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...

@hemisuperzee1287

3 жыл бұрын

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.

@theeddorian

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@stevensranch1135

7 ай бұрын

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.

Thank you for taking me to a place I'll probably never get to personally experience. Simply amazing sites. Thank you.

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_like_turtles_67

2 жыл бұрын

I am guessing my crew cab tundra is too long for a couple of these switchbacks.

@take3077

2 жыл бұрын

@@I_like_turtles_67 109%

@nhi369

Жыл бұрын

We took a1968 Chevy 3/4 ton lifted pickup over black bear pass and back over Imogene no problems

Great tour! My palms are sweating just watching! Not for the faint of heart

Great video, thank you! I don't think I will ever drive it, but glad I could see it!!

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.

@paulmayo6006

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, when your tires start sliding down that slick rock, it sorta gets your attention.

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.

This is one of those "nobody talk and turn the radio off" kinda drives.

@donchristie420

3 жыл бұрын

Didn’t even finish watching- stupid fn music

@WRjockey

3 жыл бұрын

This is one of those "grab the steering wheel so hard that it breaks" kinda drives... ;)

@chopperchuck

3 жыл бұрын

i can't see what I'm doing ,turn the radio off

@kjsgarden

3 жыл бұрын

Nah, only a couple spots need that kind of focus. But experience helps your comfort level, certainly.

@len9483

3 жыл бұрын

@@donchristie420 Just add a volume knob to your computer!

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.

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. More to come!! Make sure to subscribe!

@skibee50

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/c4Bhz9yneMaro7g.html

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 would have to have a mechanical break-down at the more hairy spots, beautiful scenery, thanks for posting.

Definitely on my must do trails bucket list.

Great video, thanks for taking us with you!

Thank you for sharing your cliff-hanger adventure. Very entertaining !

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

@JTBCOOL1

3 жыл бұрын

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.

@ronramlow6371

3 жыл бұрын

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.

@Colorado_Native

3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@ronramlow6371

3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@Colorado_Native

3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

Great bird's eye view of this trip. Those switchbacks are daunting. Only done Yankee Boy Basin to the top. Thx.

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.

This is one of my bucket list drives!

@dodgeguyz

3 жыл бұрын

radio reflections Yes, even still. That doesn't happen without driver error. I'm confident in my skills, but still cautious.

Very nice. Beautiful scenery on very narrow back road. Shows the worst of the road with switchbacks. Thanks for sharing.

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.

@hemisuperzee1287

3 жыл бұрын

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.

@nordic5490

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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.

Such a stunning landscape.

It is very intense. It is beautiful. Been on it 3 times. Loved each time.

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!

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!

The Best BLACK BEAR MOUNTAIN PICTURE AND TRAIL EXPLANATION . Thank you!!

It's like driving in a painting.

I'm going there in July on a Dual Sport motorcycle, thanks for the prep run, stay safe.

@moneyandtimefreedom3352

3 жыл бұрын

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.

@CraigHollabaugh

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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!

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.

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.

Great camera work with the steady picture!

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!

Refreshing video

By Far, the Best video award to this view of the pass!

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.

@stephenlamphier1141

3 жыл бұрын

So a longer wheelbase truck like a long bed Chevy could do it?

@kevinpeterson8382

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve also seen video of a Ford 250 doing it.

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.

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

If someone HAS to use a spotter on a county road, their skill level low or their spotter is an insistant mansplaner.

@maxmcintosh7380

3 жыл бұрын

@@4x4overlandadventures55 Someone didn't use a spotter? Yikes! kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZIZpxa6gmLa9d7Q.html&app=desktop

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

@@maxmcintosh7380 Someone forgot to put a rock behind their tire... so needlessly tragic.

@percyfaith11

3 жыл бұрын

@@4x4overlandadventures55 and curb the front tires away from the cliff side.

Thank you I lived in Portland between Ridgway and Ouray for 10 years

@danbrownellfuzzy3010

3 жыл бұрын

Take an 18 wheeler there. Yikes

@skibee50

3 жыл бұрын

@@danbrownellfuzzy3010 just my 30' gooseneck Ridgway to Durango

Your story make it sounds so hard, piece of cake ....

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

Correct. It isn't hard...but it is spooky. Anyone who says it isn't must be part Mohekan

Great video thank you for sharing

Trails in Moab have some wicked switch backs, nothing here looks worse than those. I would love to do this trail.

I’m waiting for the interstate to go through. 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for the trip. Better you than me. The view is spectacular. 👍

@4x4overlandadventures55

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

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.

*adds trail to bucket list*

that was awesome! great video man. Sexy Jeeps!

Fun ride!

I love Colorado!

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.

Beautiful country.

Was out that way the second week of August, but only did the Alpine loop. If I had a smaller vehicle I would do Black Bear, the switchbacks in my crewcab F250 were a pain in the butt. Wanted to do Imogene as well, but the rest of my group had enough of the shelf roads even though they had a great time.Well that, and I would've been doing Imogene all by myself on very little sleep, so for safety reasons I didn't do it. Not a fan of heights, but actually felt more sketchy to me driving that high on the paved roads than on the trails because the speed is much slower on the trails. Headed out to Utah next year and might do Imogene along the way, but will pass on Black Bear lol.

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!!!

Did it in my Wife's Subaru Forrester XT when dry. Total breeze. Wet conditions would have been another story.

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.

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.

@mikethomas7138

Жыл бұрын

I have a stock TJ with 31 inch tires, will that do it?

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.

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!

@nordic5490

2 жыл бұрын

You need cell overage, and other people ? Soft

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!

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 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.

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! The perfect vehicle would be a stock CJ2A.

Give me the beach. Flat, beautiful, warm, sunny, relaxing.

Slow and steady.

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.

It’d be nice to take my Terios there!

my dad took me on this trail in a subaru hatch 40 years ago we were the only car up there i was scared but had fun and we had a lot of compliments from other 4x4 ps my dad is and was a computer science guy so i was amazed at his skill not even knowing it was skill

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 consider I am a pretty good driver, but those switchbacks are something else again!

Going around those hairpin turns is scary as crap.🤯🤯🤯 If I were a passenger, I would get out until the turn was complete.

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.

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

GoPro 5 black. I just use the factory digital stabilization. Thanks!!!!

@mikeski555

3 жыл бұрын

@@4x4overlandadventures55 Thank you for your reply.

its good in large groups to have someone sit at the switchback and watch over not really guiding but watching out that they dont so something truly stupid its all a good spot to get shots the rigs at different angles

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

True, just don't stand between the vehicles and the cliffs. That is truly stupid.

Well, we’ve done every other trail around Ouray, Silverton and Telluride plus trails in Moab and Sedona but not Black Bear. It is just one I cant conquer in my mind.... Be sure to try Brown Dog Pizza in Telluride....

Most terrifying thing I've ever watched in my life i had an anxiety attack looking at this..you people are super heroes

I don't think I would do it in my Durango, but maybe. My Sportsman? Hell yah! That would almost be too much fun.

I'm going to be doing it in Oct for the first time

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS VERY BEAUTIFUL SCENERY THE MUSIC WAS SPOT ON DIDNT HAVE MY HEART POUNDING (THIS IS BEAR PASS) REASSURED ME WHY I HAVE A JK❤️

...did the pass last year and got caught in a rainstorm. It was definitely a handful!😮

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!

@jerryfernandez8881

3 жыл бұрын

A Tundra fit on the trails? Did you have issues with the switch backs?

@I_like_turtles_67

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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.

The trail turn assist feature in new the Bronco is gonna make this much easier.

@4x4overlandadventures55

2 жыл бұрын

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.

Nice videos but we all know that they just don't do the justice. The view is simply breathtaking.

Scary !

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).

Glacier national park is nice in Montana and it is daunting but safe , if you go off forget about your vehicle and your soul

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.

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

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.

@matthiasice

3 жыл бұрын

@@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 agree with your comment on a spotter. I've done most of the trails in that area and have never had a spotter. What if your spotter gives bad directions ? LOL

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

There are exactly 2 people I trust to spot me. One of them is me, the other is in the white JLUR.

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).

@coloffroad

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I wouldn’t want a four door on those corners.

Very nice video, thank you. I think I could make that in my 20 Subaru Forester. My fear would be having one of those large boulders getting loose and crashing into the vehicle.

@boostedsaleen6146

3 жыл бұрын

Dont do it

@matthiasice

3 жыл бұрын

90% of the trail maybe, but there are a couple obstacles that, while easy in a Jeep or other 4x4 would do damage to a Forester (even a lifted one)

@agm6095

3 жыл бұрын

@@matthiasice Thank you

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.

I used to live in Durango too!

The hair pin turn at 4:11 , 6:24 was the only nail biter in my stock wrangler.

Wish we had stuff like in Virginia. All we have are woods. Their are the apalacian mountains but no trails here like this

@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305

3 жыл бұрын

@Charles X Yea unfortunatly i probably will never get to drive in these colorado mountains with my Two Jeeps. My wagoneer gets 11mpg highway. My 5.9 liter v8 grand cherokee gets maybe 17. The wagoneer itd cost me 1000$ in gas both ways from virginia to black bear pass and back. Lol.

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.

Its a beautiful drive. I have this trail at least 7 times in my life long wheelbase pickup. Not fun. But doable, the shorter the wheelbase the better. The last time I done it in our 2016 jeep renagade. Me and my father did it in his short wheelbase winnebago rv. Yes he regretted it but we got it down without any damage other than nerves. It can be a deadly drive if you don't pay attention and there is always that slight possibility, that someone else could take you out from there mistake. Enjoy this trail be cautious. And I did do it in a 2006 mustang gt. The last step did not like the spare tire carrier sticking down so it gladly pushed it up about 2" yes had some damage. But not really that much. I still enjoyed what he'd a guy in front of me asend it in a Cadillac environment escalade yea he lost his rear bumper on the stairs. The renagade did fine all the way down but it is lifted.

@michaelquillen2679

3 жыл бұрын

The tour ride services do this in 1-ton pickups with riders in bench seats on the back. Saw a guy pulling (coming up from the Telluride side) a 30' travel trailer with a Suburban on Imogene pass. Remember, these trails were originally forged for mules/horses pulling wagons...now there's a challenge!

My Dad used to do that with Grand Waggoneers back in the 80s. Also International Scouts. Thanks for showing. Just got back from Denver. Rented a Sahara and did trails outside of Montezuma. I may need a Wrangler. lol. Really Epic scenery. Hope it goes viral for you!!!👍👍😎🇺🇸

@4x4overlandadventures55

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!!!!

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

Beautifully lethal comes to mind

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!

Think we're doing this one this time end of August. 🤙🇺🇸😬