1000 Foot Drop: Can a Long Wheelbase Jeep Gladiator Conquer Black Bear Pass? No Pavement Needed Ep.3

[@officialyasir]

This is going to be a great series!! Thanks TFL!!

[@TFLtruck]

Thanks for the kind words! Very much appreciated!

[@andyham6094]

Yeah definitly. Expedition overland trips literally have seasons and episodes and is like a move. Love their work. Check them out if you haven’t seen those vids. If you have then you know

[@MrBillsfishin]

Yes it is. Looking forward to it. Things seems different and I like it.

[@officialyasir]

mrsteve431 I don’t think it was only out of fear, lots of trails have been closed too

[@kaceconner2774]

You probably dont care at all but does someone know a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@jminaya90]

The filmography is getting better and better is like a movie of off road

[@IKnewMickey]

Julián Minaya great editing also. Very decent off roady butt clenchy channel.

[@crystal2latina509]

Because they just got paid. 💵

[@bridamy]

Once they get to a million subscribers, the opportunities will really start to flud in. They really need to buy into more of these types of videos because they've been on the slowest crawls to the million of any channel I know.

[@mattv5281]

I disagree. The special effects and exaggerated camera angles are over the top and detract from the video.

[@joeperry9589]

I agree ☝️ I appreciate the efforts to make a more polished video. They have been evolving. Ala Savage Geese. Keep up the great work TFL!

[@jarrodmcdaniel]

That tan paint with the black steelies is simply awesome. Great color combo.

[@rondail5675]

No pavement for a Gladiator is a good thing. I am a city guy but I enjoy watching Jeeps go where I can't. Nice!!!

[@newbwheeler9777]

Haters gonna hate! I love my Gladiator and I get nothing but love when people see it in person.

[@rgs455atw]

I have gone over Black Bear pass 3 times in a Jeep, maybe gone over is a bad term, but all three times have been a but clincher especially the second times because it had rained and the rocks were kind of slick. , But you can not beat the view from the top. Stop and smell the roses.

[@jaytrock3217]

Is Bear Pass from Ouray to Telluride. If so I didn't think it was that bad did it about 10 years ago. Maybe the route has gotten worse. I did it in a pretty much stock Tacoma, wish I had a lower 1st in low range.

[@timtemple8953]

@@jaytrock3217 From Ouray the closest pass going to Telluride is Imogene...same road as to Yankee Boy Basin and turn off around Camp Bird onto Imogene. Black Bear is much further down 550, just south of Red Mountain. The "steps" down and especially the off camber turn just after @11:06 are the worst parts IMO. The second(I think) switchback @14:50 is the worst of the switchbacks...but those are mostly just go slow and be careful...especially if you don't have an 140" wheelbase. Having a vehicle with a center diff that can be unlocked is also quite nice...I really had no issues with the switchbacks in my 100 series. Further south, Ophir also goes from 550 to Telluride. All that to say, if you have to think about it, I'm not sure you went over Black Bear 10 years ago...it's not really something you forget... It's not a crazy offroad trail, but it should get the blood pumping enough to definitely remember....

[@jaytrock3217]

@@timtemple8953 We drove all the place in Colorado in my friends Truck. That is why I didn't remember many names. I remember coming down to Telluride and by the powerhouse. That view was awesome. Just didn't remember all trail names. It was right after my last deployment in the military. Caught a flight into Colorado Springs and friend picked me up to drove me home. You know coming back from being in combat for 16 months Not always best to go see love ones right away. So forgive my memory of names of trails and passes. I was from California. Most of my stuff offroading experience was either Rubicon, Slick Rock, Moab, and a lot of trails in SoCal with most having bypasses. Living in Texas now, and missing the mountains, but not the politics. Hope that helps your understanding on my memory and forgive my ignorance on asking on honest question.

[@chriskriaris2671]

Bill can i expalin something to u?

[@billredding2000]

@@jaytrock3217 I live in CO presently (West TX previously) and just for the record -- even though Boulder, Denver and Pueblo are liberal -- there are LOTS of conservatives still here, and most of our County Sheriffs and rural areas (and the city of Colorado Springs) are, too. So all is not lost re: politics YET. ;-) BTW...am getting either a Chevy Colorado ZR2 or a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon -- i ain't gonna do Black Bear in EITHER of them -- not because THEY can't do it, it's ME: I'm too afraid of heights! I DO plan to go up the FIRST half of the trail --to the summit/marker -- take some pics but then go back down the way I cam. Will have to "pass" (!) on the second (scary) half of the trail that goes down to Telluride. -- BR

[@Rusty.1776]

I love seeing all the father and son time y'all spend together. In the good and well frustrating times always cherish the time together...💚 thanks for the great content 👍

[@racinglightning01]

That was a beautiful piece of Cinematography. The quality of your teams films, are getting better, and better. Well done

[@alfredsmith2322]

Sitting on my patio in Alabama grateful for you guys. Not sure if you realize the public service you are doing during this difficult time. Thank you for taking us along with you. Great job.

[@davidkallstrom4349]

Fantastiskt program. Tack så mycket. David K

[@beanfaded]

honestly you guys should have a million subs by now

[@jamespeters3907]

We recently had the opportunity to do several trails in this area including black bear pass. We were in wife's stock rubicon jl. We aired down to about 25psi, disconnected sway bar and were amazed at what it crawled over. Didn't see the need for lockers. Our favorite trail was black bear pass. The technical spots were fun and the views were amazing! We are looking forward to doing it again next chance we get.

[@baderalmubarak7517]

These kind of videos deserve to get paid for to watch..amazing as always , just if it’s a little bit longer ,,because 17 mins felt like seconds because of how enjoyable the video is ..

[@mas921]

loved it! the editing is over9000

[@joemattes8389]

Great videography. Many black bear pass videos get a long. Good job capturing the challenge without making it too long or technical. And good job adapting to the times and finding a replacement for the cross country trip.

[@TFLtruck]

Thanks!

[@PatrickRich]

@15:00 you just perfectly illustrated why I love full time 4wd with central diff unlock. For sharp turns, i just unlock the center and I can make tighter turns but still have 4wd. If you've done elephant hill in canyonlands there is the spot it tells you to pull in and back down I was able to make the turn both going both directions because of that. of course, the 80 series is a LOT shorter than the gladiator so that helps too.

[@thejerseyj9422]

The musical "interlude" at 15:25 was so well done. Cracked me up !

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

Dog gone it, Roy Gene, when I tell ya to put a rock under the wheel, I mean a ROCK! Now look at that one you got there. Ain’t no bigger than a grapefruit.

[@denisbrisebois7658]

Roman & Tommy ... HIGH FIVE 🙌 🙌 all the way. Thanks for bringing us along. The views were amazing and the filmography top notch ... 👍👍. Can’t wait to see more videos like this one.

[@ColeSpolaric]

This is what got me watching TFL to begin with. I think you two are nuts for taking on this one wrong move and you're dead trail, but it was exciting to watch none the less.

[@mariowhyte2816]

Literally one of the coolest videos!!! Absolutely the coolest channel!!! Black Bear Pass ...added to my list of places to venture to!!! Thanks for the upload Tommy and Roman!!! Stay safe out there!!!

[@chefdan87]

You should check out a channel called bleepinjeep. He and his wife had a crazy experience on black bear pass recently, it is another excellent video of this area. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJuvp2aHZp1-e7c

[@adamharriger5193]

Exceptional video, and an exceptional vehicle! The capability of the Gladiator with solid axle and sway disco is awesome, and then throw in the Jeep open air features and the fact the Rubicon will still tow 7k lbs- awesome and under appreciated truck.

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

3:00 - yes, because (at least according to the quantum mechanics) information can be difficult to recover but cannot be destroyed! ;)

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

The beginning of great series. Thanks for taking us along guys.

[@adampolselli597]

Nice!! You guys have been teasing us about this series for weeks now, I'm glad it's finally started!

[@carlov.3017]

Great content . . . . and you guys upped the production value. It didn't go unnoticed. Well done.

[@mannymotta2174]

You guys are very talented not only off road but with a camera

[@joeuncoolio]

Look at the production quality. It is almost like you guys have been doing this for a while and are almost like professionals.

[@samhouston5217]

Your Gladiator is outfitted very well. Beautiful. I'm working on mine. Also, thanks for the CJ2A homage... my other ride. Trail on

[@abqcrutch]

One of the coolest trails in the US. Great video guys! A few years back, went with my son and his friend, both driving Suzuki Sidekicks with 30" tires, to conquer Black Bear and Imogene. Stayed in a campground close to BB pass. Saw a lot of badass jeeps and old school broncos. We took a lot of ribbing from those drivers as we drove to the pass. Funny thing was, these Sidekicks were the bomb. Our biggest concern was cutting a tire in the upper technical section. As Roman would say, "easy peasy."

[@fishmantas]

Those Suzies are awesome

[@CS-ow3io]

I love this series. Videography is fantastic. Tommy has a great truck there.

[@gerardpritchard657]

Ever since a ride in my cousin's gladiator, I want one of these even more than I already did! Even if I am more of an urban crawler than a rock crawler! Looking forward to this series 😀

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Great video! Black Bear Pass is on my bucket list for sure! The Gladiator did great!

[@joerivs80]

I was warned about Black Bear when attempting it with my Renegade Trailhawk. Trail guides told me a Renegade was on its side two days earlier. So I took my Renegade Trailhawk to Imogene and Ophir passes instead. Got my badges of honors for those two passes! That country is beautiful.

[@Snipe06]

We need an in-depth walk around video of that gladiator! It’s a beast!!!

[@mrnine324]

I did that trail in my 2007 Quad Cab Powerwagon about a decade ago. It was quite the experience to say the least. :) No damage though but lots of butt-pucker moments, and only one close call.

[@tommymusicofficial]

Brilliant episode TFL and great driving Tommy. The scenery is brilliant ( reminds me of the High Country in Australia ) love it! Well done. Can't wait for the next episode.

[@theylied1776]

There are other countries that have off-roading enthusiasts but no other country offers every terrain possible. Depending on the time of year, you can go to California, start in snowy mountainous roads, then rock crawling, stream crossings, head to the Dessert, and end up at the beach... all in one day.

[@robertryan7204]

You can do the same in Australia. Go from snow to desert and beaches

[@theylied1776]

@@robertryan7204 Not in the Same Day. You can't go from 2 below zero to 112 degrees, and then to a beach

[@robertryan7204]

@@theylied1776 Yes you can Oberon here in the centre part of the State was covered in snow, it is a 4 hour drive to the beaches of Sydney, bit cold but that is another matter. We have had raging bushfires and blizzards 150 miles apart. So the weather can be pretty changeable here.

[@theylied1776]

@@robertryan7204 I've had this debate before with an Australian. You cannot start off in the snowy mountains where the temperature is probably going to be right around freezing, that would be 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and then later in the day go rock crawling, do stream and water Crossings, later end up in the desert where the temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the day at the beach. All in one day.

[@robertryan7204]

@@theylied1776 Neither are you going to have a Blizzard and a Forest Fire 150miles apart in California. Desserts do not burn.

[@robedmund9948]

Great job navigating that Gladiator, Tommy. Dad's gotta be proud of you!

[@JsGarage]

How about that tree that seems to have caught someone by the looks of it? 13:50

[@DeanJohnson67]

First off great video! you guys get better and better on the video side! bummer! was there in the area 2 weeks ago -- I love these types of "scavenger" hunts! Also glad to see the 3pt turn on the switchback and as someone who has a Gladiator as well to see someone with a gladiator actually film it vs saying "oh I forgot" ;) -- love it!

[@rcsskier]

The section at 7:25 and then slightly further up the trail before "The Steps" was much more tricky than the steps last year. That being said, The Steps were incredible to go down, and the driver side rock sticking way up on the corner was just crazy. I loved it, don't know if I'll ever do it again 😂

[@Kevintherubiconjeep]

Not your average youtube channel anymore. Nice work.

[@wesshepard]

Any off-roading is better than no off-roading.

[@Nuttty]

me and my brother did black bear pass about 2 weeks ago and everyone said it was so dangerous but i did not find it that dangerous or scary i will say it was beautiful as hell tho i could see how it could be dangerous if you had the wrong vehicle or were not careful tho

[@aaronbehindbars]

Amazing production on this! I love watching Black Bear videos ever since I did the pass on my Kawasaki KLR650 back in 2001. My first attempt was in 1997, at the age of 15, on a 1978 Honda XL175. I was riding with my dad and some of his friends. We had to turn around when my dad's KLR250 wouldn't run once we got above the tree line due to an issue with his carb. Not sure how 15 year old me would have handled The Steps, so I am glad I had a little more experience under my belt when I went back. My bike was also a lot heavier than that little 175. I ended up going down The Steps with the engine off, in gear, and used the clutch for a rear brake so I could duck walk the bike down The Steps which worked pretty good. The problem was we got stuck behind a group of about 10 Jeeps who had to negotiate those switchbacks right when a Summer storm rolled in to that side of the mountain. So we are sitting out in the open as lightning is crashing all around us. That was way scarier than the 1000 foot drop off shelf road.

[@notyrmom5698]

Hell yes! Here you might like this storm one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJuvp2aHZp1-e7c bike at 17:15. He says later in the comments that he made it down safe and then went right up Imogene! Mad man. lol

[@woxie4990]

Well done Tommy! ... great video TFL! ... keep up the great work!

[@dadventuretv2538]

“Getting that funky feeling in my stomach, like are we doing the right thing?” LOL- that hit home- Had that exact same feeling so many times. Luckily always worked out for so far, but that is a terrible feeling until you’re through. And ballast. Another one that had me spitting out my coffee. I was so off camber to passenger one time and was so worried about rolling it (although without the consequences you guys had) that I had two people sit in each other’s laps on the rear driver side and even took my high lift off the roof and ran it between my seat and the rear driver seat door and into the boot as low as I could get it. Having an LR4 I was also able to lower the suspension bc it wasn’t rocky there, just way tilted. Still butt clenching the entire time though. Loved the vid as always and the filming just keeps getting better. Also, as I go offroading a lot with my own son (he’s only 11), it’s great to see you two out there having fun together.

[@machfive916]

What a great video and great trail. This series is going to be awesome.

[@timjohnson2592]

TFL - thank you for bringing “the road” to us! Many of the commenters have gone down Black Bear and can attest to the challenges it provides to both man and machine! My question to TFL and other responders/commenters - Does Alaska have anything to compare to the phenomenal 4 wheel drive trails in Colorado? I was disappointed during my visit to Alaska, and prefer the Rockies for adventures! These days, our favorite city to visit in Colorado is Ouray (camping at KOA), rent a Jeep and start 4 wheeling at over $200 per day. Small price to pay for great experiences!

[@zachmartinez5256]

Glad to see you guys in my neck of the woods

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

With you guys experience and great choice in vehicles and modifications,! You guys can conquer any trail put in front of you!!! Great job"!!

[@jeffb495]

Great video with beautiful scenery and nice driving Tommy!

[@groberts1980]

We took a Gladiator through Black Bear Pass weekend before last. The switchbacks were interesting, especially the first one on the descent. But totally doable.

[@evankatz2893]

Great video production And Content, TFL The Best In The Bus, I Was Really Scared Watching This Roman And Tommy Superior Work As Always Been Watching since Day One All The Best Always From NYS , The Empire State.

[@youarerightboss]

JEEP Junior Earning Enough Pay

[@bobvedder2451]

I am glad to see the gladiator be able to make that trail.

[@thecman26]

Ok. It has been certified, you guys are crazy to go there! What a great view but still... Crazy! One place I will never go! That road makes the road to Crystal Mill seem like a cake walk!

[@buickboy12]

I wish I had a gladiator, drove it with a fullsized Tahoe, I live just over a hour away and I love exploring Silverton, Ouray and Telluride area.

[@MrFirefighter761]

I’m from Montrose can’t wait to do it in my Gladiator Sport S, I only have 33’s n the rest is all stock, last time time I did it I was in a Nissan Pathfinder

[@BlackC5Z06]

Wait, seriously? No doing the original plan? Damn...I've been watching and looking forward to that for months now.

[@TFLtruck]

Correct. Covid19 made the cross-country trip undoable this year. There is always next year.

[@pinsentweebly]

Started watching channel with the start of this series.... too bad the road trip won’t happen, hopefully something next year! Keep safe & healthy, looking forward to your other content!

[@The_Opinion_of_Matt]

@@TFLtruck Maybe you can a Titan XD Pro4x in place of the F-250. Make the pitch to Nissan that the XD Pro4x would be great for overlanding (because of the payload) and maybe they would be willing to make a promotion out of it. TFL builds the truck and drives the TransAmerica trail and after Nissan takes the truck on the car show circuit. Edit to add: This is why the Titan XD Pro4x is currently my top choice to replace my 2010 Tundra Double Cab 4x4 4.6L V8. XD Pro4x had the towing and payload I want and the off-road equipment that would allow me to turn it into an overland vehicle without to many modifications that could compromise the towing and payload.

[@ReformedBrant]

Yeah nice to finally know. Not sure why a virus stopped them from going outdoors.

[@nycmaverick]

@@ReformedBrant I'm with you. So we watch the trucks getting built and all of that nonsense and supported the channel and helped pay the bills and we were suckered. Serious bullshit. Take your vacation F250 and Mall Crawler Gladiator and screw. There is no COVID in the middle of the mountains sheesh! There is a higher chance that you will get COVID at IMI Motorsports than the woods.You have lost your way boys. And why no female employees??

[@kevinbates5760]

Great Vid!!! Good job Tommy! I watched a Toyota Tundra and another full size do this. They slowed us way down on that one tight switch back.

[@CarnivoreDMD]

Can’t wait 4more! Just got my Glad this week!

[@sourabhpurohit4140]

I am bummed about you guys not being able to do the "No pavement needed" as planned, this virus has really screwed all our lives. Great videography by the way guys. Can't wait for the next video

[@countryjohn8450]

Awesome thing for a father and son to have. Kool videos

[@michaelsyoutubechannel5857]

Excellent Video! Love all your off road adventures. I was hopeful when you talked about the off-road pages you would share the Pitch and Roll angles while descending THE STEPS. Curious if anyone who has done this trail has that information?

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

That's some beautiful country. Very nice filming guys

[@SP00855]

Excellent enjoyed it. Good one Tommy.

[@davidlusk4350]

This is Epic!!!!!!!++! Who ever thought something like that was in states!!

[@efs83dws]

You guys did great on that trail.

[@trabertgraneau3323]

The cinematography is making the mountains look very steep and scary

[@Brownnproud91]

I love TFL content. Especially these type of videos. The quality of editing is insane how long you guys have come. I dont even own an offroad vehicle but I love watching your videos because it makes me feel somewhat of the experience.

[@zacariaspiedrasdelrio8984]

Excellent video guys, got me day dreaming...

[@GATORADDAM]

Ya just had to do it again!! The first time inspired me to drive all the way from Florida to do that trail last month. Now I want to do it again! And will next season. Looking forward to Immogine cause it's the one I didn't do.

[@nathankestin1922]

Hey TFL, forget not being able to go cross country don't let that bum you guys out this series is going to be badass! And I am very much looking forward to every single episode!🙂

[@TFLtruck]

Thanks for the kind comment.

[@killerb5726]

Great production value! Good job!

[@ramonguzman9470]

Sad we don't get the original no pavement needed, but its going to be just as good. Covid suck for multiple reason, but its great you guys are still doing something.

[@garrettbarbosa3080]

I love my gladiator it does everything amazing and it is so fun to drive.

[@davidtaylor5811]

Beautiful photography. I could have watched the entire trip down.

[@percyfaith11]

I think people do BB Pass in Toyota Tacomas and Ford F-150s.

[@eroseberry74]

I like how that jeep looks with that tent system you all have on it.

[@EBuff75]

Seeing that straight-ahead view of the screen in the Jeep starting at 3:18 makes me think that they need a "screen saver" for it that looks like a Jeep grille (with the vents on each side being Jeep "headlights").

[@johnfinch8173]

Matt and his wife from "bleepinJeep" did Black bear Pass a couple of weeks ago and got caught in a rain and hail storm which caused rock slides and boulders crashing down the mountain just missing their travelling buddy in front of them. The pass was eventually closed on the way down due to the rock slides and everyone had to wait for a road crew and a humongous excavator to clear the slides before anyone could travel further. Matt was in a JL Rubicon 4 door and he made it just fine except for the carnage!

[@kevinbates5760]

I watched that vid, first time I did it was in a light rain. I'm glad it never got that bad. I had my 2 door JK then

[@drtaber17]

I get more impressed by the filmography of your videos. Great job guys! You should put the name of everyone who worked it like a credits on these main feature videos. That way the credit on these folks can be recognized!

[@SERGERYO]

This is not just a video. This is actually a Movie. I like it and to be honest I was slightly nervous when Tommy drove down.

[@paulbaker2680]

Great video! Just sucks I was just there 2 weeks ago. Missed you guys and the easter eggs.

[@rynoopperman5010]

Was sooo looking forward to no pavement needed. Gr8 video 😊

[@bernardhossmoto]

A beautiful video and the shirt "geo cache" is a great idea, I want to do that trail on my KTM Adventure. Can't wait for the next episode.

[@jimbrown7082]

Great video and beautiful scenery! Thank you.

[@skwerlee]

Outstanding production value guys!!! Y'all keep getting better and better 🔥🔥🔥

[@omgcool7206]

People hate on the Gladiator? It's exactly for what we've been asking for a very long time, and critic reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. I know people like to complain about the V6-only, but you don't need 500hp to go offroad. The Pentastar is a plenty capable engine and proven durable. That said, because I love the sound of a V8 (and being able to embarrass riced out Maximas), I don't think I'll trade my JKU unless they drop in the Hemi. That would be enough to convince me to go back to having just one vehicle.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Nicely done gang! Great scenery, editing, skills and film work in general. Keep up the good work. :)

[@Vostok7]

Used to go to the FJ Summit every year in Ouray back in the day. As someone with a healthy fear of heights, the Black Bear was the one run I couldn't bring myself to do. Although, I think Imogene was pretty scary on the back side especially with all the traffic that was coming up.

[@GeoBigJon]

Looking forward to the series.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

The music was particularly on point this video!

[@byMiyp]

Video quality has noticeably improved lately! Keep it up guys :)

[@BionicRusty]

Incredible episode. MORE, MORE 😁 Well done and thank you 🙏👏👏👏♥️

[@StoneysWorkshop]

I am sorry to hear you’re not doing the cross country deal

[@JahyMoonwalker]

Edit: they're being cautious and making sure not to risk the health of their people, so that's admirable

[@mattbrew11]

Joe lmao you know that’s not it right? When the Jeep was in the shop the techs were wearing masks. It’s not like this bogus crap started after the fact

[@mkalaskar4554]

@@mattbrew11 yea they worked first on the ford, probably bought the jeep and parts way before but were waiting on delivery.

[@GP9railfan]

The Swiss Army knife of pickup trucks. What’s to hate about that? Unless the haters have an inferiority complex?

[@jontodd9408]

yes we are glad you took the slow way down.

[@Offshore1977]

Looks like 2wd was a great idea. Your turn was great for such a long wheelbase.

[@autonewstv86]

*This series is amazing !! Thanks TFL!!* ❤️👍