Black Bear Pass

Trail Overview

Black Bear Pass trail is one of Colorado's most well-known Jeep trails. This 9.9-mile route deep in the Rocky Mountains begins at U.S. 550 at Red Mountain Pass and climbs to heart-stopping heights before the famous descent into Telluride. Views of historic mines and majestic waterfalls, including the highest in Colorado, Bridal Veil Falls, are some of the fantastic views on this technical OHV trail. The trail rises sharply to the summit of Black Bear Pass, providing ample parking and panoramic views into Ingram Basin. As the trail descends, it passes by Ingram Lake and the old Black Bear Mine, weaving through three basins with dramatic descents that bring you closer to Telluride. This route is not just about the challenge; it's also about soaking in the natural beauty, with sights of two significant waterfalls and expansive views of the San Juan mountains.Particularly notorious for "The Steps," a stretch of solid ledge road that is somewhat narrow, off-camber, and features a significant drop on the driver's side, the mile-long stretch of steep switchbacks is rated as difficult and is not for inexperienced drivers. A high clearance, short wheelbase, four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended for this section of the road. Extreme caution should be taken here. The views are good, but you must keep your eyes on the road to avoid rollovers.The best time to go to Black Bear Pass is June, July, and August, but the pass can close at any point due to weather and trail conditions. Black Bear Pass is closed from October through May 15 due to snowpack.While Black Bear Pass has a reputation that includes potential danger, with sensible driving and proper precautions, it is a manageable challenge for experienced off-roaders. It's possible to encounter hazards on this trail, as with many in the Rocky Mountains, but with care and attention, the risks can be navigated safely. onX Offroad Trail Guide Review of Black Bear Pass:Historic mines and breathtaking waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, are just some sights along this mountain trail. You can turn around before you reach the one-way, downhill switchbacks. If you're in an unlicensed vehicle, you should take that option or plan to be picked up at the bottom of the trail. The road is closed from October through May 15. Black Bear Pass is one of the best-known Jeep trails in the State. This is an easy 6-rated trail, but if I gave "Pucker Factor" ratings, this one would be off the chart your first time down. The scenery is excellent. There are two significant waterfalls, lovely views of the San Juans, and a Telluride overview. The trail is two-way as it begins on US 550 but switches to one-way at the point where it gets narrow and scary. There are very few spots wide enough to pass from here on down. The road from US 550 to the actual Black Bear Pass is another beautiful Rocky Mountain road. A spur road at the timberline leads to Porphyry Gulch, then the trail goes up, up, and up toward the pass. The road drops down into the upper basin as you top the pass. You then drop from there into a still lower basin. Then, drop into yet a third basin. After the edge of the third basin, the road drops steeply toward Telluride. At the bottom of this drop, you reach a sign indicating that the trail is one-way from this point on. You will soon reach the worst "Pucker Point" of the trail. This section is called "The Steps". The road is a solid ledge, but it is a bit off-camber and somewhat narrow, and there is a big drop on the driver's side. This is the scariest part. Be careful. Think about what you are doing, and you will be OK. Remember, tour companies take tourists down this. OR, you can do what I did - let your wife drive so you can take photos.