Black Bear Pass, Colorado
- Thread starter Ted
- Start date
I plan on doing at the beginning of August. Seems that it is not technically difficult but has extreme exposure which can really freak you out if you are not comfortable with that sort of thing.
Think of going over a 500 foot deep gorge on a highway bridge, you would shoot right over it at 70 MPH.
Take the same bridge and make it 1 lane wide with no guardrails, technically its the same thing, but I'm sure your not going to go 70 MPH.
Think of going over a 500 foot deep gorge on a highway bridge, you would shoot right over it at 70 MPH.
Take the same bridge and make it 1 lane wide with no guardrails, technically its the same thing, but I'm sure your not going to go 70 MPH.
M
Mosi
Guest
Obstical wise, it's easy.. .room for error wise, it's difficult. Just keep that brake pedal mashed and take it slow. If you get into a bind (brakes fail or fade) and pick up too much speed, turn the wheel to the right and put the truck into the cliff wall to stop. Some body damage from the wall would be much better than the other alternative.
edit.. I should have read the write up first cuz they said exactly the same thing as I did
edit.. I should have read the write up first cuz they said exactly the same thing as I did
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F
FamilyRover
Guest
I ran it a few years ago in my jeep TJ. Technically it is not hard but it is very nerve racking. I would only suggest it to those who have the upmost confidence in their driving skills and their vehicle. It's one of those "been there and done it", but I do not plan to do in again. Especially with my family on board, they mean to much to me in the event that something bad were to happen.
(IMHO) Black bear is one of those trails, I will never run. Anything that is near certain death on a catasrophic system or personal failure is not my bag. Black bear and Lions Back are the two that I have seen that you will not see my rig on. Whole families have died on that trail as recently as last year.
It's a great trail. Go with somebody experienced though. Last year a Jeep fell off of the cliff and killed everyone in the vehicle. Sadly that same summer another Jeep pulled over on Imogene (1 mountain over) and fell off another cliff and killed everyone as well. I think between those two unfortunate accidents about 6-7 people died.
Just don't forget about how serious things can get quickly. Always have a plan. Like they said, point the truck into the side of the hill when all else fails.
Just don't forget about how serious things can get quickly. Always have a plan. Like they said, point the truck into the side of the hill when all else fails.
I ran this trail without even plannign on it. I was driving down the road and my girlfirend has said hey we can take black bear into telluride right as i passed the sign for it. THe switchbacks are the only part of the trail where you might raise an eyebrow. If you were driving an h1 hummer then yes, you should be freaked out of your mind. Land Rovers are narrow enough where i never even got near the edge. Just go slowly and carefully, stay as far from the cliff edge as possible and you will be fine. To give you an idea of the terrain challenge, there was a 95 explorer with running boards and road tires right behind me the whole way. No doubt there is a danger factor but if you are mildly careful i feel as if this trail is perfectly fine.