My wife and I have been going out to Ouray for 10 years now. We always rent a Jeep several days while we are there. Although the rentals are not allowed on Black Bear, I did have Colorado West take me down it one time. It ended up that I went alone but thoroughly enjoyed the trip. One I shall never forget. You guys did an amazing job with this video. New subscriber here.
Yeah, definitely some narrow parts. Overall it's not that difficult of a trail. One or two tippy parts. Just need to go slow and pay attention. Most people who get into trouble do it by getting worried about the edge and going too far up the wall on the other side. That's a good way to flop.
It was definitely fun! If you go to my videos you will see a few short ones of my Gladiator going around switchbacks. I got some drone footage of the tightest switchback but being a drone newbie I left the gimbal cover on. Not the best shot. The Gladiator did great. It takes a bit more points in your turns but totally doable.
Nice video! I have run Black Bear Pass 5 or 6 times now and love it. The last time a buddy was with me and he ran it in in 2019 full size Ram Power Wagon. I have a video of that run. It was tight with that truck and wouldn't recommend it, I'll keep my JKU. He's very experienced and wanted to do it. Taking Imogene Pass back to Ouray is definitely the way to go! Nice job!
Do you have an automatic or a manual trans, and what gear do you run in?? I guess you have an auto after watching for awhile. Does it make a difference?
@@ffjsb I have a 6 speed manual in my 2016 Rubicon but I’m not sure about the poster of the video Big Green Jeep. If I am in low range first gear you can walk faster than it crawls. The Steps and Switchbacks are no joke.
She asked 2-3 times whether she needed to get out to spot him on that cliff edge switchback🤔. I think I would be asking just to get out and walk as opposed to riding that corner with even a great driver. I am not a fan of cliff hanging, especially with no shoulder....😳
I had mentioned to my wife earlier that I would probably have her get out at that first tight switchback. She was reminding me. When we were actually doing it for the first time it wasn't that bad. I just stopped early and relatively far from the edge. But yes, there are trails where she has decided to walk around an obstacle rather than ride over it! :)
@@BigGreenJeep My left knee was screaming from all of the clutching by the time we finished lol. At 68 years young ...lol...we still Jeep there but I pick milder trails now. We never get tired of the beautiful San Juan mountains !
Our 1st time there a guy in a 4runner rolled over in front of us on the steps...had to back up the steps which was more scary than the whole trail in itself.
Exactly! It's not that bad! Some basic four wheeling skills and a decent rig and you are good to go. It's mostly a fear of heights that gets to people.
@@BigGreenJeep yea sounds about right for Black Bear..I have a stock Gladiator with no lift and the 31's..not good for Black Bear I/m sure..too much wheelbase for starters..
@@michaelsteven1090 You might be surprised what your stock Gladiator can do. We just did BB again in our Gladiator. It's pretty well built but that isn't necessary for Black Bear. The first tight switchback took a little more back and forth but it wasn't bad. The part that I caution people about the most is the area just as you approach the steps where it gets tippy. Good idea to have a spotter there and have an idea of how to approach it.
I took my completely stock Astro van up to the falls one time.. not my wisest moment - but fuck was it funny seeing the face of the fella driving the modded out Jeep going past me 😂😂
Thanks. I think it can be done but some parts will be challenging. I have seen Ford F150s make it down with experienced drivers. The two parts I would be most concerned about are the tippy part at the top of the steps and the first tight switchback. The IFS on Toyotas can make them a bit more tippy. If it were me I would take that part very cautiously. Go right then sharp left to be as square to the drop as you can. An experienced spotter would make it a lot safer. The first tight switchback is going to take a lot of back and forth. No way around that. Again, a good spotter will make a lot of difference. Overall the trail isn't very technical. It is very dangerous if you make a mistake though. One final thought - the main way I think people get into trouble is by being too wary of the edge and going up on the inside side. That can cause a flop or worse.
I should also mention that we will be doing Black Bear in my Gladiator in about a week. I'll try to get some good video of the difficult parts to post here.
@@BigGreenJeep awesome thank for the response I really want to do this trail! And I have the 4 dr long bed so it makes me a bit nervous but then that way it’s on the bucket list.. 🧐
Assume video. I assume you used a GoPro? If so, what settings? I’m heading there at the end of this month....4 of us on motorcycles. Not sure we will do Black Bear, but plan to hit up all the others in the area. I don’t plan to do any editing, just want to shoot and capture the beauty/awesomeness like you did. I’ve heard conflicting views on whether or not to shoot wide versus linear. It’s a GoPro 7. Also hearing different views on from rate. Some say 60 is the way to go (because it’s good for slow mo....which I will never prob use) and others say 24 for that “cinema” look. Whatever you’re doing....it looks great.
Thanks Walter! Black Bear is a very scenic trail when you have a chance to look at the scenery. LOL I am not a qualified person to answer your questions about filming. I can tell you what I have. It's a GoPro 8. I left it on the settings it came with. Standard 60 S. I don't recall changing it for any of the filming but I am not 100% certain. It just goes to show how advanced these cameras are when a total noob like me can capture amazing footage with just point and shoot.
The steep part with the switchbacks is one way. Once a year there is a small group that is allowed to run it in reverse but traffic coming down is stopped while they do.
@@austinmonteith8707 Not a short one. Most people do a combination of Black Bear and either Imogene or Ophir. Imogene is by far my first choice of those two. And there is a stunningly beautiful trail off of Imogene called Yankee Boy Basin as well.
Beautiful state to live in. Black Bear is a fun trail to run. Not that demanding compared to some and that view of Telluride on the way down is one of my favorites.
I am not familiar enough with a Cross Trek to say definitively. Might be pushing it. But if you do a search on Cross Trek on Black Bear Pass you will find vids of people doing it.
@@ShawnSavageTeachings That sounds like a good plan. Ophir can be done in most vehicles. There are some narrow shelf roads to navigate but not so bad. This is from my memory anyway. I did Ophir in a lifted Jeep on 37s and I wasn't thinking about how difficult (or not) it might be for a different vehicle.
@@BigGreenJeep yeah especially since this is my second time off-roaring haha my friend was suggesting it just thinking about the views. It has a 9 inch ground clearance but it’s not short wheel base and I have all seasons on it… so it would be very very interesting. To do black bear I would probably go with full skid plates, some bigger off-road tires and get a lift. I’ve been watching a ton of videos to kind of understand the capabilities of my vehicle and while it’s definitely great having all wheel drive and x mode, there are just some parts that I really wouldn’t trust just this car stock and my own ability to make a good line choice being a beginner lol but hey I plan on making a video, I’ll let you know how it goes! 👍🏼 thanks for the guidance
No worries! There are so many road and trails in that part of Colorado that have beautiful views but aren't quite as scary to access. One of our favorites that is easier to access is Yankee Boy Basin.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #30 ДВА В ОДНОМ [Один человек]• Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nrXy15orKhY/mqdefault.jpg)
My wife and I have been going out to Ouray for 10 years now. We always rent a Jeep several days while we are there. Although the rentals are not allowed on Black Bear, I did have Colorado West take me down it one time. It ended up that I went alone but thoroughly enjoyed the trip. One I shall never forget.
You guys did an amazing job with this video. New subscriber here.
Thanks Gary! Happy you found a way to do Black Bear. It's a fun way to spend a day. The entire San Juan area is simply stunning.
Some parts of the trail look very narrow. 🤭
We are heading to Ouray in the latter part of August (2021). May need to give Black Bear a try.
Yeah, definitely some narrow parts. Overall it's not that difficult of a trail. One or two tippy parts. Just need to go slow and pay attention. Most people who get into trouble do it by getting worried about the edge and going too far up the wall on the other side. That's a good way to flop.
@@BigGreenJeep Great advice.
Thanks for the video. Now I don’t have to do it!! No thank you. Beautiful view. 🙀
LOL!
That could very well be the most beautiful view my eyes have ever witnessed. Its like what you imagine heaven to look like.
It absolutely is!
This looks live a lot of fun.do UA-cam think it's possible with a gladiator?
It was definitely fun! If you go to my videos you will see a few short ones of my Gladiator going around switchbacks. I got some drone footage of the tightest switchback but being a drone newbie I left the gimbal cover on. Not the best shot. The Gladiator did great. It takes a bit more points in your turns but totally doable.
No room for error, that’s for sure.
I have a 2-dr Rubicon and would like to try it. Only 2” lift and 31” tires though.
That is a plenty capable rig. If possible go with someone who has done it before on your first time.
Many who have done this trail will tell you there is a technical, tricky place (you know the one), but, this is NOT the hardest trail in Colorado....
Plenty of harder trails in Colorado. The views here though...
Nice video! I have run Black Bear Pass 5 or 6 times now and love it. The last time a buddy was with me and he ran it in in 2019 full size Ram Power Wagon. I have a video of that run. It was tight with that truck and wouldn't recommend it, I'll keep my JKU. He's very experienced and wanted to do it. Taking Imogene Pass back to Ouray is definitely the way to go! Nice job!
Thanks! It's addictive. I'm ready to go again. We've done it twice so far. Once in the JKU and once in the Gladiator. Gotta be interesting in a PW!
Do you have an automatic or a manual trans, and what gear do you run in?? I guess you have an auto after watching for awhile. Does it make a difference?
@@ffjsb I have a 6 speed manual in my 2016 Rubicon but I’m not sure about the poster of the video Big Green Jeep.
If I am in low range first gear you can walk faster than it crawls. The Steps and Switchbacks are no joke.
She asked 2-3 times whether she needed to get out to spot him on that cliff edge switchback🤔. I think I would be asking just to get out and walk as opposed to riding that corner with even a great driver. I am not a fan of cliff hanging, especially with no shoulder....😳
I had mentioned to my wife earlier that I would probably have her get out at that first tight switchback. She was reminding me. When we were actually doing it for the first time it wasn't that bad. I just stopped early and relatively far from the edge. But yes, there are trails where she has decided to walk around an obstacle rather than ride over it! :)
Just got back from Colorado. We drove Shelf Rd and Phantom Rd, those were not even a test run compared to this ! Great video
Thanks Charlie. Once you do a few shelf roads you get used to it. As least that is how it worked for us. First time was pretty intense though!
No its not that bad. I have run it. Would strongly recommend a short wheelbase for the switchbacks down into Telluride.
Level 2 or 3 trail with level 10 consequences! LOL. We did it in our Gladiator this year. Took a few more points on the first switchback.
Loved the video thanks! Are you in 4L the whole time?
On the entire steps and switchback portion. Easier on the brakes.
We did this in the early 1980"s in a CJ5 rental with manual transmission. I would not do it on a bet now lol.
That first tight switchback had to be interesting in a manual!
@@BigGreenJeep My left knee was screaming from all of the clutching by the time we finished lol. At 68 years young ...lol...we still Jeep there but I pick milder trails now. We never get tired of the beautiful San Juan mountains !
Brakes in great working order are a MUST!
Absolutely! And keep it in low gear to use the brakes as little as possible.
Our 1st time there a guy in a 4runner rolled over in front of us on the steps...had to back up the steps which was more scary than the whole trail in itself.
I would be less comfortable on the steps with IFS. Have to go slow and take the right line.
But man, I can't imagine backing up the steps!!! Crazy.
I think it all depends on how you feel about Heights it's no worse than anything else unless you look down
Exactly. It would be considered a relatively easy trail if it weren't for the drop-off and potential consequences.
Excellent scenery. Good job driving..
Thanks! Beautiful indeed.
I wheeled this trail by myself just this July 2021 in a 2019 JL Sport 2 door with no problem.
Exactly! It's not that bad! Some basic four wheeling skills and a decent rig and you are good to go. It's mostly a fear of heights that gets to people.
Stock tires and wheels..Any lift?
@@michaelsteven1090 The JKU has a 3" lift and 35s.
@@BigGreenJeep yea sounds about right for Black Bear..I have a stock Gladiator with no lift and the 31's..not good for Black Bear I/m sure..too much wheelbase for starters..
@@michaelsteven1090 You might be surprised what your stock Gladiator can do. We just did BB again in our Gladiator. It's pretty well built but that isn't necessary for Black Bear. The first tight switchback took a little more back and forth but it wasn't bad. The part that I caution people about the most is the area just as you approach the steps where it gets tippy. Good idea to have a spotter there and have an idea of how to approach it.
I took my completely stock Astro van up to the falls one time.. not my wisest moment - but fuck was it funny seeing the face of the fella driving the modded out Jeep going past me 😂😂
I passed it with my Yamaha tenere 660 last year . Amazing views 😍
The views are stunning!
@@BigGreenJeep The first time you do the drop at the steps it's like your driving out on a cloud..
@@SegoMan Great analogy!
The United States Forest Service recommends high clearance short wheelbase vehicles only.
I agree. I did it for the first time myself on July 1st 2021.
Do you think a 4dr long bed Tacoma with good tires and lift would be okay on this trail?
Great video by the way one of the best of this trail!!
Thanks. I think it can be done but some parts will be challenging. I have seen Ford F150s make it down with experienced drivers. The two parts I would be most concerned about are the tippy part at the top of the steps and the first tight switchback.
The IFS on Toyotas can make them a bit more tippy. If it were me I would take that part very cautiously. Go right then sharp left to be as square to the drop as you can. An experienced spotter would make it a lot safer.
The first tight switchback is going to take a lot of back and forth. No way around that. Again, a good spotter will make a lot of difference.
Overall the trail isn't very technical. It is very dangerous if you make a mistake though. One final thought - the main way I think people get into trouble is by being too wary of the edge and going up on the inside side. That can cause a flop or worse.
I should also mention that we will be doing Black Bear in my Gladiator in about a week. I'll try to get some good video of the difficult parts to post here.
@@BigGreenJeep awesome thank for the response I really want to do this trail! And I have the 4 dr long bed so it makes me a bit nervous but then that way it’s on the bucket list.. 🧐
There's a video of a guy doing it in a 4dr f250
@@slowninja14 That first switchback had to be fun! We did it in the Gladiator two days ago. It wasn't bad. A 4 dr f250 though! That's a lot of truck.
Great video, I been there too, it’s a hard one. Enjoyed watching thanks 🙏
Thanks! This trail keeps your attention!
@@BigGreenJeep
Beautiful countryside there. 👍👍👍
Assume video. I assume you used a GoPro? If so, what settings? I’m heading there at the end of this month....4 of us on motorcycles. Not sure we will do Black Bear, but plan to hit up all the others in the area. I don’t plan to do any editing, just want to shoot and capture the beauty/awesomeness like you did. I’ve heard conflicting views on whether or not to shoot wide versus linear. It’s a GoPro 7. Also hearing different views on from rate. Some say 60 is the way to go (because it’s good for slow mo....which I will never prob use) and others say 24 for that “cinema” look. Whatever you’re doing....it looks great.
Thanks Walter! Black Bear is a very scenic trail when you have a chance to look at the scenery. LOL
I am not a qualified person to answer your questions about filming. I can tell you what I have. It's a GoPro 8. I left it on the settings it came with. Standard 60 S. I don't recall changing it for any of the filming but I am not 100% certain. It just goes to show how advanced these cameras are when a total noob like me can capture amazing footage with just point and shoot.
Out of interest, are there ever people that go the wrong way or is it a one way system?
The steep part with the switchbacks is one way. Once a year there is a small group that is allowed to run it in reverse but traffic coming down is stopped while they do.
Is there a route back to the trail head?
@@austinmonteith8707 Not a short one. Most people do a combination of Black Bear and either Imogene or Ophir. Imogene is by far my first choice of those two. And there is a stunningly beautiful trail off of Imogene called Yankee Boy Basin as well.
@@BigGreenJeep Yes! Yankee Boy when the earth is blooming and Imogene from Ouray to Telluride. It's an awesome experience!
The United States Forest Service recommends high clearance short wheelbase vehicles only.
I’ve lived in Colorado all my life and have never been on this trail road . All that loose shale .
Beautiful state to live in. Black Bear is a fun trail to run. Not that demanding compared to some and that view of Telluride on the way down is one of my favorites.
Nice vid, do you have any lockers installed in the Sahara?
No. Open diffs.
I want to do it in my cross-trek do you think I could 🤔
I am not familiar enough with a Cross Trek to say definitively. Might be pushing it. But if you do a search on Cross Trek on Black Bear Pass you will find vids of people doing it.
@@BigGreenJeep I did. But they had skid plates. I think I’m going to play it safe with Ophir pass. Still getting more experienced
@@ShawnSavageTeachings That sounds like a good plan. Ophir can be done in most vehicles. There are some narrow shelf roads to navigate but not so bad. This is from my memory anyway. I did Ophir in a lifted Jeep on 37s and I wasn't thinking about how difficult (or not) it might be for a different vehicle.
@@BigGreenJeep yeah especially since this is my second time off-roaring haha my friend was suggesting it just thinking about the views. It has a 9 inch ground clearance but it’s not short wheel base and I have all seasons on it… so it would be very very interesting. To do black bear I would probably go with full skid plates, some bigger off-road tires and get a lift. I’ve been watching a ton of videos to kind of understand the capabilities of my vehicle and while it’s definitely great having all wheel drive and x mode, there are just some parts that I really wouldn’t trust just this car stock and my own ability to make a good line choice being a beginner lol but hey I plan on making a video, I’ll let you know how it goes! 👍🏼 thanks for the guidance
@@ShawnSavageTeachings Let me know how it goes!
Awesome trail! Great video!
Thanks John! We just did it again in our Gladiator a few weeks ago.
A rally driver would be trying to drift around those corners.
LOL. That would be something to be seen.
What is this country
Colorado in the United States.
Was this the first time doing Black Bear Pass?
Yes. We will be on it again in a week or so in a Gladiator this time. The first tight switchback should be interesting.
Wish I had the courage to go over scenery alone would be worth it.
No worries! There are so many road and trails in that part of Colorado that have beautiful views but aren't quite as scary to access. One of our favorites that is easier to access is Yankee Boy Basin.
It’s always worse when your not the one driving
That is what my wife tells me!
It’ll test your nerve, did it on my 1090r.
That definitely takes some nerves!
Amazing video!!!
Thanks!
rode it several times on mc then talk with others decided to ride up backwards direction more of a challenge
I saw a group was doing BB backwards just the other day. I would love to get that opportunity some day.
Enjoyed your video. I've seen a lot from Black Bear. Your video was a bit different.
Thanks. Purely amateur filming but I had fun with it.
I WILL GO THERE !!!
Go for it!
Wow! Clinchy
Yes it was! Perfect description.
Not that bad?! dude, people have falled out and tumbled to their deaths in their vehicles repeatedly. It has the reputation for a reason.
My fear would cripple me!!
You can get used to it if you just take it slowly.
Answer: YES! YES, IT IS! 😳 My palms were sweaty just watching!
LOL! The drop offs definitely keep your attention!
If you really don't need to go west on this road, best not. Death is a real possibility on this trail.
Nice view but it looks scary lol
It definitely gets your heart rate up!
I like your attitude but it looks every bit of that bad.
LOL. I've heard it described as a level 2 trail with level 10 consequences if you screw up. Pretty accurate.
They should close that road, too dangerous, beacuase when it turns bad the gofund me starts