*Early morning visitors to American Basin in  late June will find the sun just touching the western mountains.   The lower basin will still be in shadow.  One can walk a short distance up the main drainage stream to a very scenic little waterfall, here rendered especially  attractive by the early white blooms of the Marsh Marigold. 

Many visitors on their way to American Basin park their high-clearance vehicles at an obvious stream crossing, and proceed on foot.  Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can continue up a Jeep road terminating in a clearly identified parking area.  It is said that the distance from the turnoff to the the stream crossing is .2 mile, and to the parking area an additional .7 mile.  We would say it's all of that.

The little waterfall pictured above is visible from the parking area.  Another view of this waterfall  at a bit later time is given by (1).  This site is well worth the hike or the occasionally rough drive.

From the parking lot, a trail is visible that offers a route to Handies Peak, or Sloan Lake.  

Another lovely scene occurs just a bit downstream!!!

American Basin, off the Alpine Loop 4x4 Scenic Route to Cinnamon Pass
  San Juan Mountains, Colorado - Late June