someday. The west has so much to offer and I'm lookin forward to watching you explore it.

[@SwellRunner]

It really was so incredible.

[@worldwide.239]

Ouray is beautiful. I live outside Salida. Glad you enjoyed.

[@MPTrailGroup]

dude, epic!!!!

[@undergroundminer3262]

Yankee Boy is my daily commute and I love it

[@touchnova]

Roads and views...brought to you by miners. There's such a stigma around mining these days, but 95% of the remote roads we have today are a result of historic mining and timber. Otherwise, we'd be stuck in the lowlands with everyone else. Thanks old timers! ...and thanks for this vid, fun adventure!

[@andyham6094]

That’s awesome man. I never realized that and always wondered some of these remote amazing trails way up in the mountains…a long long time ago…who built these trails and why? Now that I read your comment it makes sense.

[@MartySandaker99GT]

Nice vid Jason. I grew up in Montrose CO, write down the road from Ouray. Back in the 1980s there was almost nobody up there. LOL, my brother and I held the dubious record of putting the most miles on a San Juan jeep rental Wrangler in a 24 hour period. I miss the Hot Springs, Yankee boy basin shelf Road, Box Canyon Falls, Red Mountain Pass, million Dollar Highway, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Telluride, that whole part of Colorado will be forever ingrained in my memory. Now I live in Spokane Washington, instruct for the Spokane mountaineers, and spend my free time exploring Eastern WA and North Idaho. There are so many lakes up here that I upsized from a Tacoma to a Tundra with a Pontoon boat. The Pacific Northwest is a good part of the country for a misplaced Colorado native. Cheers

[@user-io3hw7hx7q]

Have a great day with everyone

[@kingdomoverlanding]

Awesome video!

[@douglasdearden4879]

Great break at the 9:00 mark. Too funny. As usual, nice work.

[@tubadude905]

We've been lucky to have a home in Ouray for over 20 years (right downhill from the Ouray Chalet where you started your video), and have crossed all the 4x4 passes in the area...it really is a spectacular part of the world.

[@fmmrz5]

WOOOOOOOWWWWWW! Lol. I agreed completely Jason. Wow.

[@jimmynotjim]

Had a similar experience during the Eclipse. Went exploring Forest roads to keep away from the crowds but the crowds apparently had the exact same idea. It's good and bad. I'm happy people are getting away from their screens and finding their way outdoors, but it's a lot harder to find the peace we're all searching for.

[@JKsouthwest]

Ouray and the surrounding San Juan Mountains are some of my favorite places to visit.

[@Fit4Life921]

i was in ouray around that time. next time you've gotta do governor's​ basin and find the waterfall...its beautiful

[@user-jz3vc9kd2j]

Best town in all Colorado. Lived there 5 years! Been over black bear pass into Telluride twice each summer!

[@ejones9924]

Woooowwww... woowwww

[@mikerobbins5049]

There are so many places around Ouray/Silverton/Telluride area that are so beautiful... we were up at Yankee Boy one Sept with about 8” of fresh snow. We find Sept a very good time to go to Colorado.

[@texasatvoffroad5901]

Great video man. Plan on hitting it this summer.

[@GrablifeCO]

Been there done that. I love that area. Well done.

[@adamwatson3770]

Got a few shots of my truck in there, even a short vid of me starting up the little switchback going up to the top.

[@thescottishhammer7570]

We stayed at that same KOA just this July. They were great. So great, in fact, that my overland group is planning on staying there again next September. Love the Ouray/Silverton area. Try the Buena Vista area as well. Great wheeling there too.

[@ironcladgungrave]

cant wait till the cbi rear bumper and install vids, really love your install videos jason and I have a tacoma not 4runner lol

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

My nephew just moved to Colorado to do his masters... looks like I need to visit him! Also, those are pretty well groomed roads. Not sure about the need to air down; seems like work for work's sake.

[@TheKPDX]

CROWDS - I'm hoping all those rigs are just because of FJ Summit. I've never seen so many on a trail, however, I haven't done the typical CO passes or Moab stuff for over a decade - maybe that's just what it's getting like. Still plenty of solitude in less glamorous spots. TRAILER - Consider a C-Clamp wheel lock. They're somewhat bulky but VERY deterrant. We use them on horse trailers. CBI - Nathan is a really great guy. I never realized he was the owner. Top notch fellow. Really patient and kind with my Mom when we were looking at their full front bumper. WEST - Welcome! You are going to love it!!

[@shaneamcnally]

you planning on doing anything in the sierras in california? lake tahoe and surrounding areas? rubicon? one of the most breathtaking beautiful places on the planet imo. Love the vids. Keep em coming

[@DeanJohnson67]

This is one of those places where it'd be great to spend a month there to hit the jeep trails first and then hike as much as possibly ! Just added to my list of Must Do's for 2021 (at least the wheeling portion)

[@taterfab8845]

Look at the Trailhead tire deflators, you cannot mess them up because they are adjusted internally with an Allen. Been running them at the same settings for years and they have never been off. Also a tip for adjusting these suckers is to use bike tire if you have one, its way easier to inflate multiple times :)

[@kirbykime9783]

Just got back. There is dispersed camping along Imogene pass about half way between summit and Ouray or at the bottom by the waterfalls.

[@alpinejim2816]

My son and I climbed Mt Sneffels, 14,158 ft, a few years ago. We didn’t have a Jeep, just a sedan, and drove up as far as we could, then hiked. It was a long day, but we made it to the top.

[@Oemaudioplus]

Just discovered your channel through Justin McBride. FULLY SUBSCRIBED!! Keep up the amazing content.

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you sir!

[@small.towns.open.spaces]

You can camp in Governor's basin, but not in Yankee Boy unless you head up hiking near Blue Lakes. You'll have better luck along the Alpine Loop finding camping spots. Yankee Boy and Governor's were the first place I went after I lifted my 4Runner. Glad you enjoyed Colorado.

[@jdgreens9268]

So Jason you only got a taste of what there is to see in and near Ouray Co. Three years ago I took my wife daughter spouse and my three grandchildren to Ouray. We stayed at the Matterhorn Inn (highly recommend) We only did Yankee Boy Basin because my son-in-law drives a Excursion which is to large for most of the trails and my wife and daughter can't handle shelf roads. So this years I got a small group from our 4x4 club together for a trip down this way. We were there August 3rd-6th and ran the Alpine Loop including California Gulch, Hurricane Pass and Corkscrew Gulch. The last day we ran Black Bear pass down into Telluride and returned back via Imogene Pass. We only scratched the surface of the history and back country vistas to be had in that part of the state. The reason they have close camping in the Alpine areas is due to the fact that the tundra up there has such a short growing season and the vehicles/camping have such a harsh impact on it. It wouldn't be that bad except the sheer volume of people that go up there would destroy to much of the beauty that we all want to experience. We are really never supposed to even park off the beaten path due to the damage it will do. I think most of the legal dispersed camping is going to be found well below tree-line.We had the pleasure of finding two fantastic campsites, one off Engineer Pass right next to the river and the second we spent two night up off the Cork Screw pass trail. It might be a couple years before I get the chance to go down that way again but that's ok. Because I want my memory of what we experienced to fade a little so that it will seem fresh again when I do. I really enjoy your videos kept up the good work! (David from Englewood Co.)

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

That place looks incredible. I know exactly what you mean about wanting to not necessarily be around a lot of other people while out adventuring. I work fairly hard to research routes and find camp spots and trails that we feel are going to be pretty remote and people/traffic-free so we are free to kind of do our own thing and play-it-by-ear. This past week we spent 4 days in the Chiricahua Mountains and when we got to a camp spot I had picked out, we were surprised to find a large number of vehicles and people camping there already. It totally threw me off guard as we weren't expecting it at all. Thankfully we were able to go past a little bit of a gatekeeper and find a more secluded spot at the end of the trail. Turns out many of those people were snake researchers from the University of Arizona doing a study on the thriving rattlesnake habitat in the area. (and yes, I did run into a big-*ss rattle snake on a hike one of the days we were there)

[@timdunlap7565]

Amazing trail! I have to admit I haven’t researched auxiliary tanks, but have you considered installing one to increase your range?

[@grn9209]

AMAZING!! Getting rid of my Tahoe, joining 4Runner clan soon!! Can I join you next summer there??

[@winnieraygo6994]

Welcome to CF like the oak hammock area work that box blades :) !!

[@jalilburdeen8698]

No way! I live in Ouray haha, surprised I didn't see you! I could've given you many great spots!

[@Oklahomajewel1]

Hey I know a jeep is best, but can you get to this with a 3/4 ton Dooley truck with 4wd?

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Place looks beautiful, kind of reminds me of Nevada city, California. Will have to make it out to Colorado to check this place out.

[@goaheadskinit]

Amazing trip in Americas Greatest back yard

[@artsyamy73]

Its truly what i want heaven to be

[@JustinBMcBride]

Chocolate Rain! 🍫 🌧

[@fishontro]

can those words even be read without Zonday's voice now?

[@rogeeeferrari]

We were in Ouray in late August, nothing like the Rockies, incredible beauty. So, can you camp up there on those trails ??

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Wow, fantastic video. As a Geologist, I would have whiplash from looking around. Thanks for posting. LoL, you grew a full beard in one day and I have so much Lamanite, it would have taken me 2 1/2 weeks to even get close.

[@djangodunn5968]

The biggest WOW of that area is from the peak of Mt Sneffels!

[@John-hw3ds]

Iv stayed at that KOA. I thought it was great. I motorcycle camped. Rode the entire alpine loop, Ophir pass, and many others. Last day I sat in that river right behind where you parked your trailer and drank beer with riding friends.

[@Rhouzv]

Awesome video!! Looking into doing the Ga Traverse myself relatively soon. I live about 20 minutes away from the Big Frog and Cohutta Wilderness area on the TN/GA line. Figured we'd drive down to FL on 75, then take the Traverse Trail back home. Subscribed!!

[@jamesradlinski6240]

Love your video's. Trailer security........ you've done it right. I also always use a long cable and lock thru the wheels and frame. Peace if mind......

[@SwellRunner]

Great idea!

[@rickykraus7450]

Love the Ouray area. I too want to take my wife and kids there and enjoy the beauty with them.

[@joelteague8032]

Ive been all over the lower 48 there is show much beautiful scenery you could spend a lifetime and never have to leave the United States