Silver Basin Trail

Total Miles 1.6
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This road connects to Yankee Boy Basin Road at the same place as Imogene Pass. Take a right to go to Silver Basin. There are two beautiful emerald green lakes. The road after the first lake is much rougher, yet worth the drive. Wildflowers abound in spring and summer. Views are incredible. There is no cell service once you leave Ouray. At times, the trail is very narrow with few passing spots. Keep an eye out for pull-offs in case you need one. The road ends with ruts going into the lake. Please don't drive into the lake.

Photos of Silver Basin Trail

Difficulty

The road is narrow in places with few passing spots. Some steep climbs, rocky shelf roads and rocks to climb. One stream crossing had erosion on the driver's side going to the basins.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Adam Barbe
Jun 17, 2026
Open
The upper lake is inaccessible due to snow after one of the last switchbacks. Not a lot of room to turn around.
Bradley Kovacs
Jun 13, 2026
Open
Great trail! The very end is not accessible due to snow.
Josh Stewart
Jul 22, 2025
Open
Went up on a Tuesday thinking there would be minimal traffic, I was wrong. That and a little rain were the only bummers. Otherwise a terrific and challenging trail (the 5 rating is fitting). Was still too snow-sloppy at the top to make it all the way up. Didn’t stay at the lake as long as we planned due to the rain. Good trip!
Jeremy Uhl
Jun 26, 2025
Open
Awesome side trail when running Yankee Boy Basin. Some small water crossings and some decent technical obstacles. There were only a few obstacles that needed a spot, but overall a good beginner to intermediate trail. The trail was blocked by deep snow just past the first lake. You definitely need a high clearance vehicle with 4 low. Lockers are not required, but a rear locker is a nice to have for this one. I would highly recommend doing this trail for the amazing views and water falls.
Alex Faubel
Jul 25, 2024
Open
Normal trail conditions - rocky and loose by second lake but overall not bad. No obstructions.
Keynon Lannom
Jun 28, 2024
Open
First report so be kind…trail was good but snow still covered the path about 3/4 of the way up. We were in a 4Runner with 33” tires and A-Trac was put to work. Really enjoyed the trail.
Drew Shivley
Jul 04, 2023
Open
Timothy Broughton
Jun 29, 2023
Open

Silver Basin Trail Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • High Clearance

Silver Basin Trail Map

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