The only word that comes to my mind is “beautiful” the whole place is just amazing...the photography is outstanding...what an experience!!! I guess you can call it car hiking...I’ve hiked many places but I don’t remember seeing vehicles being allowed to drive on the mountains...
Its an official forest service motorized vehicle trail or road only for high clearance vehicles with a sign saying so. State or national forests have them, and are obviously different than national parks. Colorado has them all over.
We did Black Bear in the early 1980"s in a rental. Rentals are not allowed now. It was thrilling to say the least. I watch these videos often. One of the best comments I've see is that the trail is not so technically difficult but the consequences of making a mistake is what freaks you out. You made mention of the mind game and I totally agree.
My wife and and I rode our mountain bikes from a Telluride hotel to the top of the switch backs on Black Bear Pass in 1999. Looking at this video brings back some great memories from when we were young. I can't believe we did that while watching this video. Thanks for the video. No Go Pros back in 1999.
I just did black bear a couple weeks ago for the first time. The scenery is incredible but honestly the trail is a bit over hyped in terms of difficulty. Just take your time on the switchbacks and you’ll be fine.
Good job! Not over dramatized. People try to make it feel like you gotta be a dare devil when being cool is enough, and you were very cool. The only danger is in poorly maintained equipment. Thanks for the ride!
I just crossed it this afternoon 08/11/21, a young Mennonite family crossed Black Bear Pass in their stock F-150, behind me the entire time in my Rubicon! He knew his stuff!
Loved the spotter comment. I grew up in Colorado and have been in many situations of huge scary drop-offs. I was taught that if there are no trees then there is more to worry about. If there are trees then your pretty safe....as they will pretty much stop you from rolling down the hill/dropoff very far....words to live by
I never offroaded in trails this technical as I don't have an offroad vehicle. The most offroad I ever did was probably drive past Alta lakes. Yes past it to a private residence. I also have driven many years in tight corners and know my parameters very well. I see some dedicated offroaders use spotters for these turns. I could do it without any spotters easily. It may take a 5 point turn but come on people go slow and know your parameters. I want a jeep jl bad now and put some mods on it.
We first did Black Bear in 1976, in a Chevy Blazer, and have done it multiple times on motorcycles and Jeeps. To make the blanket statement that no one needs a spotter, particularly on the switchbacks, is cavalier and irresponsible. It’s true that this isn’t a technical trail, but so many people have lost their lives, and there is a reason why the local Jeep rentals forbid their vehicles from being taken on Black Bear. Please don’t let your testosterone override good judgment.
@@ronramlow6371 I grew up in Telluride and Ouray in the 1960s and '70s. We used to go over Black Bear, Imogene and other trails. We used to hang out at the generating plant (Bridal Veil Falls). One of the houses we lived in was just before you get into town. We vould see the falls from our window. Unrelated, but if you like trains, take the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. BTW, we never used spotters and at the time you could do Black Bear from either direction. Now I think it's one way.
@@Colorado_Native , what an awesome place to grow up and explore! You must have some great memories! Thanks for the train tip! Actually we have done that a couple of times. I once got tears in my eyes watching a young girl play the piano, by ear, in the old hotel in Silverton! I’m sure she was surprised when she looked into her tip jar. Many years ago, my wife and I bought property just outside Durango with the intention of building. The San Juan’s have always been our most favorite place. It deserves the “Switzerland of America”, title! I can appreciate your not spotting on Black Bear. In ‘76 when we took the full size Blazer down it, the road was narrower...designed for horse drawn wagons. I had the outside wheels half over the edge, and the driver door was almost touching the rock wall, in one section. I made my girlfriend, now wife, walk ahead of me...she stumbled and cried, fearing the worst. I didn’t have lockers, and and on one of the switchbacks it was so tight that I ended up with one front and the opposite side rear wheel suspended two feet in the air. As you know, back then there wasn’t much traffic and we were about to hike down to Telluride when more then a dozen motorcycle riders from Vickery (Yamaha) Motorsports, in Denver, came through and physically swung the Blazer around. We spent the night on Engineer Pass before heading to Aspen, all off-road. That was before they called it Overlanding. :) All but a short section of Black Bear is dangerous, and it remains an incredibly scenic place! It’s a bucket list ride like the Rubicon which is now in our backyard.
@@ronramlow6371 I had a similar experience going up from Telluride side. I had a new Scout and had three sets of tires for it. Being lazy I left the wider sand-type tires on it, my wife and I had been to Moab, Zion, and all over Utah -a great place to visit. A Marine buddy was driving and I was looking out the passenger window and saw the side of the tire overhanging the road. Using the calmest voice I had said, "Jim, you'd better get over to the left a little." He replied equally calm, "If I get any closer I will scrape the mirror off." There used to be a restaurant in Lake City that used to have the best food. The building used to be a bank. The doors were like 20 feet tall. I worked at the VC Guest Ranch for two summers during high school break. Thanks for the reply.
We just did Black Bear a few days ago. It's very hyped up as far as the difficulty goes, but you couldn't ask for a more beautiful drive. Just take your time and pick your line, piece of cake. I did it in a stock 2012 Wrangler, six speed manual.
Well done video. For me and the countless others who will never be able to enjoy the experience of this trail let me say. Thank you for sharing with us. So beautiful.
Wish I could conquer the fear of the heights thing I have now, that I never had before. I was involved in a construction incident in the early 90s. Since that time, I have experienced multipple HPP events and can't seem to shake it. Guess I'll just live out these kinds of things by the videos. Thanks for that.
A professional driver of what? Semi truck, school bus, cab, NASCAR? One either knows how to off- road..........or you dont and never will. Going slow is obviously key. Many off camber tails are worse than this.
My first time running Black Bear was in a downpour, which made the stair steps particularly interesting. Thanks for the video, glad you had a good time.
A very unnerving ride, but I look forward to it. We were in Telluride on July 17th, 2020 hiking up the Bridal Veil Falls trail to catch the waterfall, and wish we'd had the Jeep with us to explore more. This is definitely something we missed out on.
When I was there last year a couple of guys on bikes were just ahead of us. They had a really difficult time just as you drop in by the waterfall. It’s really steep and their bikes compression could not hold them and their brakes just would skid. Once they eventually walked their bikes past that point they had no issues.
I lived in Ouray with a DRZ400, about 300 lbs. For me, Black Bear was an easy ride. If your Dual Sport is heavy, then it will be workout. Have fun, you'll love the ride.
Black Bear Pass itself is not difficult or dangerous. What makes it dangerous is tourists driving standard shift vehicles they aren't used to, or not picking a suitable line. I did it in a 1994 Ford Aerostar van, 2wd with street tires. After all, it is one way down, which makes it easy on the vehicle. All problems are usually attributable to inexperienced drivers who have no idea how drive offroad (rental Jeeps).
it's a interesting take.. Other black bear videos with very prolific off roaders all did use spotters making it look like it was 1 inch from death and really technical needing really capable rigs. But it's nice to see a different take as I offroad in a 2000 F150 regular cab short bed. and I have rarely had a problem. Thank you so much.
Where I live in the eastern Sierra mountains of California there are many ruff roads with switchbacks that you can not do 10 point turns to get around. You forward one then reverse one over several switchbacks that’s the roads that test your wheeling skills then through in lots of rocks to maneuver over and around. Making that black bear road there in Colorado look like amateur hour
I've done it twice in my TJ. The mental obstacle really is the biggest thing. Do Imogene and some other trails for a couple days,then do BB. Pucker factor will still be there but you'll have learned what your rig can do by then.
At 4:16 right in the middle of the screen you can see a crack going straight up to the road. The erosion from the water flow will create a slide there. It's only a matter of time before someone dies in this spot.
Planning on driving the Trans America Trail within the next year or so. This is part of it. Beautful scenery. Looking forward to it. It appears it would be more fun if you could drive the opposite way on BB.
Drove it in 2003 in a rental trailblazer 4x4....beautiful, but not terrible drive. took some skill, but enjoyed ourselves quite a bit, except when the motorcyclists coming toward us wanted to pass on the inside where there was NO room. Made them go back up trail for a ways, then they went by.
This video is a good honest assessment of Black Bear. I've run it a few times but have avoided it the last few years only because it is one way only after a certain point. If someone breaks down in front of you everyone sits and sits and sits.
Awesome trip. Myself, wife, 8yr old son, and dog did that trip 35 years ago in my fiberglass Myers Manx dunebuggy. Go ahead and laugh. Yep. We have the pictures. Long before gopros.
Hi. I was wondering if you are using a gimble for your in car camera setup. It looks buttery smooth. I like that the background is stable and the Jeep's hood shows the undulations of the trail Nice videography and video.
Looks awesome?! Great video. Taking the GC Trailhawk there next year. One thing though, there is a substantial gap showing how that switchback was manipulated between 4:20 or and 4:45 ish. Nevermind, looks like you covered it later...... Just out of order. Thanks.
Beautiful open country, the adventures you can do with your Jeep in America 🇺🇸 it’s s so breath taking, I wish I can experience this trail once in my life With my Wrangler Yj. Would I be able to do this trail with a shift stick?
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Thank your for replying. Have you modified the clutch or are you using standard/stock. I would really like to see during a adventure/trail Tips/tricks if u are driving a manual Wrangler pro and cons manual and automatic wrangler When you go on adventures/trail like this and if they are any differences in tools/gear you bring along if you have to repair anything.
@@TheNitroGeneral The most important thing with a stick is to get plenty of practice. I drove a stick off road for 30 years. It becomes second nature. As far as tools, the only extra thing I carried was a clutch alignment tool. Never used it though.
This is one more of many Black Bear Pass videos I have watched. This was good. The best was the fellow who drove his D2500 over it, wish he had shown more of his trip.
Good to know. I have a 17 tundra and I ended up and a few narrow switchbacks in CA. Infoeget the name of the town. My wife was freaking out. My 4 year old was okay. But her cousin with us was ghost white by the time we got to our air b&b lol.
I get what you are saying about needing a spotter or not. Still THAT switchback kills people every year. It is very tight and narrow. There is a large rock on your inside edge and the outside edge is soft. It is a 5 to 7 point turn depending on your wheelbase. The soft edge is the dangerous part. Of coarse the trail is different every single year.
Through the years I've learned a few things. Mountains don't care about your ego, durability and the phrase " one is none, two is one and three is better ".
I've seen a youtube video of a couple of guys in a fully stock Jeep Renegade take on Black Bear. The switchbacks were easy for that small wheelbase vehicle with a short turning radius.
I've got a minor fear of heights, but when I drove Black Bear, I didn't feel it for some reason. Maybe it's because of how mundane the obstacles are, but I always felt in control.
I am not affraid of heights when I am in the Jeep... standing next to a cliff freaks me out. Black Bear was spooky the first time but not so much after.
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Yeah, maybe being in the cocoon of a vehicle gives us some weird sense of security. There are some tippy obstacles in Moab right near cliff edges that scare the crap out of me though.
The stairs is the place where it can all go wrong in an instant if something fails to go as expected. An extra slip, bounce, loss of traction ..... The risk exposure is high, but a well kept and controlled vehicle should have no problem.
That is absolutely true. The driver of that Jeep actually stepped out to help another person and the Jeep rolled away. That accident was TRAGIC but was in no way related to how challenging the trail is. I do not want to take away from the seriousness of such a bad accident but the fact is that driver's ed 101 would have saved a lot of pain (curb your wheels and make sure your vehicle is secure before exiting).
It does happen once in a while unfortunately and there have been some killed on this pass but then other ones as well so any offroading can be fatal if not careful.
years ago there was a great bakery in to hell ye ride. my 76 FJ40 would do that road but no power steering on it. power steering is a great luxury. nice video!
This trail can be fairly difficult because of the downhill tight-turns; at least the route that I took. My 2-door JK had a much easier time than when I returned with my current Jeep: 4-door JL (JLU).
I drove a Jeep in the Army infantry in Vietnam but it wasn't for the fun of it and that military Jeep spec could go anywhere even in the nasty terrain of the big island, Hawaii. (25th Infantry Division Hawaii/Vietnam) Large rocks and swamps were no big deal for that jeep back then.
It's bad for those who are not used to driving on this type of road. I grew up in Florida and we are one of the few if not the only state that doesn't have any type of hill or mountain type of driving.
It looks like from your video that a lifted subaru or honda CRV could have done this drive. I have a new JL Rubicon I just bought but this didn't look like it challenged the jeeps.
My wife and I and our 3 young uns did this 32 years ago up engineer mountain (IIRC)... terrified my wife but we put her in the middle in back told her to close her eyes until we get to a peak and my oldest son (10 yo) rode shotgun, leaning out and calling out to me the whole way... 2' dad!... 1' dad, ...widening up to 2' dad!...lol... the trail we went up wasnt near this bad but it was still spooky for Texas flatlanders!
Great video. No, I do not think it is that bad! Ran it the other day for the first time and it seems like everyone makes it out to be worse than it is. Yes, if you go off the edge then it’s over! But this is true for so many of the other trails that we run as well! I was more spooked on the Devil’s Punchbowl and Cliffhanger in Moab is #1 worst for me!!!
I'd rather ride my horse there and leave my Jeep on the road. HA!! Pavement Princess here. What gear are you driving in? Thanks for sharing...amazing beauty!
Our first time up black bear pass, we went up it from telluride by a tour guide, & my dad drove it in his old wrangler ‘95 YJ SAHARA EDITION! Pretty scary! If you don’t know they you’re doing & go too fast, then yes! BBP can be dangerous!
This is dumb, 1st it takes total 10min to air up and down, 2nd it just makes for a smoother ride and 3rd ifs a saftey thing (I mean you dont have to wear your seatbelt either) if that's your choice great but telling others too when half these "overlanders" are already puting their lifes at risk (and usually others) so often due to lack of experience is not smart
To me it's no big deal. My 1st time was the summer of 62.The last time was 2014. We moved to the 4Corners area in 61 I think, was 3 or 4 years old. Even after I moved to Arizona I continued to vacation each summer and a few winters. I have also worked for a Jeep Tour operation in Silverton as a driver. I finally moved back to the 4Corners in 2019 and use my old CJ to run the trails now days.Just haven't been back to this pass yet mostly due to Covid restrictions and it's hassels.
Looks like great fun in a Rubicon. However, we have a Camry Hybrid which may not be the ideal vehicle for this. My question: Did you see any great hiking trails which could give us the same views?
4:05 That's technically challenging! Even if fear was not a factor the vehicle can malfunction! A jeep went off the side Oct. 2020 because it popped out of gear and gravity overcame the parking brake. It's a thrill ride for sure! I'm too old for it ... I've been to Banff, Europe (Switzerland) and all the national parks west of the Mississippi. I'm good!
How can a jeep "pop" out of gear? The wheels were probably not curbed and no rock was placed to block the tires from rolling. All things you must do when stopped and exiting a jeep in terrain like that.
My daughter went to school with the young lady that was ejected from that jeep. Her boyfriend was trying to direct traffic around his Jeep, while waiting for him with their two dogs inside the Jeep, it rolled back because he didn't set the E brake well enough. Thankfully the young lady and her two dogs survived.
Nicely graded road with beautiful views. You get a chance, come out to California and bring your friends through fordyce creek trail. There are no warning signs, but lots of people to help you through. Cell coverage whole trail!
Black Bear Pass is not difficult at all. We ran it in 2020 with a 4-cylinder TJ on 31s. Zero issues. It was a beautiful drive and we took Imogene Pass back to Ouray. Too easy.
Been over black bear numerous times by motorcycle. You're right that it's not technically difficult. The problem is that a screw up is followed by a long quavering scream then a massive fireball!
I did the Alpine Loop and Imogene Pass in my stock Jeep Renegade Trailhawk this past summer. Think if I was able to do those I’d be able to tackle this Black Bear pass?
@@4x4overlandadventures55 awesome! The spooky factor didn’t effect me. It was my first wheeling adventure so I was more concerned about not breaking my only way home back to northeastern Wyoming. 😂🤣
Agree with your comments. I ran it in 2016 solo because I blew my distributor drive gear the day before. I got stuck behind a group who was going incredibly slow and then got out to spot everybody through the switchbacks. Then they wanted to spot me too... lol. There's nothing difficult about it but the risk of a mistake is much higher if you're not paying attention. Honestly I think I could run the trail in my 2wd car.
Done it in a (with LT tires) all stock 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road. Skid plates took a beating. The steps are off chamber and you have a rock wall on your passenger side and death on your driver side. If you screw up your dead so there’s that. Second switchback you will need a spotter. Other than that it was scary as shit. They should sell beer at the bottom parking lot because when I got down there I needed about 3 or 4 beers. Whew!
It is amazing that Toyotas go up there at all. Sure there are a couple of Jeeps that have gone off but there are dozens of pictures of Tacomas and 4runners rolled on the steps above the switchbacks.
This is an awesome video! Question though, what’s the loud noise coming from your engine towards the end of the video? Is it overheating, trying to cool down? Or is that just normal? Thanks
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Ok nice. I have 21 JL and was worried when I heard the same noises coming from the hood when i went out off roading. It is so loud
Black Bear is a great, totally doable trail. That said, you absolutely better respect the switchbacks, being as cautious a possible and giving them your full attention
The only word that comes to my mind is “beautiful” the whole place is just amazing...the photography is outstanding...what an experience!!! I guess you can call it car hiking...I’ve hiked many places but I don’t remember seeing vehicles being allowed to drive on the mountains...
Its an official forest service motorized vehicle trail or road only for high clearance vehicles with a sign saying so. State or national forests have them, and are obviously different than national parks. Colorado has them all over.
@@hemisuperzee1287 Roads like that are the ones you smile about later.
We did Black Bear in the early 1980"s in a rental. Rentals are not allowed now. It was thrilling to say the least. I watch these videos often. One of the best comments I've see is that the trail is not so technically difficult but the consequences of making a mistake is what freaks you out. You made mention of the mind game and I totally agree.
Did ya rent it from a guy by the name of Kubozke?
My wife and and I rode our mountain bikes from a Telluride hotel to the top of the switch backs on Black Bear Pass in 1999. Looking at this video brings back some great memories from when we were young. I can't believe we did that while watching this video. Thanks for the video. No Go Pros back in 1999.
I just did black bear a couple weeks ago for the first time. The scenery is incredible but honestly the trail is a bit over hyped in terms of difficulty. Just take your time on the switchbacks and you’ll be fine.
I am guessing my crew cab tundra is too long for a couple of these switchbacks.
@@I_like_turtles_67 109%
We took a1968 Chevy 3/4 ton lifted pickup over black bear pass and back over Imogene no problems
This is one of those "nobody talk and turn the radio off" kinda drives.
Didn’t even finish watching- stupid fn music
This is one of those "grab the steering wheel so hard that it breaks" kinda drives... ;)
i can't see what I'm doing ,turn the radio off
Nah, only a couple spots need that kind of focus. But experience helps your comfort level, certainly.
@@donchristie420 Just add a volume knob to your computer!
The steps at the top are probably the most intimidating part of the drive. It is so beautiful dropping down into Telluride the view is spectacular.
I agree, when your tires start sliding down that slick rock, it sorta gets your attention.
Good job! Not over dramatized. People try to make it feel like you gotta be a dare devil when being cool is enough, and you were very cool. The only danger is in poorly maintained equipment. Thanks for the ride!
I just crossed it this afternoon 08/11/21, a young Mennonite family crossed Black Bear Pass in their stock F-150, behind me the entire time in my Rubicon! He knew his stuff!
Loved the spotter comment. I grew up in Colorado and have been in many situations of huge scary drop-offs. I was taught that if there are no trees then there is more to worry about. If there are trees then your pretty safe....as they will pretty much stop you from rolling down the hill/dropoff very far....words to live by
I never offroaded in trails this technical as I don't have an offroad vehicle. The most offroad I ever did was probably drive past Alta lakes. Yes past it to a private residence. I also have driven many years in tight corners and know my parameters very well. I see some dedicated offroaders use spotters for these turns. I could do it without any spotters easily. It may take a 5 point turn but come on people go slow and know your parameters. I want a jeep jl bad now and put some mods on it.
We first did Black Bear in 1976, in a Chevy Blazer, and have done it multiple times on motorcycles and Jeeps.
To make the blanket statement that no one needs a spotter, particularly on the switchbacks, is cavalier and irresponsible.
It’s true that this isn’t a technical trail, but so many people have lost their lives, and there is a reason why the local Jeep rentals forbid their vehicles from being taken on Black Bear.
Please don’t let your testosterone override good judgment.
@@ronramlow6371 I grew up in Telluride and Ouray in the 1960s and '70s. We used to go over Black Bear, Imogene and other trails. We used to hang out at the generating plant (Bridal Veil Falls). One of the houses we lived in was just before you get into town. We vould see the falls from our window. Unrelated, but if you like trains, take the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. BTW, we never used spotters and at the time you could do Black Bear from either direction. Now I think it's one way.
@@Colorado_Native , what an awesome place to grow up and explore! You must have some great memories!
Thanks for the train tip! Actually we have done that a couple of times. I once got tears in my eyes watching a young girl play the piano, by ear, in the old hotel in Silverton! I’m sure she was surprised when she looked into her tip jar.
Many years ago, my wife and I bought property just outside Durango with the intention of building. The San Juan’s have always been our most favorite place. It deserves the “Switzerland of America”, title!
I can appreciate your not spotting on Black Bear. In ‘76 when we took the full size Blazer down it, the road was narrower...designed for horse drawn wagons.
I had the outside wheels half over the edge, and the driver door was almost touching the rock wall, in one section. I made my girlfriend, now wife, walk ahead of me...she stumbled and cried, fearing the worst.
I didn’t have lockers, and and on one of the switchbacks it was so tight that I ended up with one front and the opposite side rear wheel suspended two feet in the air. As you know, back then there wasn’t much traffic and we were about to hike down to Telluride when more then a dozen motorcycle riders from Vickery (Yamaha) Motorsports, in Denver, came through and physically swung the Blazer around.
We spent the night on Engineer Pass before heading to Aspen, all off-road. That was before they called it Overlanding. :)
All but a short section of Black Bear is dangerous, and it remains an incredibly scenic place! It’s a bucket list ride like the Rubicon which is now in our backyard.
@@ronramlow6371 I had a similar experience going up from Telluride side. I had a new Scout and had three sets of tires for it. Being lazy I left the wider sand-type tires on it, my wife and I had been to Moab, Zion, and all over Utah -a great place to visit. A Marine buddy was driving and I was looking out the passenger window and saw the side of the tire overhanging the road. Using the calmest voice I had said, "Jim, you'd better get over to the left a little." He replied equally calm, "If I get any closer I will scrape the mirror off." There used to be a restaurant in Lake City that used to have the best food. The building used to be a bank. The doors were like 20 feet tall. I worked at the VC Guest Ranch for two summers during high school break. Thanks for the reply.
We just did Black Bear a few days ago. It's very hyped up as far as the difficulty goes, but you couldn't ask for a more beautiful drive. Just take your time and pick your line, piece of cake. I did it in a stock 2012 Wrangler, six speed manual.
It's like driving in a painting.
Well done video. For me and the countless others who will never be able to enjoy the experience of this trail let me say. Thank you for sharing with us. So beautiful.
My pleasure. More to come!! Make sure to subscribe!
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Wish I could conquer the fear of the heights thing I have now, that I never had before.
I was involved in a construction incident in the early 90s. Since that time, I have experienced multipple HPP events and can't seem to shake it. Guess I'll just live out these kinds of things by the videos. Thanks for that.
As a professional driver of 36 years and I go down mountain passes all the time I am going to say that you guys are nuts at this point.
A professional driver of what? Semi truck, school bus, cab, NASCAR? One either knows how to off- road..........or you dont and never will. Going slow is obviously key. Many off camber tails are worse than this.
School bus ? Lots 2wd and low clearance Subaru awds go down this trail
JL owner: Hill decent control is kinda loud.
Semi truck driver: Jake Brake is kinda loud.
Thank you for taking me to a place I'll probably never get to personally experience. Simply amazing sites. Thank you.
My first time running Black Bear was in a downpour, which made the stair steps particularly interesting. Thanks for the video, glad you had a good time.
A very unnerving ride, but I look forward to it. We were in Telluride on July 17th, 2020 hiking up the Bridal Veil Falls trail to catch the waterfall, and wish we'd had the Jeep with us to explore more. This is definitely something we missed out on.
grew up in Colorado, there's songs about Black Bear Road/ Pass. Great Video and looks like it was a great trip for you guys!
Did it in my Wife's Subaru Forrester XT when dry. Total breeze. Wet conditions would have been another story.
I'm going there in July on a Dual Sport motorcycle, thanks for the prep run, stay safe.
When I was there last year a couple of guys on bikes were just ahead of us. They had a really difficult time just as you drop in by the waterfall. It’s really steep and their bikes compression could not hold them and their brakes just would skid. Once they eventually walked their bikes past that point they had no issues.
I lived in Ouray with a DRZ400, about 300 lbs. For me, Black Bear was an easy ride. If your Dual Sport is heavy, then it will be workout. Have fun, you'll love the ride.
Black Bear Pass itself is not difficult or dangerous. What makes it dangerous is tourists driving standard shift vehicles they aren't used to, or not picking a suitable line. I did it in a 1994 Ford Aerostar van, 2wd with street tires. After all, it is one way down, which makes it easy on the vehicle. All problems are usually attributable to inexperienced drivers who have no idea how drive offroad (rental Jeeps).
it's a interesting take.. Other black bear videos with very prolific off roaders all did use spotters making it look like it was 1 inch from death and really technical needing really capable rigs. But it's nice to see a different take as I offroad in a 2000 F150 regular cab short bed. and I have rarely had a problem. Thank you so much.
If someone HAS to use a spotter on a county road, their skill level low or their spotter is an insistant mansplaner.
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Someone didn't use a spotter? Yikes!
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@@maxmcintosh7380 Someone forgot to put a rock behind their tire... so needlessly tragic.
@@4x4overlandadventures55 and curb the front tires away from the cliff side.
Where I live in the eastern Sierra mountains of California there are many ruff roads with switchbacks that you can not do 10 point turns to get around. You forward one then reverse one over several switchbacks that’s the roads that test your wheeling skills then through in lots of rocks to maneuver over and around. Making that black bear road there in Colorado look like amateur hour
I've done it twice in my TJ. The mental obstacle really is the biggest thing. Do Imogene and some other trails for a couple days,then do BB. Pucker factor will still be there but you'll have learned what your rig can do by then.
I have a stock TJ with 31 inch tires, will that do it?
The Best BLACK BEAR MOUNTAIN PICTURE AND TRAIL EXPLANATION . Thank you!!
At 4:16 right in the middle of the screen you can see a crack going straight up to the road. The erosion from the water flow will create a slide there. It's only a matter of time before someone dies in this spot.
Trails in Moab have some wicked switch backs, nothing here looks worse than those. I would love to do this trail.
Great tour! My palms are sweating just watching! Not for the faint of heart
Planning on driving the Trans America Trail within the next year or so. This is part of it. Beautful scenery. Looking forward to it.
It appears it would be more fun if you could drive the opposite way on BB.
Drove it in 2003 in a rental trailblazer 4x4....beautiful, but not terrible drive. took some skill, but enjoyed ourselves quite a bit, except when the motorcyclists coming toward us wanted to pass on the inside where there was NO room. Made them go back up trail for a ways, then they went by.
I would have to have a mechanical break-down at the more hairy spots, beautiful scenery, thanks for posting.
This video is a good honest assessment of Black Bear. I've run it a few times but have avoided it the last few years only because it is one way only after a certain point. If someone breaks down in front of you everyone sits and sits and sits.
It is very intense. It is beautiful. Been on it 3 times. Loved each time.
Very nice. Beautiful scenery on very narrow back road. Shows the worst of the road with switchbacks. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome trip. Myself, wife, 8yr old son, and dog did that trip 35 years ago in my fiberglass Myers Manx dunebuggy. Go ahead and laugh. Yep. We have the pictures. Long before gopros.
This is one of my bucket list drives!
radio reflections
Yes, even still. That doesn't happen without driver error. I'm confident in my skills, but still cautious.
Definitely on my must do trails bucket list.
Hi. I was wondering if you are using a gimble for your in car camera setup. It looks buttery smooth. I like that the background is stable and the Jeep's hood shows the undulations of the trail Nice videography and video.
GoPro 5 black. I just use the factory digital stabilization. Thanks!!!!
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Thank you for your reply.
Looks awesome?! Great video. Taking the GC Trailhawk there next year.
One thing though, there is a substantial gap showing how that switchback was manipulated between 4:20 or and 4:45 ish.
Nevermind, looks like you covered it later...... Just out of order. Thanks.
Beautiful open country, the adventures you can do with your Jeep in America 🇺🇸 it’s s so breath taking, I wish I can experience this trail once in my life With my Wrangler Yj. Would I be able to do this trail with a shift stick?
Absolutely. The blue TJ in front of me is a stick.
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Thank your for replying. Have you modified the clutch or are you using standard/stock. I would really like to see during a adventure/trail Tips/tricks if u are driving a manual Wrangler pro and cons manual and automatic wrangler When you go on adventures/trail like this and if they are any differences in tools/gear you bring along if you have to repair anything.
@@TheNitroGeneral The most important thing with a stick is to get plenty of practice. I drove a stick off road for 30 years. It becomes second nature. As far as tools, the only extra thing I carried was a clutch alignment tool. Never used it though.
Great bird's eye view of this trip. Those switchbacks are daunting. Only done Yankee Boy Basin to the top. Thx.
Great video, thank you! I don't think I will ever drive it, but glad I could see it!!
This is one more of many Black Bear Pass videos I have watched. This was good. The best was the fellow who drove his D2500 over it, wish he had shown more of his trip.
So a longer wheelbase truck like a long bed Chevy could do it?
I’ve also seen video of a Ford 250 doing it.
This trail isn’t bad, I did it in my 2015 tundra. It’s all about paying attention and confidence and also going with a good group!
A Tundra fit on the trails? Did you have issues with the switch backs?
Good to know. I have a 17 tundra and I ended up and a few narrow switchbacks in CA. Infoeget the name of the town. My wife was freaking out. My 4 year old was okay. But her cousin with us was ghost white by the time we got to our air b&b lol.
I get what you are saying about needing a spotter or not. Still THAT switchback kills people every year. It is very tight and narrow. There is a large rock on your inside edge and the outside edge is soft. It is a 5 to 7 point turn depending on your wheelbase. The soft edge is the dangerous part. Of coarse the trail is different every single year.
Give me the beach. Flat, beautiful, warm, sunny, relaxing.
Through the years I've learned a few things. Mountains don't care about your ego, durability and the phrase " one is none, two is one and three is better ".
I've seen a youtube video of a couple of guys in a fully stock Jeep Renegade take on Black Bear. The switchbacks were easy for that small wheelbase vehicle with a short turning radius.
Absolutely! The perfect vehicle would be a stock CJ2A.
I've got a minor fear of heights, but when I drove Black Bear, I didn't feel it for some reason. Maybe it's because of how mundane the obstacles are, but I always felt in control.
I am not affraid of heights when I am in the Jeep... standing next to a cliff freaks me out. Black Bear was spooky the first time but not so much after.
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Yeah, maybe being in the cocoon of a vehicle gives us some weird sense of security.
There are some tippy obstacles in Moab right near cliff edges that scare the crap out of me though.
I’m waiting for the interstate to go through. 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for the trip. Better you than me. The view is spectacular. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
The hair pin turn at 4:11 , 6:24 was the only nail biter in my stock wrangler.
The stairs is the place where it can all go wrong in an instant if something fails to go as expected. An extra slip, bounce, loss of traction .....
The risk exposure is high, but a well kept and controlled vehicle should have no problem.
We have always had a running joke on what color the Toyota that rolled on the steps would be. Just a Google search will show you how accurate this is.
Well done trail ride!
I’ve done Black Bear Pass in my FJ40, but have yet to run it in my FJ Cruiser.
Beautiful area!
he laughs about the switch backs but a red jeep did go off the cliff there and it was really bad .
That is absolutely true. The driver of that Jeep actually stepped out to help another person and the Jeep rolled away. That accident was TRAGIC but was in no way related to how challenging the trail is. I do not want to take away from the seriousness of such a bad accident but the fact is that driver's ed 101 would have saved a lot of pain (curb your wheels and make sure your vehicle is secure before exiting).
It does happen once in a while unfortunately and there have been some killed on this pass but then other ones as well so any offroading can be fatal if not careful.
@Steven Goodnight But many, many more make it over just fine.
@@4x4overlandadventures55 wait the red jeep went down because it wasn't in park, or parking brake failed?
@@thomas-ud1fs Yep. Driver error. He wasn't even in the seat and his partner was in the passenger seat.
If you're making tight turn such as on a switchback you need to turn your wheels all the way to lock before moving forward or back.
How many psi you guys running? Looks like everyone is over inflated for the conditions.
Probably 10 to 12.
years ago there was a great bakery in to hell ye ride. my 76 FJ40 would do that road but no power steering on it. power steering is a great luxury. nice video!
Thank you for sharing your cliff-hanger adventure. Very entertaining !
Beautiful!!
Anyone know which wheels are on that blue 2 door TJ?
Hutchinson Rock Monsters
This trail can be fairly difficult because of the downhill tight-turns; at least the route that I took. My 2-door JK had a much easier time than when I returned with my current Jeep: 4-door JL (JLU).
Yes, I wouldn’t want a four door on those corners.
I drove a Jeep in the Army infantry in Vietnam but it wasn't for the fun of it and that military Jeep spec could go anywhere even in the nasty terrain of the big island, Hawaii. (25th Infantry Division Hawaii/Vietnam) Large rocks and swamps were no big deal for that jeep back then.
Thank you for your service.
It's bad for those who are not used to driving on this type of road. I grew up in Florida and we are one of the few if not the only state that doesn't have any type of hill or mountain type of driving.
It looks like from your video that a lifted subaru or honda CRV could have done this drive. I have a new JL Rubicon I just bought but this didn't look like it challenged the jeeps.
Correct. Zero technical challenge
Yep, on the list. Would not do it alone. What time of year did you do this?
Mid July. The trail had only been open for a few days.
I consider I am a pretty good driver, but those switchbacks are something else again!
Did both sides maybe only a mile in on each side on a dirt bike both times road unpassable due to snow, would love to go up
My wife and I and our 3 young uns did this 32 years ago up engineer mountain (IIRC)... terrified my wife but we put her in the middle in back told her to close her eyes until we get to a peak and my oldest son (10 yo) rode shotgun, leaning out and calling out to me the whole way... 2' dad!... 1' dad, ...widening up to 2' dad!...lol... the trail we went up wasnt near this bad but it was still spooky for Texas flatlanders!
Such a stunning landscape.
Around here we send loaded log trucks down those freeways. In the snow uphill both ways.
I like to see video of that
I plan on adding a front camera to my TJ,and that will be my Spotter before making that run,as I do 99.9% of my 4 wheeling solo!
Great video. No, I do not think it is that bad! Ran it the other day for the first time and it seems like everyone makes it out to be worse than it is. Yes, if you go off the edge then it’s over! But this is true for so many of the other trails that we run as well! I was more spooked on the Devil’s Punchbowl and Cliffhanger in Moab is #1 worst for me!!!
Can a full size (long bed) 3/4 Ton 4X4 Chevy truck do this trail or would it not be able to get around the tight switch backs??
I personally saw a Raptor do it. You would have to seriously Austin Powers the switchbacks.
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Love the Austin Powers hallway reference.
I'd rather ride my horse there and leave my Jeep on the road. HA!! Pavement Princess here.
What gear are you driving in?
Thanks for sharing...amazing beauty!
2018 Wrangler Rubicon on 37s. Overkill
Great camera work with the steady picture!
Our first time up black bear pass, we went up it from telluride by a tour guide, & my dad drove it in his old wrangler ‘95 YJ SAHARA EDITION! Pretty scary! If you don’t know they you’re doing & go too fast, then yes! BBP can be dangerous!
I've done this trail 335 times. A couple times I did it twice in one day! HINT: You don't need to air down or have a spotter.
This is dumb, 1st it takes total 10min to air up and down, 2nd it just makes for a smoother ride and 3rd ifs a saftey thing (I mean you dont have to wear your seatbelt either) if that's your choice great but telling others too when half these "overlanders" are already puting their lifes at risk (and usually others) so often due to lack of experience is not smart
I just set my tires at 25lbs and keep them there all summer since I'mm doing almost zero highway driving.@@stich1960.
@@herbmanning8348 Herb, how long does it take, and when is a good time to go?
Are these trails open january thru April? Is February and is like to take my 4x4 out and play
To me it's no big deal.
My 1st time was the summer of 62.The last time was 2014.
We moved to the 4Corners area in 61 I think, was 3 or 4 years old.
Even after I moved to Arizona I continued to vacation each summer and a few winters.
I have also worked for a Jeep Tour operation in Silverton as a driver.
I finally moved back to the 4Corners
in 2019 and use my old CJ to run the trails now days.Just haven't been back to this pass yet mostly due to Covid restrictions and it's hassels.
Looks like great fun in a Rubicon. However, we have a Camry Hybrid which may not be the ideal vehicle for this. My question: Did you see any great hiking trails which could give us the same views?
Yes. Absolutely.
What happens when you encounter someone going the opposite direction? I didn’t see any pullouts.
It is one way
4:05 That's technically challenging! Even if fear was not a factor the vehicle can malfunction! A jeep went off the side Oct. 2020 because it popped out of gear and gravity overcame the parking brake. It's a thrill ride for sure! I'm too old for it ... I've been to Banff, Europe (Switzerland) and all the national parks west of the Mississippi. I'm good!
How can a jeep "pop" out of gear? The wheels were probably not curbed and no rock was placed to block the tires from rolling. All things you must do when stopped and exiting a jeep in terrain like that.
My daughter went to school with the young lady that was ejected from that jeep. Her boyfriend was trying to direct traffic around his Jeep, while waiting for him with their two dogs inside the Jeep, it rolled back because he didn't set the E brake well enough. Thankfully the young lady and her two dogs survived.
How was your Gopro mounted in your jeep that it stayed steady while your jeep was bouncing around.
Stock electronic stability control. The Hero 5 Black is amazing.
Just need to back a square body, Suburban through there... lol
But a serious question here..
Can you take a full sized truck through there?
Your story make it sounds so hard, piece of cake ....
Correct. It isn't hard...but it is spooky. Anyone who says it isn't must be part Mohekan
Nicely graded road with beautiful views. You get a chance, come out to California and bring your friends through fordyce creek trail. There are no warning signs, but lots of people to help you through. Cell coverage whole trail!
You need cell overage, and other people ? Soft
*adds trail to bucket list*
Black Bear Pass is not difficult at all. We ran it in 2020 with a 4-cylinder TJ on 31s. Zero issues. It was a beautiful drive and we took Imogene Pass back to Ouray. Too easy.
Been over black bear numerous times by motorcycle. You're right that it's not technically difficult. The problem is that a screw up is followed by a long quavering scream then a massive fireball!
Is this the black bear road C W McCall made a song about?
Yes!!
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Well if you need a rock, make sure it’s bigger than a grapefruit 👍
The trail turn assist feature in new the Bronco is gonna make this much easier.
While that is true, dragging a tire on a county road is bad form because it causes damage to the road bed. Cool gizmo though.
My friend and I did this with a professional driver and we loved it but no way would I take.my own jeep down this
I did the Alpine Loop and Imogene Pass in my stock Jeep Renegade Trailhawk this past summer. Think if I was able to do those I’d be able to tackle this Black Bear pass?
Yep. Same type of road, just spookier.
@@4x4overlandadventures55 awesome! The spooky factor didn’t effect me. It was my first wheeling adventure so I was more concerned about not breaking my only way home back to northeastern Wyoming. 😂🤣
Could a new Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE handle this drive? (Have more aggressive tires but otherwise, stock).
Yes
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Thank you for reply. Good, I'm going to head that way next month then. Thanks for posting your video.
Agree with your comments. I ran it in 2016 solo because I blew my distributor drive gear the day before. I got stuck behind a group who was going incredibly slow and then got out to spot everybody through the switchbacks. Then they wanted to spot me too... lol. There's nothing difficult about it but the risk of a mistake is much higher if you're not paying attention. Honestly I think I could run the trail in my 2wd car.
Done it in a (with LT tires) all stock 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road. Skid plates took a beating. The steps are off chamber and you have a rock wall on your passenger side and death on your driver side. If you screw up your dead so there’s that. Second switchback you will need a spotter. Other than that it was scary as shit. They should sell beer at the bottom parking lot because when I got down there I needed about 3 or 4 beers. Whew!
It is amazing that Toyotas go up there at all. Sure there are a couple of Jeeps that have gone off but there are dozens of pictures of Tacomas and 4runners rolled on the steps above the switchbacks.
This is an awesome video! Question though, what’s the loud noise coming from your engine towards the end of the video? Is it overheating, trying to cool down? Or is that just normal? Thanks
JL wranglers have a huge electric fan that sounds like an industrial blower. It is normal
@@4x4overlandadventures55 Ok nice. I have 21 JL and was worried when I heard the same noises coming from the hood when i went out off roading. It is so loud
Going around those hairpin turns is scary as crap.🤯🤯🤯 If I were a passenger, I would get out until the turn was complete.
Black Bear is a great, totally doable trail. That said, you absolutely better respect the switchbacks, being as cautious a possible and giving them your full attention
...did the pass last year and got caught in a rainstorm. It was definitely a handful!😮