Black Bear Pass Colorado 4x4 Trails 2016

Black Bear Pass Colorado 4x4 Trails 2016. Day five - part one.

[@TheOtherSideoftheHill]

I’m viewing in 2022. Kudos to camera work & EDITING! Amazing the quality matches or exceeds (other than saturation) those produced today. Thank you for sharing

[@explorethewest]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the comment.

[@fibrooutdoorsman2951]

Nice video! Black Bear Pass is a beautiful trail, one of my favorites.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you!

[@rikntraci2545]

Great video as always.I love the beginning,it doesn't get much better with TJ's bringing up the front and rear!

[@explorethewest]

Thank you! I like the TJ's too!

[@carlkey9136]

Great video and music to accompany the ride. I made the trek some 25 years ago and it is still as breathtaking.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you very much!

[@analogkid28]

Beautiful. That's a very special place. Ouray is my soul's happy place.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you, and I agree with you. Ouray and the surrounding areas are very special.

[@WeaponsAcademy]

We have a 2 jeep trip in July and are doing this pass. Great video, gives un an idea of what's ahead. Saludos from Texas....

[@explorethewest]

Thank you. Have a great time when you go in July!

[@richardclark]

Going over Black Bear is easy compared to the first way over it, which before the switchbacks, was a 40-45 degree down, while a 40-45 degree to your left side. The hardest by far was when the land side from your right side covered the road of the first way over with 3-5 feet of shale, 5" to 18" pieces long. I should know, for I was the only one to do it ! A vehicle with any lift would have rolled over, all the way to the stream below to your left, where the slide stopped. Yes, I was crazy, but signs were all removed to get to Black Bear from Red Mt. Pass, of which I feel was a dumb way to do it, as like if you been there before, you don't need signs to go back again. Leaving Red Mt. Pass, should have been a sign telling people that, "Black Bear Pass is CLOSED" Happy 4-wheeling.

[@josephleister9198]

Great video, thanks

[@explorethewest]

Thank you!

[@tennesseevalleyoffroaders1211]

Awesome video! Thanks.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you TVO!

[@RedEyedJack]

I will be running this trail August/September 2018. Road tripping from Florida. I hope we get a good weather window!!! Really looking forward to it. Great video!!

[@explorethewest]

Thank you!! Aug/Sept is a great time to run the trails up there. Hoping for good weather for you, and have a great time when you go!!

[@CarnutMM]

What part of Florida? I’m doing Jeep Jamboree in Ouray from Florida in Sept

[@Lenoardpascall]

RedEyed Jack you guys have shit tracks this is simple a little suzuki coukd get through all of this! this is the stuff i do everytime i go 4wd by myself. simple

[@dobiedude7479]

RedEyed Jack I will be there in early August. I will wave. Look for a yellow FJ Cruiser. Have fun!

[@shaunboynton1369]

RedEyed Jack how was the trail this year?

[@justinsylvest9390]

I want to see more of the FJ.

[@victoryrider]

This will be one of the 1st places I go when I get my new JL next summer

[@explorethewest]

Great choice!

[@outlaw9232]

Nice video! I've ran this trail 3 times now. Did anyone else notice the small rock come down from the hill at the 13:16 mark? LOL That is some thing no one mentions about this trail on the switch backs..you have to watch out for falling rocks too! I love this trail and can't wait to go back again.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you! I noticed the rock too lol! I agree this is an awesome trail.

[@personanongrata987]

I can hear it. --

[@edpep43]

Amazing video!!! Beautiful area. Looks like some tight switchbacks. I see mostly jeeps in these videos. Do you think a stock 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 could handle that trail?

[@markweber2958]

Nice ride... thanks for the video ride along

[@explorethewest]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@richeyrich]

I did a really cliffy and hilly trail at Iron Range Off-Road Park in Gilbert, Minnesota. Premier OHV park. I'll be going to Badlands in Attica, Indiana this summer. This place? I might have to check it out, too!

[@717UT]

Looks like the switchbacks were rough even fir the TJ! I don't know if I'd have the balls

[@southwestidahooff-roading8606]

Very nice editing and camera work!

[@explorethewest]

Thank you very much!!

[@georgewashington938]

Blue - do you think high-centering would me a problem, or not being able to pull off multi-point turns at the hairpins?

[@rubenfranko7785]

Very very nice video beautiful places, nice job very.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you very much!

[@Wuldier]

Another great video, i also want to do this trail but i don't know if my 2021 Colorado Z71 can do it, many people say it will easily do it, im still yet to see a video of this happen lol, also the Steps part looks scary haha, i could just imagine my truck simply just sliding down them until i end up in Telluride the quick way.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you for watching the video and commenting. Much appreciated. Lol on the sliding all the way to Telluride, understandable. The steps aren't too difficult and yes the Z71 is probably compact enough to make the switchbacks.

[@Visibile444]

spectacular keep it up 😀

[@explorethewest]

Thank you very much!

[@jessiereginaldo4983]

Gr8 video,blue sky awesome!!!...how many mile from start to finish d trip?

[@explorethewest]

Thank you!! From start to finish the trail is 10 miles.

[@indyjones7550]

Back in 1987 I took a Ford F-150 Shortbed over Black Bear, and again in 2002 I took my Ford F-250 extended cab longbed, over this road. As long as you are a very well seasoned 4x4 driver you should have no issues going over this road. A novice should get more experience before attempting this or Mosquito Pass.

[@MrNismopro]

Excellent video, stunning views, I've heard so so much about this trail. I have a stock Rubicon Recon Unlimited, would I be alright through this trail? I see that even your Unlimited did very well and cleared easily on 35's. 👍

[@explorethewest]

Thank you! And yes your stock Rubicon Recon Unlimited will do just fine.

[@gornoman]

I ran this trail in a 2006 Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.7 QTII. It handled it with grace. Me, not so much......

[@cf3213]

I ran it in an 01 Wrangler Stock - you will be fine.

[@jacobellis8135]

what time of year did you go? absolutely beautiful video and amazing scenery. a lot of the trail looked pretty easy though. are there more difficult passes on black bear or just that one?

[@explorethewest]

Thank you Jacob. We went in August. There are switchbacks above the steps and waterfall that are narrow and rocky. When you get to the steps below that, the trail is very narrow and drops off on the driver side into the creek below. There are more tight switchbacks after that as well as a few off camber sections.

[@SanJuanMountainBob]

Well Charlie you officially Coloradoized that Jeep by doing Black Bear. Nice video.

[@explorethewest]

Thanks Bob. It was fun initiating the Jeep on Black Bear.

[@DeanJohnson67]

was going to ask if a gladiator Rubicon would make some of those sharp turns but then at 16:06 saw that yellow vehicle which looks quite lengthy itself.... ? Thanks for posting the vid btw!!

[@redneckrebuilds777]

You might want to back down instead of trying the turns.

[@explorethewest]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I think your Gladiator can make it.

[@treyhaberman]

You should be good, the gladiators wheel base is close to the jk and is supposed to turn tighter. The back is 18" longer for the bed, so your departure angle is the only bad thing.

[@MegaYangman]

Great video...always wanted to see what the trail looked like.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you!

[@walterfahey5340]

Great Video - Good Memories! .. Do you guys have a video person on a dirt bike running out front then shooting you as you go by ? It's NEAT -- just wondering.. Thanks for posting ...

[@explorethewest]

Thank you!! My wife and I trade off getting out of the jeep and walking ahead on the trail to get the video from the front.

[@Durango280zx]

What are you recommend specs for this trail? I've got a frontier pro4x but I'm not sure if picking you line would help much on the second half of that trail.... I've done plenty of trails but this one makes me nervous about trying haha

[@explorethewest]

Not sure on the specs. Your frontier may be must just small enough to make it but don't quote me. Every time I drive this trail it makes me nervous haha.

[@veteransdieselgarage7607]

Is this trail accessible during the christmas holidays

[@gonzosc1]

that was awesome,

[@explorethewest]

thank you

[@GingerKC]

Another beautiful video! Some of those shots and angles are spectacular! May I ask if you use a selfie stick,or are you getting muddy to make these? Either way, simply lovely. I gotta ask, who's dog, and I'm glad she was going downhill lol. Was she with your group? What a silly dog!? I've never had a dog leave my side there. , I guess my Tx dogs see the height, and want mama hahaha. That poor lady. I had 3 dogs, but no chasing ,knock wood for next time hahaha.

[@GingerKC]

I don't mean to pry, but do you guys have one videographer, or may people contribute, and someone masterfully edits it. I told you guys before, I'm sure, I grew up in a 4 wheel drive club. From age 6, till now. Most can't 4 wheel now, being in their 70s and 80s. I'm 49 now, and will always cherish the people and the great times we made traveling. My dad is the one who convinced the club to take a long vacation, and drive a long long way, to Coloado, and that they'd be glad. He got about 5 families, the first year. HAHA, 15 or more families the next year, and kept going and growing. We'd have so much fun. Bless you guys, cherish every second ( I sure miss it) , keep those videos coming, ( Id kill to have beautiful video of all our good times )Always be safe, as you obviously are, just wishing you all safety and adventure. :) :) :) ~♡~♡~♡~

[@explorethewest]

Thank you! I use a Go Pole. It works with any of the Go Pro cameras. The stick is adjustable in length too. The dog in the video got loose from it's owners higher up on the trail. At that point I think the lady was just trying to get her dog somewhere off the trail. There was a turnout just past the dog footage where they were able to stop luckily.

[@explorethewest]

Thank you! My wife and I take the video and photos. We trade off on the driving too. When she drives I film and vice versa. Thanks for sharing your stories too.

[@GingerKC]

explorethewest How wonderful that you and your spouse can change out who is driving and who has the camera. I grew up, men drive ,period. My mom was fine with that, and being my husband's first attemp,in Colorado, I sat quietly , unless he'd scare me LOL. Like, PAY ATTENTION, HELL OF A DROP HERE!!! HAHAHA. Next summer, I'm driving! My 23 yr old son just bought himself a jeep, and on that day, went straight to Colorado, from Dallas-Fort Worth!!!! He retraced our steps this summer. He went over , Stony, Engineer, Cinnamon, Imogene, Ophir, and since we have a Polaris, we could not do Black Bear, because we had no truck and trailer at the end of the pass. We just needed to get to Imogene, to get back to where our truck was. Someone could make a killing taking atvs from Black Bear to Imogene. We were sick about missing Black Bear! I have been many times, but my husband has Not! We saw it from Imogene, and it was so sad knowing we couldn't get to it. Or, Telluride needs to let atvs get thru town, like Lake City, and Silverton does. Or, we should have just bought a jeep LOL. Gosh I'm sorry to talk so much. Not many 4 wheeling people in Texas, or none that I know anymore. Thanks again for the vids and pics!Oh man, it's my favorite place on this planet, Colorado!!!! :) :) :) ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[@explorethewest]

Thank you again! My wife really enjoys driving the trails, and she loves driving the Jeep. We're saving up to get her a Jeep next. That's great your son bought a Jeep too - Congrats to him! Thanks for sharing the stories and take care.

[@Mardasee]

Can you recommend any easy going trials for a city guy like myself there in Colorado? I'm planning on purchasing a Trailhawk this late spring and taking a cross country trip with it. I do have some experience with a jeep wrangler "which I just sold a year ago". The experience I do have is in Maine where I have a remote camp. Access to the camp is on a seasonal road in a valley between small mountains and hills. The road travel is approximately four miles and most years the road is washed out and that is when it becomes exciting. No jagged rocks though like here in this video. Rather the rocks are rounded. The reason I'm buying a Trailhawk is I want comfort now for my older age and still want to get to my camp. So again can you recommend any easy going trails? Thanks.

[@explorethewest]

I highly recommend a book by Charles Wells and Matt Peterson called "Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails". You can purchase them online at funtreks.com. There are many easy rated and moderate rated trails that you can do with your Trailhawk. Be safe out there, and Happy Trails!

[@Mardasee]

Thanks for the information.

[@sop2510]

Nice. We went over Ophir Pass in 2006 and the road seemed a lot narrow on the west side going down to Ophir.

[@explorethewest]

Thanks.

[@georgesheffield1580]

I see how antique the designs of most 4x4 vehicles are .top heavy , limited stearing ,limited suspension compliance .

[@1manarmyguzman629]

Will a stock rental pick up make it?

[@AustinHein]

I have a stock JKR, the trail doesn't look bad but looks can be deceiving, any thoughts on if I can make it through this?

[@hgru5359]

There is a video of a stock Subaru Outback making it through this. easy trail

[@Juliosalmeron]

Nice video Ilove

[@kal1fornia]

Is this doable in a full size truck? Obviously it's going to be multiple point turn on the switchbacks but just curious what your opinion is. Thanks!

[@explorethewest]

I don't think so. The switchbacks on some of the turns are very tight, and making some of the turns would be dangerous if not impossible. Thanks for watching!

[@workingcountry1776]

explorethewest how about a Ford Ranger. It does well on most Jeep trails

[@explorethewest]

A 4wd Ranger might be okay. But same issue on the switchbacks...

[@GeneralPreparedness1]

Here;s a video of a group of Tacomas doing it, so use this to judge. A Double Cab Short Bed Tacoma has 8" longer wheelbase than a 4dr Jeep. A couple of these Tacos are either stock or near it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/emqpZqZmirl8l7M

[@triot2127]

Yes but you need a spotter and good tires. Locking differential will help push the heavy weight around too.

[@GaryCooter]

Would it be wide enough for a ram 1500? Moving to CO soon, and really looking forward to taking the kids on some of these roads.

[@explorethewest]

The trail is wide enough but I think you might have a tough time on the tighter switchbacks for this trail. They really are tight turns. Fortunately there are a lot of other great trails that your Ram pick up can make.

[@GaryCooter]

@@explorethewest thanks for the input. I do hope to explore quite a few of them.

[@explorethewest]

You're welcome!

[@mrmatt7382]

Did you have to air down for this trail, if so what psi?

[@explorethewest]

I aired down to about 20 psi for this trail. Sway bar was disconnected too.

[@Errror404]

16:05, what was that yellow truck?

[@explorethewest]

I think that's a guided tour group in the yellow Pinzgauer.

[@georgewashington938]

It seems like a full-size pickup could run that trail. What do you think?

[@blue_e.g.o.1687]

To long of a wheelbase. I'd say a bronco would most likely be better.

[@Billy28376]

Theres a video of a guy doing it in a 2500 dodge diesel. Looks like it'd be tight though.

[@jr8870]

You need to run Mosquito Pass between Salida and Leadville... Dirt/rock road...One lane... Highest driveable pass in the U.S....

[@sethjones4935]

Think a power wagon would be to long for this trail ?

[@explorethewest]

Not sure.

[@mesawomanpruitt7128]

This trail claims 2 lives per year on average, complacency kills, one mistake may be your last! most of the trail is easy /moderate but those are not the places you need to be concerned about. I saw the guy in front of me put his tire too close to the edge and it slid off a few inches. we saved him from going over ,but it was too close for comfort! this trail requires experienced drivers! The reason you don't see a lot of the technical stuff is because people are usually focused on driving. Know your rig, Know the road. Stay alert, Stay Alive!

[@ThatOnePriest]

My expedition xlt with 33s will go up this fine huh?

[@s.a.dtactical378]

Was thinking my grand Cherokee with a 2 inch lift and 31's would probably do that just fine

[@matthewpatton9088]

Expedition would have a hard time with the switchbacks i would think. I was looking for a trail with mine but it's an el and it wouldn't make the turns.

[@joekillip6505]

we cut them roads not to turn each leave one should be straight forward next level you backup drilled there back in the 80s now them roads are a challenge for Jeep's we ran them in 2 tons with snow back before osha and msha said working wasn't safe

[@NorthBoundExpeditions]

But did she catch him??

[@explorethewest]

I think she finally cornered him at the last turnout.

[@Buck1954]

Not crazy about watching the bottom of the Jeep. The part of this trail I waited to see was obscured by the under side of the Jeep.

[@BeechComer]

Yes, I've hiked this road 3x since 1985, and the most terrifying slope in this video is between 10:20-11:00 and the bottom of the jeep is a terrible place to get any perspective from -- disappointing to mere tourists (like me). However, all the glowing recommendations on this video makes me think that maybe the underview is actually more useful (from a technical standpoint) to expert jeepers (the commenters) who plan on making this run and need to know what's there, because the rotten shale road is even worse than the slope and doesn't show well from the usual driver video perspective...?

[@kashifabbasi9366]

Indeed Allah is best creature 💓

[@jaytonhawkins2872]

So, I'm a fairly inexperienced off road driver, but I have driven La Plata Canyon and a few other tough roads in Texas. With a stock Chevy Colorado Z71... what are my chances of making it through?

[@explorethewest]

Is that 4wd?

[@jaytonhawkins2872]

explorethewest Yeah

[@explorethewest]

I think you can make it through. It may be a bit tight at the switchbacks but I think the truck is just small enough to get around them. Also, it's good if you have another vehicle or two with you for back up. Have fun and be safe.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

No subarus allowed...

[@ryanwilliam8654]

why do they close these roads to ATV's?

[@explorethewest]

Not sure?

[@jimderksen1653]

They are? Looks pretty easy for my RZR. Maybe all the jeeps would slow us down though.

[@agentanderson1383]

more like a ford escort train?

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Huh?

[@countakaerichebbeln4152]

sad to see all those chemtrails in the sky above beautiful Colorado

[@1customermaniac]

Happens so much people think it's normal. Norad is in the Springs.

[@jerrycraig6522]

it looks like my truck Oafy could do it, now that I locked up the front

[@pasques]

Come on! Any reasonable drift racer could take those turns no problem!

[@explorethewest]

Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesddean5759]

the same four chords over and over

[@explorethewest]

Yes but do you know what the 4 chords were?

[@mobiltec]

Creeper Jeepers? LOL....

[@danschlueter7883]

My rzr will shred this