It's great to be back on UA-cam! Black Bear Pass has been on the bucket list for years and it did not disappoint! This was filmed in the summer of 2022 and it was closed all or most of 2023. From what I’m hearing crews are working on clearing it now and it will hopefully open soon. I’m not local though and others in the comments are and can offer better info. Hoping it opens so others get the chance to run it.
@@BirdDogOffRoadAdventures I’m hearing it’s still closed but not officially permanently closed. I’m glad we went before it was closed. Nice channel you have, just subbed my friend.
This is a really good video. Thank you for showing all those different lines. I’m going to be heading out to CO next week, and Black Bear is on my list this year.
Cool video. The hype is much more then the actual trail. There’s much much worse in that area of Souther Colorado. Beautiful country. Just takes a little but for many to get use to the heights. We’ll be back in Lake City in a few weeks.
Watching this video my heart was racing , bringing the memories from the last time I drove this pass with my FJ Crusier. Beautiful scenery, fun and cool trail, but definitely is not for the faint of heart. Great video, it seems that you guys had fun!!
I've been off-roading with my father (now passed) since I was big enough to be in a front facing car seat. The first thing I drove was his cj 5, so the Allen Jackson song "Drive" hits me hard. I started driving myself on trails when I was 15 and was a trail guide for the Daniel Boone jeep jamboree in the 90s. My father ran that one for 10 years. I have been off-roading all over America and have done a few 10 ratings in my 81, V8 jeep scrambler. I've not been off-roading in years, so coming across this video really brought back memories. I'm glad to see people still enjoying this. I think I did black bear thr last time at age 21, and I'm 51 now. Little deeper ruts these days. Take care all. Also, what's up with jeepers putting ducks on the dash? Lol
I ran it in a 1999 F-150 in August of 2022 it's not a full-size trail really but doable. I'm glad it's off my list a nice 2 door Jeep would make it easier but looks like it's closed for awhile.
@@Mlpojnnb1234 nice! Yeah, super unfortunate it’s still closed. I understand the Sheriff’s position though but wish the folks being idiots were punished appropriately and it kept open for the rest of us.
@OverlandScout81 The Sherriff is always rescuing people on it due to rock slides and people rolling. I guess he got tired of it and it is a dangerous area due to slides and rocks falling. With lots of rain that area turns into soup.
One of these days I need to do this. I've been off-roading only once in my Jeep. I'm still sporting the 35's with a 2 1/2 inch lift, but I think that should do fine on BBP. Maybe next year will be the year for my Colorado trip.
One of the best vids I’ve seen of the pass as someone hoping to do it some time and watching the lines. Thanks. Hope it doesn’t close permanently before I get to do it.
Wanted to try it over 4th of July weekend, but it was still closed. Some locals said it would open in a couple of weeks. Got to do Engineer and Imogene though, Engineer was pretty sweet. Just means I have to go back next year for Black Bear I guess lol.
I have to be honest. Your videos are some of the best on the tubes. I've missed them. Glad you're posting some up. I lead a group out to the San Juans and the COBDR last summer and unfortunately Black Bear Pass was the only BOH trail closed. Hopefully I'll get out there again soon to check it off the list. Adventure on!
My friend that really means a lot and I greatly appreciate it! Hopefully you’ll get the chance to run Black Bear Pass. Where are you based out of? I’m in Oregon.
@@OverlandScout81 I lived in Eugene for 5 years but am now down in San Diego. In my free time I organize overlanding type trips with close friends and other youtubers. Mark Doiron (DxD Overland youtube channel) just released some videos on a AZBDR trip I organized a couple months go. Next trip will be in early Sept. UTBDR + Moab BOH trails. If you're ever interested in joining feel free to DM me! Good people are always welcome. :) AZBDR Teaser Video from Mark's Channel: ua-cam.com/video/UKGNBVjdUJ4/v-deo.htmlsi=gZGyXQi00tHV9w_7
@@danmulkiewicz5515 right on my friend! I’ve been following Mark Dorion for years. I’ll have to check out his new release. Sounds like an amazing trip!
We ran into a few hikers but mountain biking would be fun too. Just don’t fly over the handle bars! I got into mountain biking a few years back and have had my fare share of spills, lol!
Get there during the busy season and it's one hell of a traffic jam. Did it on my motorcycle 2 years ago and fortunately all the jeeps let me pass when able. Otherwise, it would have been hours of sitting still.
For this trail, went down it in a stock Wrangler Rubicon unlimited 4xe. Followed a group of instagram built out vehicles with 40s and jacked up, probably spent more on mods than vehicle. After I saw them go, I knew I had it made, Those jacked up, wide, long, heavy, high center of mass vehicles aren’t your friend on off camber and tight trails like black bear. Just take the right line on the steps, I don’t think I got over 20 deg off camber but had a 25 down angle at one point. Never had more than a 3 pt turn on any of the switchbacks. The instagram beauties took 7 point turns. I might have scraped bottom 3-4 times though.
A few guys commented they did it in their full size trucks. It’s definitely doable but they all said they wouldn’t do it again. I’d say you need to know your rig and be very confident with it. Good luck if you try it my friend. It’s definitely an amazing experience.
It is one-way for the steep section shown in this video, so you won’t be meeting vehicle on this part. This is only about 1/5 of the length of the trail. You can start from the trailhead on Hwy 550 at the Red Mtn Pass summit and travel over the summit of Black Bear and down to Black bear mine. There you can choose to continue on to Telluride or turn back. Then, once you get down the switchbacks after Ingram Falls and to the parking lot for viewing Bridal Veil Falls, two-way traffic begins again.
@@kjsgarden Thank you so much for replying!! I plan on giving this one a try maybe early next summer, trying to get all the details I can!....Great video!!
@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 you’re welcome. I’m not the video creator just someone who has driven it nearly every summer for the past 20+ years; it’s not difficult, really you just have to *pay attention* all the time in the section in this video! The switchbacks coming down into Telluride are the only truly dangerous part of the trail because the road is carved into an almost vertical slope that’s (approximately) 1500 foot high. Corners are tight enough that even in my short little 2003 TJ wrangler I have to back up on each of them. If you make a mistake as you’re pulling up to the edge to prepare to back up, you’ll almost certainly die as you roll over and over and over down that drop. It’s daunting to think of. I once pulled out to the edge on the first switchback up at the top and forgot my auto transmission was in first in stead of drive - I shifted two positions up the selector, started to let off the brake , and was shocked when I moved forward slightly - because I wasn’t in reverse, I was in drive. (If I’d been in drive, two positions up would’ve put me in R). I’ve NEVER forgotten that lesson. If I’d have hit the gas that day, I wouldn’t be here now. I love the trail, it’s so beautiful and really only that 1/5 of the trail is something to be concerned about. The rest is relaxing and very scenic. The view as you come around the last corner and look out over Telluride is worth the drive. (I also enjoy the reactions from a few of the male drivers as they see a chubby little lady (now also old. lol) sitting in the drivers seat smiling and enjoying the drive. 😁😁) Oh, and also, you want to schedule your trip for mid-July or even August as they often can’t get the snow plowed off the summit until July. It’s a 12,000 foot high pass. Hope you get to make it over next year!
Black Bear Pass opened for the 2024 season today, 7/10/24. Please stay the trail and obey any and all laws/rules. The sheriff can and will close it if he deems it too unsafe for public use. The amount of revenue Telluride receives from off road travelers isn’t much in comparison to those wealthy folks that drive on the pavement or fly in.
Yes, you can do it in a full size truck and several guys in the comments mentioned they did it. They also mentioned they would never do it again and that it’s best in a jeep or similar size. My honest opinion is yes you can do it but it’s definitely going to be more difficult and you need to know your truck like the back of your hand.
Did Imogene with a manual Ford 350. Having to play that clutch out making 3 point turns on tight (kiss your ass goodbye) corners was truly death defying.
Yes sir, I would agree. The sheer drop makes it intense but we regularly find ourselves in tougher obstacles in Moab or OHV parks. Our jeeps are pretty forgiving with how capable they are. Having said that, folks have done this trail in all sorts of different vehicles. Just gotta know your rig, be smart about what line you take based on your vehicle, and go nice and slow.
Great footage but I am calling bullshit on most dangerous. Tourons in rentals are the biggest danger up there for experienced wheelers but most from elsewhere think it is the biggy in CO. I cut my teeth in Oregon.. tri county 4x4 SAR (1970's/80's). mmmm Brown's Camp.
Black Bear Pass is now permanently closed. Sheriff says they don't have the resources to deal with people going down it. Someone went down the road late last year when it was closed and got stuck. One person ruined it for everyone else.
I was tracking the folks that went down when it was closed last year and that it might be permanently closed but wasn’t tracking the decision to permanently close it was official. Incredibly unfortunate.
There has been no official announcement. Ophir and Imogene are still closed as well. I remain hopeful all three will open again by the end of July but I suspect BBP will never open again. I’ll be changing my fall plans and will spend less time in the area if so.
@@thegiant573the video of a jeep rolling down on 10.10.2020 was scary! I do see the appeal, the challenge. Not for me but I appreciate the video views, beautiful country.
Looks like a beautiful route, but, damn... I've seen vids of full-size trucks doing it, but I'm WAY too new to this (just bought my first serious truck) to even attempt it, especially since with my midsize (2024 Colorado ZR2) it's even longer than the Rubicon 4dr. Honestly, I'd feel more comfortable doing this on my KTM 890 Adventure R since the route wouldn't be so narrow for that. Nice vid!
It's great to be back on UA-cam! Black Bear Pass has been on the bucket list for years and it did not disappoint!
This was filmed in the summer of 2022 and it was closed all or most of 2023. From what I’m hearing crews are working on clearing it now and it will hopefully open soon. I’m not local though and others in the comments are and can offer better info. Hoping it opens so others get the chance to run it.
I was bout to say, it was closed all of last year and doubtful it’s open already for this year.
@@BirdDogOffRoadAdventures I’m hearing it’s still closed but not officially permanently closed. I’m glad we went before it was closed. Nice channel you have, just subbed my friend.
It’s not permanently closed. Where did you get that?
Went down black bear today. It’s open. A few spots repaired from what your video shows, but very much the same.
@@Retired_from_TX great to hear! Thanks for the update.
One of the finest Colorado pass videos I've ever seen, thank you!!!
Thanks my friend! Much appreciated!
Good trip!. And amazing landscapes!
Right on! Thanks my friend!
Had a house in Ouray for 40+ years, never did Black Bear... Imogene more times than I can count. Thanks for taking me along !!
Right on!
To quote the late great CW McCall. "You don't have to be crazy to drive Black Bear Road but it helps."
Ha! Definitely!
ua-cam.com/video/GzWyZ-jM9Is/v-deo.html
Pucker factor - 10/10. I can't believe you guys did that.
After each nerve racking run I tell myself it’s the last one…but that only lasts a short bit!
Done this a few times myself . Always take the high line and cut down onto the step there. Definite pucker factor.
This is a really good video. Thank you for showing all those different lines. I’m going to be heading out to CO next week, and Black Bear is on my list this year.
Thanks my friend! Have a great trip!
Cool video. The hype is much more then the actual trail. There’s much much worse in that area of Souther Colorado. Beautiful country. Just takes a little but for many to get use to the heights. We’ll be back in Lake City in a few weeks.
Watching this video my heart was racing , bringing the memories from the last time I drove this pass with my FJ Crusier. Beautiful scenery, fun and cool trail, but definitely is not for the faint of heart. Great video, it seems that you guys had fun!!
Thanks my friend! It's definitely not for the faint of heart and a right of passage for sure!
Nice to see you posting videos again, always enjoyed them. 🍻
Thank you! Really appreciate it.
I've been off-roading with my father (now passed) since I was big enough to be in a front facing car seat. The first thing I drove was his cj 5, so the Allen Jackson song "Drive" hits me hard. I started driving myself on trails when I was 15 and was a trail guide for the Daniel Boone jeep jamboree in the 90s. My father ran that one for 10 years. I have been off-roading all over America and have done a few 10 ratings in my 81, V8 jeep scrambler. I've not been off-roading in years, so coming across this video really brought back memories. I'm glad to see people still enjoying this. I think I did black bear thr last time at age 21, and I'm 51 now. Little deeper ruts these days. Take care all. Also, what's up with jeepers putting ducks on the dash? Lol
Love your comment. I have fond memories of exploring with my dad too. Thanks for sharing!
Nice video! I've done the trail several times in my '02 4Runner, always a blast, with a pucker factor of 10+!
Thanks my friend! Some pucker factor for sure!
Epic adventure)))
Epic adventure!! Love your videos!!
Thanks brother! It means a lot! It’s good to be back!
@OverlandScout81 it's really good to have you back!! Glad to see you out having fun!
Took it in my 2011 f150 crew cab with a 6 foot box; NEVER AGAIN 😳😁 definitely a Jeep trail!!
I can imagine that was a challenge! Jeeps make it easy so good on you for completing it in your F150. More guts than us for sure!
I ran it in a 1999 F-150 in August of 2022 it's not a full-size trail really but doable. I'm glad it's off my list a nice 2 door Jeep would make it easier but looks like it's closed for awhile.
@@Mlpojnnb1234 nice! Yeah, super unfortunate it’s still closed. I understand the Sheriff’s position though but wish the folks being idiots were punished appropriately and it kept open for the rest of us.
@OverlandScout81 The Sherriff is always rescuing people on it due to rock slides and people rolling. I guess he got tired of it and it is a dangerous area due to slides and rocks falling. With lots of rain that area turns into soup.
Great view, great music, great jeep's, great job. Had to sub.
Thanks my friend!
One of these days I need to do this. I've been off-roading only once in my Jeep. I'm still sporting the 35's with a 2 1/2 inch lift, but I think that should do fine on BBP. Maybe next year will be the year for my Colorado trip.
Highly recommend! Your setup will do great.
One of the best vids I’ve seen of the pass as someone hoping to do it some time and watching the lines. Thanks. Hope it doesn’t close permanently before I get to do it.
Thank you my friend! Really happy you found it useful. I’d like to do it again too and hoping it reopens for us.
Great video.. headed there this weekend and I’m a little nervous of course..
We were all nervous but we had a good team and it’s totally doable. Hope you have a great trip my friend!
@@OverlandScout81 Ty
Wanted to try it over 4th of July weekend, but it was still closed. Some locals said it would open in a couple of weeks. Got to do Engineer and Imogene though, Engineer was pretty sweet. Just means I have to go back next year for Black Bear I guess lol.
I heard it just opened a few days ago. A good reason to come back next year though! I really enjoyed engineering pass.
I have to be honest. Your videos are some of the best on the tubes. I've missed them. Glad you're posting some up. I lead a group out to the San Juans and the COBDR last summer and unfortunately Black Bear Pass was the only BOH trail closed. Hopefully I'll get out there again soon to check it off the list. Adventure on!
My friend that really means a lot and I greatly appreciate it! Hopefully you’ll get the chance to run Black Bear Pass. Where are you based out of? I’m in Oregon.
@@OverlandScout81 I lived in Eugene for 5 years but am now down in San Diego. In my free time I organize overlanding type trips with close friends and other youtubers. Mark Doiron (DxD Overland youtube channel) just released some videos on a AZBDR trip I organized a couple months go. Next trip will be in early Sept. UTBDR + Moab BOH trails. If you're ever interested in joining feel free to DM me! Good people are always welcome. :)
AZBDR Teaser Video from Mark's Channel:
ua-cam.com/video/UKGNBVjdUJ4/v-deo.htmlsi=gZGyXQi00tHV9w_7
@@danmulkiewicz5515 right on my friend! I’ve been following Mark Dorion for years. I’ll have to check out his new release. Sounds like an amazing trip!
Looks like a fun mtn bike ride
We ran into a few hikers but mountain biking would be fun too. Just don’t fly over the handle bars! I got into mountain biking a few years back and have had my fare share of spills, lol!
Have about decided that bbp is maybe not a trail I have to do. Great video
Yeah, being a little crazy probably helps!
Great job
Get there during the busy season and it's one hell of a traffic jam. Did it on my motorcycle 2 years ago and fortunately all the jeeps let me pass when able. Otherwise, it would have been hours of sitting still.
Yep, it can get a bit busy. We had a group in front and behind us but it went smoothly. We let a few motorcycles pass us the trail too.
For this trail, went down it in a stock Wrangler Rubicon unlimited 4xe. Followed a group of instagram built out vehicles with 40s and jacked up, probably spent more on mods than vehicle. After I saw them go, I knew I had it made, Those jacked up, wide, long, heavy, high center of mass vehicles aren’t your friend on off camber and tight trails like black bear. Just take the right line on the steps, I don’t think I got over 20 deg off camber but had a 25 down angle at one point. Never had more than a 3 pt turn on any of the switchbacks. The instagram beauties took 7 point turns. I might have scraped bottom 3-4 times though.
It was a great trip! Next time we go together!
Definitely my friend!
nice vid, but I gotta ask, will a full size 22' pickup get it done ?
A few guys commented they did it in their full size trucks. It’s definitely doable but they all said they wouldn’t do it again. I’d say you need to know your rig and be very confident with it. Good luck if you try it my friend. It’s definitely an amazing experience.
is this a "one way" only route? whats the plan if you were to encounter someone coming up the hill?
It is one-way for the steep section shown in this video, so you won’t be meeting vehicle on this part. This is only about 1/5 of the length of the trail.
You can start from the trailhead on Hwy 550 at the Red Mtn Pass summit and travel over the summit of Black Bear and down to Black bear mine. There you can choose to continue on to Telluride or turn back.
Then, once you get down the switchbacks after Ingram Falls and to the parking lot for viewing Bridal Veil Falls, two-way traffic begins again.
@@kjsgarden Thank you so much for replying!! I plan on giving this one a try maybe early next summer, trying to get all the details I can!....Great video!!
@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 you’re welcome. I’m not the video creator just someone who has
driven it nearly every summer for the past 20+ years; it’s not difficult, really you just have to *pay attention* all the time in the section in this video!
The switchbacks coming down into Telluride are the only truly dangerous part of the trail because the road is carved into an almost vertical slope that’s (approximately) 1500 foot high. Corners are tight enough that even in my short little 2003 TJ wrangler I have to back up on each of them. If you make a mistake as you’re pulling up to the edge to prepare to back up, you’ll almost certainly die as you roll over and over and over down that drop. It’s daunting to think of. I once pulled out to the edge on the first switchback up at the top and forgot my auto transmission was in first in stead of drive - I shifted two positions up the selector, started to let off the brake , and was shocked when I moved forward slightly - because I wasn’t in reverse, I was in drive. (If I’d been in drive, two positions up would’ve put me in R). I’ve NEVER forgotten that lesson. If I’d have hit the gas that day, I wouldn’t be here now.
I love the trail, it’s so beautiful and really only that 1/5 of the trail is something to be concerned about. The rest is relaxing and very scenic. The view as you come around the last corner and look out over Telluride is worth the drive. (I also enjoy the reactions from a few of the male drivers as they see a chubby little lady (now also old. lol) sitting in the drivers seat smiling and enjoying the drive. 😁😁)
Oh, and also, you want to schedule your trip for mid-July or even August as they often can’t get the snow plowed off the summit until July. It’s a 12,000 foot high pass.
Hope you get to make it over next year!
Appreciate the reply and insight good sir!
@@OverlandScout81 I’m a ma’am. 😁😁🤨🥰But thanks, and you’re welcome.
camera guy on the edge of the cliff recording some video,,,, while these vehicles coming down grade,,, WOW,,, what a brave heart,,,,
Black Bear Pass opened for the 2024 season today, 7/10/24. Please stay the trail and obey any and all laws/rules. The sheriff can and will close it if he deems it too unsafe for public use. The amount of revenue Telluride receives from off road travelers isn’t much in comparison to those wealthy folks that drive on the pavement or fly in.
Great to hear! Thanks for posting.
My great grandfather made that road
Nice! I’m sure that’s quite the story.
When was this video filmed? Black Bear Pass hasn't opened yet this year. ?
I was wondering about that. It's usually open by now.
Apologies, I should have mentioned when we went. This was in the summer of 2022. I’ve been tied up with work and finally got around to editing this.
@@OverlandScout81 You work at a rope manufacturer?
@@csuengr ha! Nope!
When did Black Bear pass open up?
It’s unfortunately still closed. This trip was in the summer of 2022.
@@OverlandScout81 Thanks, well that sucks
If I was in that video there would be more likes 🧍♀️
For sure!
FUN TIMES !
I've been there multiple times ! To hell you ride ( TELLURIDE)
I did it in 2019 with my Tacoma that had a 1000lbs slide in truck bed camper
Right on! That took some skill for sure!
can a full size truck do black bear pass?
Yes, you can do it in a full size truck and several guys in the comments mentioned they did it. They also mentioned they would never do it again and that it’s best in a jeep or similar size. My honest opinion is yes you can do it but it’s definitely going to be more difficult and you need to know your truck like the back of your hand.
You'll wish you had a shorter wheelbase. But it's possible.
I wouldn't take my Jeep Wrangler Willys on that trail for all the tea in China!
Ha! Definitely not for the faint of heart that’s for sure!
Did Imogene with a manual Ford 350. Having to play that clutch out making 3 point turns on tight (kiss your ass goodbye) corners was truly death defying.
I can imagine that was tough!
Technically Schofield Pass is the most dangerous and deadly in Colorado
Truth
I’m coming back Colorado to do some of these tougher trails for sure.
Pause it at 10:00. Eventually that section will get washed out.
The trail at the 3:00 mark is the worst spot. Everything else is pretty easy, IMHO.
Yes sir, I would agree. The sheer drop makes it intense but we regularly find ourselves in tougher obstacles in Moab or OHV parks. Our jeeps are pretty forgiving with how capable they are. Having said that, folks have done this trail in all sorts of different vehicles. Just gotta know your rig, be smart about what line you take based on your vehicle, and go nice and slow.
Decent control button???? WFT, PLZ JUST LET ME PASS!!!
Every group has one full send it guy, lol!
So dangerous a Subaru can do it.
👍🔥💥💫
Actually devils punchbowl is the most dangerous in Colorado..
Great footage but I am calling bullshit on most dangerous. Tourons in rentals are the biggest danger up there for experienced wheelers but most from elsewhere think it is the biggy in CO.
I cut my teeth in Oregon.. tri county 4x4 SAR (1970's/80's). mmmm Brown's Camp.
Black Bear Pass is now permanently closed. Sheriff says they don't have the resources to deal with people going down it. Someone went down the road late last year when it was closed and got stuck. One person ruined it for everyone else.
I was tracking the folks that went down when it was closed last year and that it might be permanently closed but wasn’t tracking the decision to permanently close it was official. Incredibly unfortunate.
There has been no official announcement. Ophir and Imogene are still closed as well. I remain hopeful all three will open again by the end of July but I suspect BBP will never open again. I’ll be changing my fall plans and will spend less time in the area if so.
@@mattk0kb921 good to hear it’s not official yet. Hoping it opens for you in July. It truly was an amazing experience.
@@mattk0kb921 Me too. I’m canceling my trip.
No it’s not it pays to look before making false comments lol.they are literally gonna start working on it the 9th lololol.
WHy WHY would anyone want to do this trail?
Being a little crazy helps! Ha!
Why, why, would any 4 wheeler NOT want to do this pass??? It's a GREAT trail!
@@joesmith1922 MAybe the cliff and the pucker factor! The image of that jeep rolling down the trail.
@@thegiant573the video of a jeep rolling down on 10.10.2020 was scary! I do see the appeal, the challenge. Not for me but I appreciate the video views, beautiful country.
I'm surprised you guys don't jackhammer the difficult spots. Its dangerous.
Nope
Looks like zero fun.
Looks like a beautiful route, but, damn... I've seen vids of full-size trucks doing it, but I'm WAY too new to this (just bought my first serious truck) to even attempt it, especially since with my midsize (2024 Colorado ZR2) it's even longer than the Rubicon 4dr. Honestly, I'd feel more comfortable doing this on my KTM 890 Adventure R since the route wouldn't be so narrow for that. Nice vid!