black bear pass

KathyG599

The hiking up here is stellar! It is so beautiful at this time of year but please be careful as we did see a jeep that had rolled off the very narrow and steep 4wd road!

683mashap

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!

328MichaelD328

This was quite the experience. It was raining the day I had planned to drive over Black Bear Pass, and after driving 19+ hours to get there-I did it anyway.By the time we got to the last portion (The Steps & Switchbacks) it was misty with scattered rain showers. The trail was wet and the visibility reduced. Only do this trail with a capable vehicle, and solid nerves. Straying just 6 inches could cost your your life in some parts of the trail.I'd recommend NOT doing it in the rain. But, it is possible.

18gregs

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 (:

TheLongLongTrailer

This was a beautiful trail with gorgeous waterfalls everywhere; but if you're the one driving, you will probably not enjoy it. Best to go with someone else driving, and not worry about tearing up your vehicle on the rock obstacles. The stair steps to Telluride we're still closed mid July, so we got to the top and turned around. Going up easier than down.

lchughey22

This trail is usually closed until mid to late July. Like Imogene, you are not allowed to take rental vehicles on this trail. It is a great trail, but for experienced four wheelers that bring their own vehicle.

Cowboy2013

Only for experienced rock crawlers. Views are amazing. Trip is a little hair raising especially with the sheer drops beside the road, but I have never seen such sights.

sherwoodsh

Loved the amazing beauty of the pass. So cool to see the top of the mtns and look down on the beauty. Some of the mtn sides where a little scarey. Definitly made you hold on and tighten those butt muscles. Not sure I could do the step ladder down again. I was ready to get out. But still happy I had done it. Very tight roads. Not for a large vehicle. Even jeeps struggle through it.Came across some motorcycleist going through it. Lets just say if you are not a EXCELLENT motorcyclist and experienced do not attempt it. There is only one way traffic. So you are riding it to the end! Like it or not!

Kenneth222

This is absolutely the wildest jeep trail I've ever been on. Disclaimer; my girlfriend and I did it on a Honda XL500 off-road motorcycle. I personally would not drive a jeep over this thing. It runs from Red Mountain Pass on hiway 550 to Telluride, in THAT direction only. Parts of it are one-way for good reason.The scenery and the challenges are beyond belief. Just breathtaking. There is one part, called "The Steps" that is so rough I actually had the passenger walk for her safety. It was very rough, with loose shale and fairly steep downhill. Difficult to control the bike even riding single.On the Red Mountain side of the pass, it was much easier and still very beautiful. You CAN turn around before you get to the steps. If you're driving a long wheelbase pickup, you SHOULD.One other caveat; although they only let you go back to May, 2013, my last ride over the pass was actually August, 2008. I had ridden it many times before that. Sorry, trip-advisor.

sunwest42

This is a genuinely terrifying (but EXHILARATING) experience. But go ONLY with an experienced tour driver. No matter how good an off road driver you are, DON'T try ityourself. The point is to have fun, not to be another statistic.

BudgetTravelerMR2

"Unbelievable" is the best word for this high mountain pass. Everywhere you look, there is something to see and gasp at. Bring plenty of storage space on your smartphone or camera, you are going to need it.

marciebelle

This jeep ride was my brother's idea. When I read the jeep book description of the pass, I must admit tried to talk him out of it ( "Not for the faint of heart. Experienced drivers only"). I did muster up my courage finally and we headed out. The ride up to the top of the pass is gorgeous, with wildflowers and waterfalls. It is the descent that is the difficult part. The road becomes one-way, luckily, as the trail is narrow with switchbacks that need a lot of manoeuvering to handle. The scariest part was "the steps". I must admit I got out at that point and walked for that part of the road. Once past the steps and the switchbacks, you can breathe again and enjoy Bridal Falls which is exceptionally beautiful when seen from the pass. I recommend having an jeep with good breaks, a driver with nerves of steel, and leaving in the morning before the rains begin (it rains almost daily in Colorado in the summer afternoons). You do NOT want to be on the steps in the slippery rain. I must say now after it is over, I am glad I shared with experience with my brother , but it is NOT to be taken lightly.

whisperingnook

We booked a tour through Telluride Outside and Roger was an excellent guide! I left a separate review on Telluride Outside's profile.

gypsywoman1312

Wow, what a ride! If you're a flat lander like us, be sure & pack your courage, but the views from the top make up for it all!

imwild

Trek up to Bear Creek Falls. It's worth it. The hike is classified easy compared to some others in the area. Take your time if you are not acclimated to the altitude