Black Bear Pass
Black Bear Pass
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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66 reviews
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Jan K
Tachov, Czech Republic197 contributions
Jun 2022
This trail is big time consumer! Trust me. It will take some time (unless you have rented Jeep Wrangler) to just reach bottom of trail where are hairpins that you can spot from town centre of Telluride. Sometimes you will need to make room for some off-road car. Anyway if you go by car you still need to leave it somewhere when you continue to the lakes that are couple miles from viewpoint over former power plant at the top of Bridal Veil Falls. I remember that I have spent something like 45 minutes at one rock out there. I can be someone like that character from Assassin's Creed who gets HP by staying at high view points. Anyway once again pack a lot of water and snacks with you because there are no shops or stores and it takes some time to get to one.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steffani W
Kansas City, MO25 contributions
Jun 2020
This is a narrow, rugged path up to Bridal Veil Falls, which can be hiked or driven in a 4x4 vehicle. Breathtaking scenery, steep drop-offs with no guardrail and room for only one vehicle at a time. A little scary, but well worth it. Just go slow and be careful.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stan M
Durango, CO137 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
In 1978 with zero 4wd. Experience we , mom & two small boys thought it would be fun to explore some of what SW Colorado had to offer in the way of backcountry off roading. Our ride of choice for this was our new 3/4 ton 4wd.Chevy suburban. So off we go from Durango on our very first trip the turnoff from red mountain pass offered Black Bear as a possibility. Sure why not . The road meandered innocently to the top & gently began the decent to Silverton. In short order with no hope of turning around we are in way , way over our , my head. Think steep , narrow broken shale with perhaps a 500’ drop to the side. Ok guys you all get out & walk. Perhaps we can meet in heaven. Switch backs ? & lots of them , everybody out again . Small face peering over the hood at eye level “ ok that’s as far as you can go “ or the trip to silverton will be quick. Repeat many times . We Ford the first stream at the mine above bridal veil falls. Then more of long narrow decent & numerous switchbacks . Arriving at bridal veil falls it’s the first inclination we’ll live after all. Once in perhaps the first bar in Telluride were smug , were smug. We’ve accomplished something that was really stupid to have done. Oh , well we go on over the next couple of years to do every 4wd. road in the San Juan’s
& there are many .... after Black Bear way before it was widened they all were fun without being life threatening.
I still have pix somewhere. Enjoy !
& there are many .... after Black Bear way before it was widened they all were fun without being life threatening.
I still have pix somewhere. Enjoy !
Written June 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tripcasey
Austin, TX690 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
I came to Telluride to wheel this pass in my new Jeep. To prepare for this, my husband and I watched a ton of youtube videos of other people's experiences. That really helped us understand what to expect. A majority of this pass is not very challenging. Its got beautiful scenery. There's just the part when you get to the steps and the trail narrows with tight switch backs. We were behind a bunch of Toyotas (4 Runners, FJ's and a Honda Ridgeline). Their vehicles did not have the same level of articulation as our Jeep, but they all managed to get through. They used the winch several times. The Ridgeline had his front end go off one of the switch backs, but he got winched in.
For us in our Jeep Wrangler (JKUR) it was a piece of cake. The steps were a little sketchy. The guy behind us got a little tippy with one wheel up. Its best to get out and find your line before attempting. There was a big hole that we avoided and went through it with no problem. Take your time on the switchbacks. If you want to admire the scenery, stop and pull over.
Some advice - go early and don't wheel alone. Don't do this in the rain, and it seems to rain every afternoon. Learn the rules of the pass. There are some areas where the pass is only one way. If you are feeling too nervous, you want to turn around before getting to the one way section. Be patient if it gets busy and there's a long line in front of you. Trail conditions can change after a weather event, go speak with one of the local guides if you have questions about the trail. Enjoy the mountains and the beautiful town of Telluride.
For us in our Jeep Wrangler (JKUR) it was a piece of cake. The steps were a little sketchy. The guy behind us got a little tippy with one wheel up. Its best to get out and find your line before attempting. There was a big hole that we avoided and went through it with no problem. Take your time on the switchbacks. If you want to admire the scenery, stop and pull over.
Some advice - go early and don't wheel alone. Don't do this in the rain, and it seems to rain every afternoon. Learn the rules of the pass. There are some areas where the pass is only one way. If you are feeling too nervous, you want to turn around before getting to the one way section. Be patient if it gets busy and there's a long line in front of you. Trail conditions can change after a weather event, go speak with one of the local guides if you have questions about the trail. Enjoy the mountains and the beautiful town of Telluride.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg S
Colorado Springs, CO20 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
I've now been on Black Bear Pass 3 times. Needless to say, it has a reputation as being a bit "intimidating". There is an obvious need for a capable off-road vehicle. Having said that, anyone with a capable vehicle and off-road experience could do this trail. The question is, will you? The reason Black Bear gets an "extreme rating" is the reasonably narrow descent into Telluride. You will pass a sign just prior to the descent stating that the trail is now one-way (downhill only). There is no room for vehicles to travel in both directions. I will say that the trail is narrow, and that the turns are extremely tight and sharp. If you have a capable vehicle, and have extreme off-road experience, this trial should be on your bucket list. The scenery is spectacular, the trail is very cool and loaded with history... and one of the big rewards at the end is to see Bridal Veil Falls which was recently rated as one of the Top 10 Waterfalls in the United States. It's truly a must see.
In my humble opinion, the descent is not all that intimidating, however, I know you will find many who do not share my opinion. I will be back to do it again (:
In my humble opinion, the descent is not all that intimidating, however, I know you will find many who do not share my opinion. I will be back to do it again (:
Written August 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scrapbookchef
Utah71 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
We did the Black Bear Pass in our Jeeps. We are very experienced jeepers and trail riders. This was pretty easy until coming down black bear pass which wasnt overly hard - just on very narrow rocky road on the edge of a cliff which is a bit unnerving and scary (for some of us :). Thankfully most of the decent is one way only. The three point turns on the switchbacks are technical so make sure to have a short wheel base and maybe someone to spot if needed. Make sure notto do this unless you are experiecnced drivers. Beautiful and gorgeous scenery.
Written September 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
un2jc2
Albuquerque, NM74 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
My husband and I drove to Ouray, Colorado, to take the Black Bear Pass offroading adventure. The views were absolutely awesome and the scenery was beautiful. Can't get these views any other way! The road is definitely not for anything but 4x4s and don't go if you have problems with heights. You have to be very proficient at offroading for this road for the steppes and the switchbacks. Also a very rocky road with loose rocks. Bring a camera and sturdy walking shoes to get out and look at views. It takes about an hour and a half to do the road.
Written September 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jasoninthewilderness
Highlands Ranch, CO105 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
I did this early season, early in the morning, by myself, in a stock a 4runner; and I pretty much don't recommend doing any of that. Early season can have high snow walls with a deep mud channel, lock those diffs! If you're by yourself around sunrise it might be a while if something happens and you need help. I was able to complete this in a stock '04 4runner, but I wouldn't do so again. A small lift with some bigger tires would have made this a much easier experience.
Make sure you have a shovel, recovery strap, air compressor, off-road jack, etc. I had to dig myself out of a gravel section at one point. The hardest part is the off-camber rocky section near the waterfall, I recommend walking the line first. I honestly thought the switchbacks were the easiest part.
Overall a very pretty drive, just a little nerve racking solo.
Make sure you have a shovel, recovery strap, air compressor, off-road jack, etc. I had to dig myself out of a gravel section at one point. The hardest part is the off-camber rocky section near the waterfall, I recommend walking the line first. I honestly thought the switchbacks were the easiest part.
Overall a very pretty drive, just a little nerve racking solo.
Written September 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Masha P
Littleton, Colorado, United States37 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
I had been planning and anticipating this trip for over a month and it did not disappoint. At first, because of some light drizzle, we weren't sure we were going to be able to go, but Colorado West tours came through and up we went. Climbing over 12K feet on narrow and dangerous trails in slick conditions with a low cloud level isn't the smarter thing to do, but the reward is so great. The views are outstanding going up and coming down. The Stair Steps were scary and the switchbacks were tight and we were thankful to have a good driver. I think this road just gets more and more narrow each year because in some spots, we were just an inch or two away from the cliff edge.
Please please please, unless you are an experienced off-road driver, do not do this pass on your own. It's just stupid. Also, unless you own a Jeep (and not one of the cute Cherokees), you are putting your vehicle at risk. You WILL bottom out.
The view coming into Telluride was incredible and the Bridal Veil falls were great in the background. I'd certainly make this trip again!
Please please please, unless you are an experienced off-road driver, do not do this pass on your own. It's just stupid. Also, unless you own a Jeep (and not one of the cute Cherokees), you are putting your vehicle at risk. You WILL bottom out.
The view coming into Telluride was incredible and the Bridal Veil falls were great in the background. I'd certainly make this trip again!
Written August 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The-World-Trek
Colorado Springs, CO184 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
We have driven all of the trails for years within the area - except Black Bear - mainly due to the intimidating stories we have heard. Having done Imogene, Engineer, Stony Pass, Corkscrew, etc wasn’t sure we would (1) enjoy Black Bear, or (2) be prepared from an experience level. Neither of these turned out to be true in the least! On a whim, decided to take Black Bear in our new JL Rubicon. Was fortunate enough to meet two other Jeeps at the Black Bear Summit who have done Black Bear many times, and offered to spot us along the way. This turned out to to be a huge help - especially for our m first time going over it! Didn’t have any issue and completely enjoyed it! Now, feel more than capable of doing it on our own next time. However, will continue to take it slow, watch the weather conditions (avoid rain/sleet), and enjoy it even more next time! Parts of Imogene and Engineer are just as technically difficult as Black Bear, but certainly Black Bear has the intimidation and risk factor due to the heights of the cliffs and switchbacks and the steps, over the others. All in all if you are intimidated find a local group, club, or guide to assist you for the trip.
Written September 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotelcook001
1 contribution
I was wondering how long it took most people? Also it seems like most went from silverton to telluride. It seems like climbing switch backs could be easier than descending them? Would it be a good idea to start in telluride?
Can I do this in a Subaru outback?
Mike C
Telluride, CO5 contributions
I wouldn’t do this. You need high clearance, locking differential, very low gearing, and preferably standard transmission. Otherwise, it’s too precipitous and dangerous!
Prescott 4x4 mercenaries
1 contribution
Hello all, is there anyone doing the black bear pass at end of July that we can join in.
I have an 83 toyota 4x4 that's set up for trail riding. Would I be able to take this trail?
travelqueen
37 contributions
Is it possible to do this in a stock F-250 long bed?
scrapbookchef
Utah71 contributions
Absolutely not. There would be absolutely no way to turn the corners coming down the switchbacks. It is very technical and very tight and we barely made them in a four door Rubicon Jeep and we are very experienced off road drivers.
What is the best time of the year to take this trail. Where do you start and end?
Prescott 4x4 mercenaries
1 contribution
Is there a group going or other individuals doing this trail around and of July going we can join.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Black Bear Pass
- Hotels near Black Bear Pass:
- (3.36 mi) Lumière with Inspirato
- (3.34 mi) The Inn at Lost Creek
- (3.34 mi) Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge
- (3.10 mi) Mountain Lodge Telluride
- (3.28 mi) Madeline Hotel & Residences
- Restaurants near Black Bear Pass:
- (4.13 mi) Allred's Restaurant
- (5.09 mi) Cosmopolitan
- (5.27 mi) Brown Dog Pizza
- (5.16 mi) Chop House Restaurant
- (5.12 mi) 221 South Oak
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