Sir, I don't know your name, but I say thank you a hundred times for producing this "high quality" narrative video. Wow! The memories this brought rushing back to me from 30+ years ago when I went over Black Bear. At that time my wife (who was 5 months pregnant the time), I, my parents, my wife's parents and my brother-in-law went over Black Bear in a 74 Chevy Blazer and an International Scout. What made it even more exciting was the fact that my dad didn't realize it until we started down the back side but only the rear axle was driving because something happened in the transfer case. As a result we (the Blazer in the lead) got hung up on a switch back and my wife's dad pulled us free with a tow strap. Anyway, it was breathtaking to say the least, I'll never forget it. We've been on Engineer, Imogene, Copper & Yankee Boy but none compared to old Black Bear. Thank you for priming the wonderful memories for me. My dad and my wife's dad are gone now so this was very, very special for me. Dennis Botz
Jeep Peep not sure how to tag u to kind of been enjoying your video to a hot bath and bottle of wine while the hubs has the baby and toddler occupied I legit love this video
Incredible video! Thank you. This trip appears every bit worth the level of focus and preparation needed for a safe and successful experience. Seems a trip to challenge the soul
Wonderful video and narrative. I am scared to drive such roads - so enjoying video like yours. I hear these roads need more maintenance and also hear it should be left bit wild for enthusiasts!
Thank you for this video. Thirty-five years ago, I tried to travel this pass (2 different years) only to be blocked by snow drifts. Seeing the spectacular scenery was indeed a treat.
Very nice video. The pandemic tossed a wrench into my plans to visit Black Bear this year. I’ve watched every video I could find on it, and this is definitely one of the best. Thanks for sharing. OIIIIIIIO
In the summer of 1970, a good friend from Aztec took me around SW Colorado in his pick-up -- V6 Chevy engine, and otherwise souped up. We started out from Telluride, intending to reach Ouray. The path started up a rock face: switchbacks carved into the rock, no sand, no gravel. Very tippy. Sometimes a rock would be spit out from under our tires, and (of course) the truck would lurch. I had never experienced this, so I was sweating buckets, but he was totally cool. Finally, it began to rain, and the rockface became slippery, and my friend finally decided to back down. None of the videos I've seen about this trail cover that rockface. I wonder whether it has been abandoned. (My friend Butch Hackney died some years later. RIP!)
Watched the whole thing and loved it. I'm moving to Colorado in two weeks. I own a 2012 Rubicon and have never really used it off road. I appreciate your insights and, as a beginner, I'm looking forward to getting my feet wet in the San Juan Mountains. Thanks again.
Wow. Great video. When I first started watching I saw that it was 90 minutes long and said to myself "no way I'm watching the whole thing." Next thing I know 90 minutes is gone by and the video is over. Nice job and beautiful trail.
I have wanted to do Black Bear for years, but my wife and co-rider has refused. After watching this I believe she is ready for doing it in September. Thanks, this was a really good video.
Great Job!!! My son Terry and I did the pass several years ago,and posted a video called :" Another Black Bear Pass Video" , and I thought we did an ok job , but your`s is so much better , it makes me want to go back and do it all over again.I have had Rocky Mt Withdrawal and seriously need another dose of high altitude adventure. Your video gave me a lot of pleasure, and I will certainly watch it many more times. Regards and Happy Trails, Jack
Great video. Excellent narration and no electro-pulse music thankfully. That said, I’ve now experienced this pass through your video and find myself in a fetal position with my gin and tonic with blood pressure to match. I’ll leave trails like this to the more adventuresome. I’ll keep my 4Runner on much easier ones. But thanks for the stroke! (Great job!)
Really enjoy your videos. They’re both inspirational and a healthy deterrent. Both are needed. The good news is one of my ballsticles has finally reappeared! (Still can’t find the other one.) 😵💫
Hands down one of the best videos ever to watch before hitting black bear pass..thank you for making a newbies life easy cant wait to take my jk on the pass
Great video......after watching I realized I had met you in Moab at ejs 2015.... I lent you some tools in the parking lot you were fixing your control arm....maby see you in Moab for ejs 2016!
My wife and I watched the whole thing. Loved it. My wife lost it at that really narrow part with the poles. She tells me ‘let’s go do it’. I’m in. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Finally something factual (and almost just as important: no pathetic music!)! Planning a trip (Colorado, Utah and beyond) from Europe this was most helpful, thank you!
This is still on my bucket list! All my fellow FJ'rs are in Ouray this week wheeling the trails, so I got to watch this video and wish I was there. Great video for going from the beginning to the end of the trail.
Nice job on the video and commentary. Me and my wife will be visiting Black Bear Pass next year along with 5-6 other Badge of Honor trails in Colorado and Arizona.
This video was like giving dope to a junkie. Just got back from wheeling the Breckenridge area and watching this video makes my wife and me ready to go back to Colorado tomorrow. Outstanding job and a very classy production. Thanks so very much and we will be in Ouray this year before the snow falls....
Very well video!! I never been here but I been considering it and thanks to this video it gives a idea on how difficult it is which isn't much at all..
This is a great video. Very useful info for Jeeping across Black Bear Pass. I am planning a trip to Silverton and am really looking forward to going to Telluride across this pass so it is nice to see how it is done before I do it for the first time. Thank you so much. Great Job.
We did Black Bear in 2022 on July 14th in my 2015 JK, and it was a blast! I enjoyed your video, and it brought back memories that makes me want to do it again soon!!
Thanks for posting. Watch the entire time! I’m almost done building my jk and I’ll be heading to Colorado for the first time within the next two weeks. Looks like a tremendously beautiful trail ✌️
Very mellow and professionally done. Unfortunately, this is as close to BB Pass as I'll ever get. I'm terrified of heights, and especially of dropoffs like those you encountered. Like Clint Eastwood once said ... "a man's got to know his limitations." Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Right there with Tim Cox; great presentation! I've got an XJ and have been looking at this trail for a few weeks now. I was curious about how my wheel-base would handle the switchbacks, your camera angles helped. LOL GREAT heads-up on the three inch shift just after the steps as well!!
Very detailed, I thought that this was done very well.It shows the beginning to the end, very few of these videos provide that info. It also gives you a time table of the trail.
GOOD PRODUCTION! AWESOME JOB! I have a long list of roads & trails I would pit against Black Bear. AZ FR269 is a really good one. (scenery is okay to good until you get to the river, and then it is like The Land of Oz! Verde Crossing is good. Homeland Stupidity won't let anyone near Childs, anymore, but that one is really good. It kind of links up with Verde Crossing, depending on how you want to go. Black Bear is gravy, for people who are not stupid! You can get into a lot of trouble with weather and water in Tonto National Forrest. It can rain 30, 40 or 50 miles away, and a weep spring becomes a geyser and the road may be impassable on the way out, so know an alternate route, or prepare to get wet and hike. I have had a Suzuki Samuri up there on Black Bear, and my 1980 Ford Fairmout station wagon was a great car for fire roads & trails, so it did BBP too. My father got the dubious job of going to Yuma Arizona, with 3 other people and driving four 1940s GPW/MB Jeeps back to Rockyford Colorado in 1950. Yeah, Arizona, in summer, no AC, no interstate highway system, and four military surplus Jeeps, transferred as is the the USDA. 4 weeks and several repairs later, and dad hated Jeeps. RIP dad!
This was a great tutorial for a beginner like me. I just bought a 15' 2 Door Rubicon, and it is stock for now. I am anxious to take it up several beginner trails, and after seeing this video I really want to make this trail happen. It is reassuring knowing that even stock vehicles can make this trail and you make the switchbacks seem less intimidating. Thanks for such a great post. I will be re watching when I make it to Black Bear!
+Chelsea Flack I would purchase the Charles Wells Guide to Colorado Trails book. It is excellent, and it includes all of the basic Colorado trails ranked by difficulty.
Great video!! Thank you for making this. My wife and I are headed up to Colorado next week in our Tacoma outfitted for Overlanding. Really appreciate the commentary as it will help our journey.
I'm going over this trail in just a couple of weeks. I've watched this video several times now. I feel I know just about every inch of the route, which instills confidence. Thank you so much for sharing this. It has been a great help. The trips getting closer!
Good luck with it. Based on your experience level you may want to hold up for some experienced off-roaders at the trail head. Most folks are more than happy to have you join. It is better to go about trails of this nature with some experienced hands nearby to provide you some input along the way.
I did Black Bear Pass earlier this month, for the first time, and I must say your video helped me quite a bit. It was a great trail, and the steps were no joke. I did it in an '08 Land Rover LR3.
Thank you for this video. THIS is the video that pushed me to 1. buy a 4-wheel vehicle, 2. start learning how to drive properly.. This is a thing I MUST now do.. So, thank you for this video...
That is awesome. Glad to hear that I had some influence on buying a 4 wheel vehicle. Enjoy it but always remember to Stay on the Trail. That's a big deal to me.
Really enjoyed your video. Top notch. I have driven many of the Jeep trails in the Ouray - Silverton area but not Black Bear Pass. It is on my list for my next trip. Thanks for the excellent video.
Nice video...thank you. I was there in 1976...July 4th. Black Bear was still closed due to snow but we did rent a Jeep in Ouray and went up....it was awesome. It was Colorado's 100th birthday that day and as we came back into town a group of partiers rolled their Jeep coming down the steep road coming into town, turning too fast at the bottom....people and beer spilled out and everyone was ok
It is indeed, the COMPLETE GUIDE to Black Bear Pass. I would say that ANYONE who has any reservations about doing the Black Bear should watch this video before deciding. If you are NOT going to do the Pass, watch a motorcycle video of the Black Bear because it will go much faster. Very good video!!!
Patty, I don't know if you've ever been to the San Juans (Telluride & Ouray) in September, but if you go toward the end you may get to see the Aspens turning gold and you will be absolutely amazed. You'll never forget it.
i was in ouray this weekend. im from alabama, mind you, and have zero driving experience on mountain roads AT ALL. so when my ice climbing guides suggested i drive over the red mountain pass, i just thought it was like the drive in from grand junction. boy was i wrong. a few hours before i was hanging off a pitch of ice with no problem, but that road scared the hell out of me. so watching this is about the same!
Awesome video, thanks for taking the time and effort to make this and put it up on youtube. Also appreciate the lack of awful music that is in so many other videos, thumbs up!
Excellent video. I did Black Bear in late June 2012 in my mostly stock 1972 CJ5 and like you said it is not difficult you just have to use good judgement.
Great Video! Enjoyed it thoroughly!! Have been over many, many times over the years. Headed back up in late August. You did a great job on the Video and narration.
Enjoyed watching immensely. I've only been in the Lake City, Ouray, Silverton area over Cinnamon and Engineer Passes, and from Animas Forks to Ouray over a mountain trail that I don't know the name of. The unknown one was pretty hairy...it ended at the Million Dollar Hwy. I love this area. Thanks so much for posting!
I enjoyed your video and it was very informative. i watched the whole thing and it has already helped me decide some things for my trip in September for the Jeep Jamboree. Thanks for sharing.
Love Colorado-I have driven over the million dollar highway many times but never went off roading like this-so beautiful. I think I would prefer an experienced driver to ride with-Sonya Gabbert.
Thanks for making a full length video I watched the whole thing, Great scenery, I am putting this on my bucket list, I've done other trails around the area, mostly in the sawatch range in and out of chaffee county, but haven't made it to Telluride yet, I'll make it point to get there now.
I did the California pass last month. We rented a polaris sxs in Silverton. I want to pull my sxs next summer, so we can do Black Bear pass and any other trails out there. We live in Houston, so it's a pretty good haul up there. But great video!! thanks for sharing Behind the Rocks!!
Hey we're from the same area. We've been going up there for a week each summer for the past 3 years. We ride ATVs mostly. It is one hell of a drive though. The only thing about doing Black Bear Pass is it is one way down and Telluride doesn't allow OHVs on their streets.
Headed there next week, with my two daughters, and this was the perfect video to watch (as I sit and wait for a winch to be installed). Thanks for the detailed overview! \/_
I feel the need to add that trail to the list ...I have a few choices that would be cool to take, new to very old. I can imagine taking my 80FJ40, or what would be really cool is to take my MarineCorps 54M170. If I get the chance, I will certainly share as you did. Thx again
I loved this video. Watched the whole thing this afternoon and I want to go back. I drove this road in July of 2013. Then there was no snow anywhere so the scenery looked more interesting in this video. Then I had a 2012 JK 2-door Rubicon with a two inch lift and 34 inch tires. I don't think I would take a stock vehicle.
Hey Robert, Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. I also drove this in July 2013. We may have crossed paths. I like your Jeep. Keep the shiny side up!
wakesurfingiowa I drove the BB Pass trail on July 23, 2013. If we crossed paths it wasn't there as I had the entire trail all to myself. I spent 3.5 hours to complete the road and saw no other vehicles or hikers. Maybe that afternoon on nearby Imogene Pass which was crawling with Jeeps and everything else. As for "shiny side up" I don't do the hard core stuff. Afterwards I must rely on my JK14 to get me back home (also Iowa). Paid too much for it to risk damage.
Really nice video! Really appreciate your low-key narration and sane driving. Perhaps lacking is your explanation that you have a well-built jeep, you are experienced, and you are going with another vehicle. Anyone could navigate to the top of the steps, but from that point on drivers would definitely have to be confident, know their vehicles, and have some experience in that type of terrain and with spotting. Driving ability is the greatest factor, but your vehicle makes it a lot easier than someone driving a stock SUV. Thanks for posting this beautiful trip. Even vicariously it was really beautiful and a lot of fun, a real delight!
+alhetmooie Those are great points. My rig has been modified quite a bit. Having a spotter for the first couple times is essential. Don't go it alone or without experience around you.
Awesome video. Very comprehensive and awesome views. Now, I just have to make the time to go out there and do the trail. Thanks for putting this together and sharing. (Toyota Land Cruiser UZJ100).
I want to really thank you for sharing, I watch the Vid from beginning to end…..!!! CAPTIVATING!!!!! I'm buying a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Next Year, Colorada will be my 1st trip!!!!!! I plan on building a AEV Conversion!!!! Thank Again For Sharing!! RR
we got to put the trip off till next year, but we got to do that trail, we got another jeep, 1948 Jeepster, small block Chevy, we'll get there next year. we'll be in touch. Thanks Red
Great video, would love to drive the pass, but live North Carolina and enjoy driving the trails here South Carolina and Georgia, not as high but muddy as it rains a lot in the mountains. I camp for a week at a time and visit waterfalls.
Might by tricky in the spring. Lots of snow pack still up there. I did it in late june and was a good amount of snow on the top of the peak I had to work through and around. Good luck and be safe!
Loved the video. Probably the closest I'll come to seeing it. I doubt my full size van could negotiate that. Be fun to try if it wasn't a complete drop off.
I think the power house is no longer in service, it is a private residence. This the best BB video I have seen. Leading a group the last week in August,
Awsomeness... I live in Michigan. I'll never get to see BBR but I've always wanted to do it ever since I read about it in a 70s 4x4 magazine . I wish I could of seen it in the early 80s before everybody "discovered " it. My dream would be to do it in a vintage Scout II .
Sir, I don't know your name, but I say thank you a hundred times for producing this "high quality" narrative video. Wow! The memories this brought rushing back to me from 30+ years ago when I went over Black Bear. At that time my wife (who was 5 months pregnant the time), I, my parents, my wife's parents and my brother-in-law went over Black Bear in a 74 Chevy Blazer and an International Scout. What made it even more exciting was the fact that my dad didn't realize it until we started down the back side but only the rear axle was driving because something happened in the transfer case. As a result we (the Blazer in the lead) got hung up on a switch back and my wife's dad pulled us free with a tow strap. Anyway, it was breathtaking to say the least, I'll never forget it. We've been on Engineer, Imogene, Copper & Yankee Boy but none compared to old Black Bear. Thank you for priming the wonderful memories for me. My dad and my wife's dad are gone now so this was very, very special for me.
Dennis Botz
Jeep Peep not sure how to tag u to kind of been enjoying your video to a hot bath and bottle of wine while the hubs has the baby and toddler occupied I legit love this video
That's awesome. I am very humbled by your remarks.
Incredible video! Thank you. This trip appears every bit worth the level of focus and preparation needed for a safe and successful experience. Seems a trip to challenge the soul
Wonderful video and narrative. I am scared to drive such roads - so enjoying video like yours. I hear these roads need more maintenance and also hear it should be left bit wild for enthusiasts!
Thank you for this video. Thirty-five years ago, I tried to travel this pass (2 different years) only to be blocked by snow drifts. Seeing the spectacular scenery was indeed a treat.
Great video please make more your wonderful God bless
Very nice video. The pandemic tossed a wrench into my plans to visit Black Bear this year. I’ve watched every video I could find on it, and this is definitely one of the best. Thanks for sharing. OIIIIIIIO
I've watched so many, I know every turn, dip, climb and switchback LOL.
I own a 2003 Tundra. I have always wanted to do this trail but I was afraid I couldn't in my truck. Now I have the confidence to do it. Thanks!
The Best and most Informational BBP vid on youtube. Thanks! This came in handy in my preps for what to expect on our trip to CO!
In the summer of 1970, a good friend from Aztec took me around SW Colorado in his pick-up -- V6 Chevy engine, and otherwise souped up. We started out from Telluride, intending to reach Ouray. The path started up a rock face: switchbacks carved into the rock, no sand, no gravel. Very tippy. Sometimes a rock would be spit out from under our tires, and (of course) the truck would lurch. I had never experienced this, so I was sweating buckets, but he was totally cool. Finally, it began to rain, and the rockface became slippery, and my friend finally decided to back down. None of the videos I've seen about this trail cover that rockface. I wonder whether it has been abandoned. (My friend Butch Hackney died some years later. RIP!)
I really enjoyed watching this entire video. Thank you for virtually taking us with you on this awesome adventure!
Watched the whole thing and loved it. I'm moving to Colorado in two weeks. I own a 2012 Rubicon and have never really used it off road. I appreciate your insights and, as a beginner, I'm looking forward to getting my feet wet in the San Juan Mountains. Thanks again.
Wish i could say the same about moving..next stop for sure
Wow. Great video. When I first started watching I saw that it was 90 minutes long and said to myself "no way I'm watching the whole thing." Next thing I know 90 minutes is gone by and the video is over. Nice job and beautiful trail.
thanks!
I have wanted to do Black Bear for years, but my wife and co-rider has refused. After watching this I believe she is ready for doing it in September. Thanks, this was a really good video.
Great Job!!! My son Terry and I did the pass several years ago,and posted a video called :" Another Black Bear Pass Video" , and I thought we did an ok job , but your`s is so much better , it makes me want to go back and do it all over again.I have had Rocky Mt Withdrawal and seriously need another dose of high altitude adventure. Your video gave me a lot of pleasure, and I will certainly watch it many more times.
Regards and Happy Trails, Jack
Jack O'Connor Thanks for the kind words Jack. I have seen your video too.
Great video. Excellent narration and no electro-pulse music thankfully. That said, I’ve now experienced this pass through your video and find myself in a fetal position with my gin and tonic with blood pressure to match. I’ll leave trails like this to the more adventuresome. I’ll keep my 4Runner on much easier ones. But thanks for the stroke! (Great job!)
You bet! A little elevated respiration and pulse is a good thing. I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
Really enjoy your videos. They’re both inspirational and a healthy deterrent. Both are needed. The good news is one of my ballsticles has finally reappeared! (Still can’t find the other one.) 😵💫
My husband and I did this trip about 10 years ago. Wonderfull memories coming back with your video! Thank you 😊
Hands down one of the best videos ever to watch before hitting black bear pass..thank you for making a newbies life easy cant wait to take my jk on the pass
Great video......after watching I realized I had met you in Moab at ejs 2015.... I lent you some tools in the parking lot you were fixing your control arm....maby see you in Moab for ejs 2016!
My wife and I watched the whole thing. Loved it. My wife lost it at that really narrow part with the poles. She tells me ‘let’s go do it’. I’m in. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Thanks for the kind feedback.
Loved the video!! Iv Been on a Black Bear Pass Kick watching as many as I can and yours was one of my favorites!! Love the Rig!
Thanks for the kind comments.
Finally something factual (and almost just as important: no pathetic music!)! Planning a trip (Colorado, Utah and beyond) from Europe this was most helpful, thank you!
Good video. I enjoyed watching it. Helped me to relive my trip down Black Bear just 2 days ago.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us on BBP
We're doing this trip next summer in a 2004 Rubicon.
This is still on my bucket list! All my fellow FJ'rs are in Ouray this week wheeling the trails, so I got to watch this video and wish I was there.
Great video for going from the beginning to the end of the trail.
Great video. The sounds of the drive and occasional narrative points work well together. Unique look at Black Bear Pass.
Nice job on the video and commentary. Me and my wife will be visiting Black Bear Pass next year along with 5-6 other Badge of Honor trails in Colorado and Arizona.
This video was like giving dope to a junkie. Just got back from wheeling the Breckenridge area and watching this video makes my wife and me ready to go back to Colorado tomorrow. Outstanding job and a very classy production. Thanks so very much and we will be in Ouray this year before the snow falls....
Joe Underwood It keeps you wanting to go back year after year, huh?
You sound like a pilot. The steps are so much steeper in person. Enjoyed the trip .
Very well video!! I never been here but I been considering it and thanks to this video it gives a idea on how difficult it is which isn't much at all..
This is a great video. Very useful info for Jeeping across Black Bear Pass. I am planning a trip to Silverton and am really looking forward to going to Telluride across this pass so it is nice to see how it is done before I do it for the first time. Thank you so much. Great Job.
We did Black Bear in 2022 on July 14th in my 2015 JK, and it was a blast! I enjoyed your video, and it brought back memories that makes me want to do it again soon!!
Thanks for posting. Watch the entire time! I’m almost done building my jk and I’ll be heading to Colorado for the first time within the next two weeks. Looks like a tremendously beautiful trail ✌️
Glad you liked it
Glad you liked it
Very nice video,...looking forward to going one day SOOOON !
Very mellow and professionally done. Unfortunately, this is as close to BB Pass as I'll ever get. I'm terrified of heights, and especially of dropoffs like those you encountered. Like Clint Eastwood once said ... "a man's got to know his limitations." Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Drive down with your eyes closed... thats what I did... signed Johnny Angel
Great vid! I lol'd at 1:16:20 when the kid couldn't get back into the Jeep
Right there with Tim Cox; great presentation! I've got an XJ and have been looking at this trail for a few weeks now. I was curious about how my wheel-base would handle the switchbacks, your camera angles helped. LOL GREAT heads-up on the three inch shift just after the steps as well!!
EnclaveDCLXVI Thanks. Have fun on the pass.
Very detailed, I thought that this was done very well.It shows the beginning to the end, very few of these videos provide that info. It also gives you a time table of the trail.
GOOD PRODUCTION! AWESOME JOB! I have a long list of roads & trails I would pit against Black Bear. AZ FR269 is a really good one. (scenery is okay to good until you get to the river, and then it is like The Land of Oz! Verde Crossing is good. Homeland Stupidity won't let anyone near Childs, anymore, but that one is really good. It kind of links up with Verde Crossing, depending on how you want to go. Black Bear is gravy, for people who are not stupid! You can get into a lot of trouble with weather and water in Tonto National Forrest. It can rain 30, 40 or 50 miles away, and a weep spring becomes a geyser and the road may be impassable on the way out, so know an alternate route, or prepare to get wet and hike. I have had a Suzuki Samuri up there on Black Bear, and my 1980 Ford Fairmout station wagon was a great car for fire roads & trails, so it did BBP too. My father got the dubious job of going to Yuma Arizona, with 3 other people and driving four 1940s GPW/MB Jeeps back to Rockyford Colorado in 1950. Yeah, Arizona, in summer, no AC, no interstate highway system, and four military surplus Jeeps, transferred as is the the USDA. 4 weeks and several repairs later, and dad hated Jeeps. RIP dad!
Seth B Thanks for the comment Seth.
This was a great tutorial for a beginner like me. I just bought a 15' 2 Door Rubicon, and it is stock for now. I am anxious to take it up several beginner trails, and after seeing this video I really want to make this trail happen. It is reassuring knowing that even stock vehicles can make this trail and you make the switchbacks seem less intimidating. Thanks for such a great post. I will be re watching when I make it to Black Bear!
+Chelsea Flack I would purchase the Charles Wells Guide to Colorado Trails book. It is excellent, and it includes all of the basic Colorado trails ranked by difficulty.
+wakesurfingiowa just bought a used one online, thanks so much for the advice!
Great video!! Thank you for making this. My wife and I are headed up to Colorado next week in our Tacoma outfitted for Overlanding. Really appreciate the commentary as it will help our journey.
I'm going over this trail in just a couple of weeks. I've watched this video several times now. I feel I know just about every inch of the route, which instills confidence. Thank you so much for sharing this. It has been a great help. The trips getting closer!
Good luck with it. Based on your experience level you may want to hold up for some experienced off-roaders at the trail head. Most folks are more than happy to have you join. It is better to go about trails of this nature with some experienced hands nearby to provide you some input along the way.
I did Black Bear Pass earlier this month, for the first time, and I must say your video helped me quite a bit. It was a great trail, and the steps were no joke. I did it in an '08 Land Rover LR3.
Nice job and thanks for the follow up on this video. It is very much appreciated.
Thank you for this video. THIS is the video that pushed me to 1. buy a 4-wheel vehicle, 2. start learning how to drive properly.. This is a thing I MUST now do.. So, thank you for this video...
That is awesome. Glad to hear that I had some influence on buying a 4 wheel vehicle. Enjoy it but always remember to Stay on the Trail. That's a big deal to me.
Nicely done man. Great video. Just absolutely first-class.
Really enjoyed your video. Top notch. I have driven many of the Jeep trails in the Ouray - Silverton area but not Black Bear Pass. It is on my list for my next trip. Thanks for the excellent video.
I really liked your video! I took a 82 stock cj7 down black bear back in 1982 and your video brings back the memories! good job!
tdalek1953 That's when it used to be wicked. It has changed a lot.
Nice video...thank you. I was there in 1976...July 4th. Black Bear was still closed due to snow but we did rent a Jeep in Ouray and went up....it was awesome. It was Colorado's 100th birthday that day and as we came back into town a group of partiers rolled their Jeep coming down the steep road coming into town, turning too fast at the bottom....people and beer spilled out and everyone was ok
You are welcome. Great story.
That was a fantastic video. You did a great job!
It is indeed, the COMPLETE GUIDE to Black Bear Pass. I would say that ANYONE who has any reservations about doing the Black Bear should watch this video before deciding. If you are NOT going to do the Pass, watch a motorcycle video of the Black Bear because it will go much faster. Very good video!!!
Great job, looking forward to Black Bear. Was about two days too early last year but there was plenty of other trails to enjoy. Thanks!
The last week of July is pretty much a sure thing, other than that rolling the dice a bit.
Thanks so much!! We are headed this way in September (2016). I can't wait!! 😊
Patty, I don't know if you've ever been to the San Juans (Telluride & Ouray) in September, but if you go toward the end you may get to see the Aspens turning gold and you will be absolutely amazed. You'll never forget it.
i was in ouray this weekend. im from alabama, mind you, and have zero driving experience on mountain roads AT ALL. so when my ice climbing guides suggested i drive over the red mountain pass, i just thought it was like the drive in from grand junction. boy was i wrong. a few hours before i was hanging off a pitch of ice with no problem, but that road scared the hell out of me. so watching this is about the same!
Nice video, I would like to try it with my TH, maybe next summer. Thanks for sharing
You are welcome. It is a great pass to run.
Totally mesmerized by the video! Backed it up, studied the lay of the land, picked imaginary lines, some day I may get to check this trail out.
Loved this! Thanks for sharing.
Yes, Loved the video. I am a flat lander with a 4x4 SLT Dakota (heavy duty Full time 4WD version)that is saying Jeep one day and to go!
Awesome video, thanks for taking the time and effort to make this and put it up on youtube. Also appreciate the lack of awful music that is in so many other videos, thumbs up!
Excellent video. I did Black Bear in late June 2012 in my mostly stock 1972 CJ5 and like you said it is not difficult you just have to use good judgement.
Great video sir! I loved the scenery and the sexy rumble of the jeep's engine. I'm so glad you didn't add music. I felt like I was actually there!
Thanks Jason. I have another video on my page with Moab being described. Check that out too.
Thanks for posting, a great video and your narration is very helpful. Heading up there and this really helps for first timers.
Great Video! Enjoyed it thoroughly!! Have been over many, many times over the years. Headed back up in late August. You did a great job on the Video and narration.
Ri May Thanks. I was being soft spoken because it was really late at night and I didn't want to wake the family.
Enjoyed watching immensely. I've only been in the Lake City, Ouray, Silverton area over Cinnamon and Engineer Passes, and from Animas Forks to Ouray over a mountain trail that I don't know the name of. The unknown one was pretty hairy...it ended at the Million Dollar Hwy. I love this area. Thanks so much for posting!
C Woods Thanks for the nice comments.
Thank you for the ride.
Fantastic!!!! Watch it all. Great job. I just bought a GoPro and trying to learn Premiere also.
Mark Koller Practice on Adobe P. I am not good, but I am getting there.
I enjoyed your video and it was very informative. i watched the whole thing and it has already helped me decide some things for my trip in September for the Jeep Jamboree. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome video! Thanks for all the details, I'm looking at doing a Colorado trip this year and this was a great guide.
Love Colorado-I have driven over the million dollar highway many times but never went off roading like this-so beautiful. I think I would prefer an experienced driver to ride with-Sonya Gabbert.
Thanks for making a full length video I watched the whole thing, Great scenery, I am putting this on my bucket list, I've done other trails around the area, mostly in the sawatch range in and out of chaffee county, but haven't made it to Telluride yet, I'll make it point to get there now.
I did the California pass last month. We rented a polaris sxs in Silverton. I want to pull my sxs next summer, so we can do Black Bear pass and any other trails out there. We live in Houston, so it's a pretty good haul up there. But great video!! thanks for sharing Behind the Rocks!!
Hey we're from the same area. We've been going up there for a week each summer for the past 3 years. We ride ATVs mostly. It is one hell of a drive though. The only thing about doing Black Bear Pass is it is one way down and Telluride doesn't allow OHVs on their streets.
I loved this video. I have trip booked to head to CO in September. I'm hoping I get to see this firsthand.
Headed there next week, with my two daughters, and this was the perfect video to watch (as I sit and wait for a winch to be installed). Thanks for the detailed overview! \/_
Thanks for sharing ...
I will likely never drive the trail due to the ol lady "never going on that" LOL, so it's nice of you to share.
+Hadrian Wall It is my pleasure. Thanks for posting. Get to Telluride and leave her to shop for a few hours. Have a good one.
I feel the need to add that trail to the list ...I have a few choices that would be cool to take, new to very old. I can imagine taking my 80FJ40, or what would be really cool is to take my MarineCorps 54M170. If I get the chance, I will certainly share as you did. Thx again
I loved this video. Watched the whole thing this afternoon and I want to go back. I drove this road in July of 2013. Then there was no snow anywhere so the scenery looked more interesting in this video. Then I had a 2012 JK 2-door Rubicon with a two inch lift and 34 inch tires. I don't think I would take a stock vehicle.
Hey Robert, Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. I also drove this in July 2013. We may have crossed paths. I like your Jeep. Keep the shiny side up!
wakesurfingiowa I drove the BB Pass trail on July 23, 2013. If we crossed paths it wasn't there as I had the entire trail all to myself. I spent 3.5 hours to complete the road and saw no other vehicles or hikers. Maybe that afternoon on nearby Imogene Pass which was crawling with Jeeps and everything else. As for "shiny side up" I don't do the hard core stuff. Afterwards I must rely on my JK14 to get me back home (also Iowa). Paid too much for it to risk damage.
Yep. Understand. Check out some of my other offroad videos.
I remember you guys. Your reactions are awesome and it is one of my favorite videos ever on TH-cam. You guys are an inspiration.
Great video , Thanks for the heads up. I I can take my new rig 2016 Land Cruiser series 200
Thanks for sharing this, got to get there and try it too.
Sweet video! Thanks can’t wait to run that trial!
Really nice video! Really appreciate your low-key narration and sane driving. Perhaps lacking is your explanation that you have a well-built jeep, you are experienced, and you are going with another vehicle. Anyone could navigate to the top of the steps, but from that point on drivers would definitely have to be confident, know their vehicles, and have some experience in that type of terrain and with spotting. Driving ability is the greatest factor, but your vehicle makes it a lot easier than someone driving a stock SUV. Thanks for posting this beautiful trip. Even vicariously it was really beautiful and a lot of fun, a real delight!
+alhetmooie Those are great points. My rig has been modified quite a bit. Having a spotter for the first couple times is essential. Don't go it alone or without experience around you.
Awesome video. Thanks so much for putting this together. I'm glad you let non-Jeep people look at it, too. :D
My pleasure. I am thrilled you liked it.
thanks for the ride along.thats a beauty ride.will have to make that trip one day soon.
Enjoyed every minute of it.
Great Video, I have a 94 Zj. Right now it's lifted 3" running 31". I just put Black Bear Pass on my bucket list. Maybe next summer. Pucker Power....
Awesome video. Very comprehensive and awesome views. Now, I just have to make the time to go out there and do the trail. Thanks for putting this together and sharing. (Toyota Land Cruiser UZJ100).
I want to really thank you for sharing, I watch the Vid from beginning to end…..!!! CAPTIVATING!!!!! I'm buying a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Next Year, Colorada will be my 1st trip!!!!!! I plan on building a AEV Conversion!!!! Thank Again For Sharing!!
RR
+Roc900 You are very welcome. Good luck with the Jeep purchase.
i hope to live long enough to wheel this trail.my mind says lets do it. my back says are you kidding me. nice jeep by the way.
Great video, we will be out there this summer.
Great video. The colors really pop right out at you.
Nice video, I enjoyed all the way thru.
we got to put the trip off till next year, but we got to do that trail, we got another jeep, 1948 Jeepster, small block Chevy, we'll get there next year. we'll be in touch. Thanks
Red
Great video, would love to drive the pass, but live North Carolina and enjoy driving the trails here South Carolina and Georgia, not as high but muddy as it rains a lot in the mountains. I camp for a week at a time and visit waterfalls.
Great video!!! Thank you for posting it!
Thank you for sharing this video, the best on TH-cam! This is reassuring as I hope to make that trek someday sooner than later. Thanks Again!
Very well done video.
Thank you !
I am planning a group trip out & this will help sell it to everyone.
Total fun! Especially sliding down snow for the first time :P
Great video, going to be there next spring, hope to do the pass. You guys made it look easy, but dangerous.
Might by tricky in the spring. Lots of snow pack still up there. I did it in late june and was a good amount of snow on the top of the peak I had to work through and around. Good luck and be safe!
Loved the video. Probably the closest I'll come to seeing it. I doubt my full size van could negotiate that. Be fun to try if it wasn't a complete drop off.
I think the power house is no longer in service, it is a private residence. This the best BB video I have seen. Leading a group the last week in August,
Thanks for posting. Will be there at end of July!
Great video and thank you for posting. Considering a trip there soon.
I am glad that I was able to motivate you!
Awsomeness... I live in Michigan. I'll never get to see BBR but I've always wanted to do it ever since I read about it in a 70s 4x4 magazine . I wish I could of seen it in the early 80s before everybody "discovered " it. My dream would be to do it in a vintage Scout II .
I would love to do Black Bear Pass. Really freaked me out with spatial disorientation the first time I watched it. Great video