Is Black Bear Pass REALLY that bad? Jeep Wranglers go to find out!!

In July of 2020, some friends gathered for a pilgrimage to the San Juan Mountains of Southern Colorado. We spent a week on the high mountain passes and trails including Imogene, Mineral Springs, Engineer, California Gulch, Corkscrew Gulch and, in this installment, the infamous Black Bear Pass. Black Bear, with its numerous switchbacks and steep thousand foot drop offs has become known as one of the most challenging trails in the US. . .and it should be on your bucket list!! Our team consisted of three couples and a few kiddos driving 2 Jeep JLURs and 1 TJ. I am sad to say that we have nearly 100 years of experience between us. So, if you like Jeep Wranglers, beautiful scenery, adventure and harrowing heights, click play and see how it went!!

[@erlpen2016]

The only word that comes to my mind is “beautiful” the whole place is just amazing...the photography is outstanding...what an experience!!! I guess you can call it car hiking...I’ve hiked many places but I don’t remember seeing vehicles being allowed to drive on the mountains...

[@hemisuperzee1287]

Its an official forest service motorized vehicle trail or road only for high clearance vehicles with a sign saying so. State or national forests have them, and are obviously different than national parks. Colorado has them all over.

[@theeddorian]

@@hemisuperzee1287 Roads like that are the ones you smile about later.

[@melody301]

This is one of those "nobody talk and turn the radio off" kinda drives.

[@donchristie420]

Didn’t even finish watching- stupid fn music

[@WRjockey]

This is one of those "grab the steering wheel so hard that it breaks" kinda drives... ;)

[@chopperchuck]

i can't see what I'm doing ,turn the radio off

[@kjsgarden]

Nah, only a couple spots need that kind of focus. But experience helps your comfort level, certainly.

[@len9483]

@@donchristie420 Just add a volume knob to your computer!

[@DOCSAFETUBE]

As a professional driver of 36 years and I go down mountain passes all the time I am going to say that you guys are nuts at this point.

[@hemisuperzee1287]

A professional driver of what? Semi truck, school bus, cab, NASCAR? One either knows how to off- road..........or you dont and never will. Going slow is obviously key. Many off camber tails are worse than this.

[@nordic5490]

School bus ? Lots 2wd and low clearance Subaru awds go down this trail

[@semipenguin]

JL owner: Hill decent control is kinda loud. Semi truck driver: Jake Brake is kinda loud.

[@twoallame]

Loved the spotter comment. I grew up in Colorado and have been in many situations of huge scary drop-offs. I was taught that if there are no trees then there is more to worry about. If there are trees then your pretty safe....as they will pretty much stop you from rolling down the hill/dropoff very far....words to live by

[@JTBCOOL1]

I never offroaded in trails this technical as I don't have an offroad vehicle. The most offroad I ever did was probably drive past Alta lakes. Yes past it to a private residence. I also have driven many years in tight corners and know my parameters very well. I see some dedicated offroaders use spotters for these turns. I could do it without any spotters easily. It may take a 5 point turn but come on people go slow and know your parameters. I want a jeep jl bad now and put some mods on it.

[@ronramlow6371]

We first did Black Bear in 1976, in a Chevy Blazer, and have done it multiple times on motorcycles and Jeeps. To make the blanket statement that no one needs a spotter, particularly on the switchbacks, is cavalier and irresponsible. It’s true that this isn’t a technical trail, but so many people have lost their lives, and there is a reason why the local Jeep rentals forbid their vehicles from being taken on Black Bear. Please don’t let your testosterone override good judgment.

[@Colorado_Native]

@@ronramlow6371 I grew up in Telluride and Ouray in the 1960s and '70s. We used to go over Black Bear, Imogene and other trails. We used to hang out at the generating plant (Bridal Veil Falls). One of the houses we lived in was just before you get into town. We vould see the falls from our window. Unrelated, but if you like trains, take the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. BTW, we never used spotters and at the time you could do Black Bear from either direction. Now I think it's one way.

[@ronramlow6371]

@@Colorado_Native , what an awesome place to grow up and explore! You must have some great memories! Thanks for the train tip! Actually we have done that a couple of times. I once got tears in my eyes watching a young girl play the piano, by ear, in the old hotel in Silverton! I’m sure she was surprised when she looked into her tip jar. Many years ago, my wife and I bought property just outside Durango with the intention of building. The San Juan’s have always been our most favorite place. It deserves the “Switzerland of America”, title! I can appreciate your not spotting on Black Bear. In ‘76 when we took the full size Blazer down it, the road was narrower...designed for horse drawn wagons. I had the outside wheels half over the edge, and the driver door was almost touching the rock wall, in one section. I made my girlfriend, now wife, walk ahead of me...she stumbled and cried, fearing the worst. I didn’t have lockers, and and on one of the switchbacks it was so tight that I ended up with one front and the opposite side rear wheel suspended two feet in the air. As you know, back then there wasn’t much traffic and we were about to hike down to Telluride when more then a dozen motorcycle riders from Vickery (Yamaha) Motorsports, in Denver, came through and physically swung the Blazer around. We spent the night on Engineer Pass before heading to Aspen, all off-road. That was before they called it Overlanding. :) All but a short section of Black Bear is dangerous, and it remains an incredibly scenic place! It’s a bucket list ride like the Rubicon which is now in our backyard.

[@Colorado_Native]

@@ronramlow6371 I had a similar experience going up from Telluride side. I had a new Scout and had three sets of tires for it. Being lazy I left the wider sand-type tires on it, my wife and I had been to Moab, Zion, and all over Utah -a great place to visit. A Marine buddy was driving and I was looking out the passenger window and saw the side of the tire overhanging the road. Using the calmest voice I had said, "Jim, you'd better get over to the left a little." He replied equally calm, "If I get any closer I will scrape the mirror off." There used to be a restaurant in Lake City that used to have the best food. The building used to be a bank. The doors were like 20 feet tall. I worked at the VC Guest Ranch for two summers during high school break. Thanks for the reply.

[@climbjt]

Good job! Not over dramatized. People try to make it feel like you gotta be a dare devil when being cool is enough, and you were very cool. The only danger is in poorly maintained equipment. Thanks for the ride!

[@dannymarrel3776]

Well done video. For me and the countless others who will never be able to enjoy the experience of this trail let me say. Thank you for sharing with us. So beautiful.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

My pleasure. More to come!! Make sure to subscribe!

[@skibee50]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d32Qnq2kfch4qbc

[@ElmoUnk1953]

I just crossed it this afternoon 08/11/21, a young Mennonite family crossed Black Bear Pass in their stock F-150, behind me the entire time in my Rubicon! He knew his stuff!

[@joaqofort4938]

It's like driving in a painting.

[@1T1ME]

Thank you for taking me to a place I'll probably never get to personally experience. Simply amazing sites. Thank you.

[@codyking4848]

We just did Black Bear a few days ago. It's very hyped up as far as the difficulty goes, but you couldn't ask for a more beautiful drive. Just take your time and pick your line, piece of cake. I did it in a stock 2012 Wrangler, six speed manual.

[@Amishcrawler]

I just did black bear a couple weeks ago for the first time. The scenery is incredible but honestly the trail is a bit over hyped in terms of difficulty. Just take your time on the switchbacks and you’ll be fine.

[@I_like_turtles_67]

I am guessing my crew cab tundra is too long for a couple of these switchbacks.

[@take3077]

@@I_like_turtles_67 109%

[@nhi369]

We took a1968 Chevy 3/4 ton lifted pickup over black bear pass and back over Imogene no problems

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

This video is a good honest assessment of Black Bear. I've run it a few times but have avoided it the last few years only because it is one way only after a certain point. If someone breaks down in front of you everyone sits and sits and sits.

[@brad9222]

Did it in my Wife's Subaru Forrester XT when dry. Total breeze. Wet conditions would have been another story.

[@jeffpittman8725]

Through the years I've learned a few things. Mountains don't care about your ego, durability and the phrase " one is none, two is one and three is better ".

[@markadams8857]

it's a interesting take.. Other black bear videos with very prolific off roaders all did use spotters making it look like it was 1 inch from death and really technical needing really capable rigs. But it's nice to see a different take as I offroad in a 2000 F150 regular cab short bed. and I have rarely had a problem. Thank you so much.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

If someone HAS to use a spotter on a county road, their skill level low or their spotter is an insistant mansplaner.

[@maxmcintosh7380]

@@4x4overlandadventures55 Someone didn't use a spotter? Yikes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIOYlH-dnbiKfbM&app=desktop

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

@@maxmcintosh7380 Someone forgot to put a rock behind their tire... so needlessly tragic.

[@percyfaith11]

@@4x4overlandadventures55 and curb the front tires away from the cliff side.

[@supersportimpalass]

Definitely on my must do trails bucket list.

[@bonniewest5679]

Great video, thank you! I don't think I will ever drive it, but glad I could see it!!

[@qouavang3646]

This trail isn’t bad, I did it in my 2015 tundra. It’s all about paying attention and confidence and also going with a good group!

[@jerryfernandez8881]

A Tundra fit on the trails? Did you have issues with the switch backs?

[@I_like_turtles_67]

Good to know. I have a 17 tundra and I ended up and a few narrow switchbacks in CA. Infoeget the name of the town. My wife was freaking out. My 4 year old was okay. But her cousin with us was ghost white by the time we got to our air b&b lol.

[@alantorrance6153]

I consider I am a pretty good driver, but those switchbacks are something else again!

[@grampabadger]

Black Bear Pass itself is not difficult or dangerous. What makes it dangerous is tourists driving standard shift vehicles they aren't used to, or not picking a suitable line. I did it in a 1994 Ford Aerostar van, 2wd with street tires. After all, it is one way down, which makes it easy on the vehicle. All problems are usually attributable to inexperienced drivers who have no idea how drive offroad (rental Jeeps).

[@beckybird5367]

It is very intense. It is beautiful. Been on it 3 times. Loved each time.

[@twalatka]

Trails in Moab have some wicked switch backs, nothing here looks worse than those. I would love to do this trail.

[@onlythefactsplease]

At 4:16 right in the middle of the screen you can see a crack going straight up to the road. The erosion from the water flow will create a slide there. It's only a matter of time before someone dies in this spot.

[@Mike-01234]

Could you imagine teams of mules going up and down that trail.

[@billredding2000]

True, but it was better maintained in those days...not so much since then so it's eroded. Some have eroded WAY worse though, such as the Rubicon Trail (officially a County Road)...also maintained way back then but no longer. -- BR

[@dizzytt69]

Drove it in 2003 in a rental trailblazer 4x4....beautiful, but not terrible drive. took some skill, but enjoyed ourselves quite a bit, except when the motorcyclists coming toward us wanted to pass on the inside where there was NO room. Made them go back up trail for a ways, then they went by.

[@truthseekerhill4262]

I’m waiting for the interstate to go through. 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for the trip. Better you than me. The view is spectacular. 👍

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cq7415]

Very nice. Beautiful scenery on very narrow back road. Shows the worst of the road with switchbacks. Thanks for sharing.

[@NebukedNezzer]

years ago there was a great bakery in to hell ye ride. my 76 FJ40 would do that road but no power steering on it. power steering is a great luxury. nice video!

[@haroldrull4943]

Your story make it sounds so hard, piece of cake ....

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

Correct. It isn't hard...but it is spooky. Anyone who says it isn't must be part Mohekan

[@ericjay6021]

It's bad for those who are not used to driving on this type of road. I grew up in Florida and we are one of the few if not the only state that doesn't have any type of hill or mountain type of driving.

[@jcaff6963]

Great bird's eye view of this trip. Those switchbacks are daunting. Only done Yankee Boy Basin to the top. Thx.

[@davidbruce5524]

My wife and I and our 3 young uns did this 32 years ago up engineer mountain (IIRC)... terrified my wife but we put her in the middle in back told her to close her eyes until we get to a peak and my oldest son (10 yo) rode shotgun, leaning out and calling out to me the whole way... 2' dad!... 1' dad, ...widening up to 2' dad!...lol... the trail we went up wasnt near this bad but it was still spooky for Texas flatlanders!

[@machinesrus9212]

that was awesome! great video man. Sexy Jeeps!

[@Ryno-fp7pm]

Planning on driving the Trans America Trail within the next year or so. This is part of it. Beautful scenery. Looking forward to it. It appears it would be more fun if you could drive the opposite way on BB.

[@jungersrules]

4:05 That's technically challenging! Even if fear was not a factor the vehicle can malfunction! A jeep went off the side Oct. 2020 because it popped out of gear and gravity overcame the parking brake. It's a thrill ride for sure! I'm too old for it ... I've been to Banff, Europe (Switzerland) and all the national parks west of the Mississippi. I'm good!

[@percyfaith11]

How can a jeep "pop" out of gear? The wheels were probably not curbed and no rock was placed to block the tires from rolling. All things you must do when stopped and exiting a jeep in terrain like that.

[@timothymelody7953]

My daughter went to school with the young lady that was ejected from that jeep. Her boyfriend was trying to direct traffic around his Jeep, while waiting for him with their two dogs inside the Jeep, it rolled back because he didn't set the E brake well enough. Thankfully the young lady and her two dogs survived.

[@mikeski555]

Hi. I was wondering if you are using a gimble for your in car camera setup. It looks buttery smooth. I like that the background is stable and the Jeep's hood shows the undulations of the trail Nice videography and video.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

GoPro 5 black. I just use the factory digital stabilization. Thanks!!!!

[@mikeski555]

@@4x4overlandadventures55 Thank you for your reply.

[@jake-mv5oi]

Agree with your comments. I ran it in 2016 solo because I blew my distributor drive gear the day before. I got stuck behind a group who was going incredibly slow and then got out to spot everybody through the switchbacks. Then they wanted to spot me too... lol. There's nothing difficult about it but the risk of a mistake is much higher if you're not paying attention. Honestly I think I could run the trail in my 2wd car.

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

Such a stunning landscape.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Around here we send loaded log trucks down those freeways. In the snow uphill both ways.

[@louisdriscoll2580]

I like to see video of that

[@joycejohnson7640]

Going around those hairpin turns is scary as crap.🤯🤯🤯 If I were a passenger, I would get out until the turn was complete.

[@Fourwheeljive]

Well done trail ride! I’ve done Black Bear Pass in my FJ40, but have yet to run it in my FJ Cruiser. Beautiful area!

[@jwc3104]

Nice videos but we all know that they just don't do the justice. The view is simply breathtaking.

[@bionicsasquatch]

he laughs about the switch backs but a red jeep did go off the cliff there and it was really bad .

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

That is absolutely true. The driver of that Jeep actually stepped out to help another person and the Jeep rolled away. That accident was TRAGIC but was in no way related to how challenging the trail is. I do not want to take away from the seriousness of such a bad accident but the fact is that driver's ed 101 would have saved a lot of pain (curb your wheels and make sure your vehicle is secure before exiting).

[@terrancesmith1674]

It does happen once in a while unfortunately and there have been some killed on this pass but then other ones as well so any offroading can be fatal if not careful.

[@percyfaith11]

@Steven Goodnight But many, many more make it over just fine.

[@thomas-ud1fs]

@@4x4overlandadventures55 wait the red jeep went down because it wasn't in park, or parking brake failed?

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

@@thomas-ud1fs Yep. Driver error. He wasn't even in the seat and his partner was in the passenger seat.

[@Awol991]

The stairs is the place where it can all go wrong in an instant if something fails to go as expected. An extra slip, bounce, loss of traction ..... The risk exposure is high, but a well kept and controlled vehicle should have no problem.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

We have always had a running joke on what color the Toyota that rolled on the steps would be. Just a Google search will show you how accurate this is.

[@MrNuthed]

Looks awesome?! Great video. Taking the GC Trailhawk there next year. One thing though, there is a substantial gap showing how that switchback was manipulated between 4:20 or and 4:45 ish. Nevermind, looks like you covered it later...... Just out of order. Thanks.

[@ninajarrett1247]

My friend and I did this with a professional driver and we loved it but no way would I take.my own jeep down this

[@Texasfinalboss831]

Our first time up black bear pass, we went up it from telluride by a tour guide, & my dad drove it in his old wrangler ‘95 YJ SAHARA EDITION! Pretty scary! If you don’t know they you’re doing & go too fast, then yes! BBP can be dangerous!

[@herbmanning8348]

I've done this trail 335 times. A couple times I did it twice in one day! HINT: You don't need to air down or have a spotter.

[@stich1960]

This is dumb, 1st it takes total 10min to air up and down, 2nd it just makes for a smoother ride and 3rd ifs a saftey thing (I mean you dont have to wear your seatbelt either) if that's your choice great but telling others too when half these "overlanders" are already puting their lifes at risk (and usually others) so often due to lack of experience is not smart

[@herbmanning8348]

I just set my tires at 25lbs and keep them there all summer since I'mm doing almost zero highway driving.@@stich1960.

[@xbpbat21x]

@@herbmanning8348 Herb, how long does it take, and when is a good time to go?

[@326dad]

Beautifully lethal comes to mind

[@registrationhater]

Black Bear is a great, totally doable trail. That said, you absolutely better respect the switchbacks, being as cautious a possible and giving them your full attention

[@shawnyoungman8608]

I love Colorado!

[@jameshinkle3318]

Black Bear Pass is not difficult at all. We ran it in 2020 with a 4-cylinder TJ on 31s. Zero issues. It was a beautiful drive and we took Imogene Pass back to Ouray. Too easy.

[@threeputt3642]

Great camera work with the steady picture!

[@IcePonyGoddess]

I'd rather ride my horse there and leave my Jeep on the road. HA!! Pavement Princess here. What gear are you driving in? Thanks for sharing...amazing beauty!

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

2018 Wrangler Rubicon on 37s. Overkill

[@panzer6398]

Been over black bear numerous times by motorcycle. You're right that it's not technically difficult. The problem is that a screw up is followed by a long quavering scream then a massive fireball!

[@krasnaludek298]

This trail can be fairly difficult because of the downhill tight-turns; at least the route that I took. My 2-door JK had a much easier time than when I returned with my current Jeep: 4-door JL (JLU).

[@coloffroad]

Yes, I wouldn’t want a four door on those corners.

[@drofmah3836]

I drove a Jeep in the Army infantry in Vietnam but it wasn't for the fun of it and that military Jeep spec could go anywhere even in the nasty terrain of the big island, Hawaii. (25th Infantry Division Hawaii/Vietnam) Large rocks and swamps were no big deal for that jeep back then.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

Thank you for your service.

[@CJLane-62]

I plan on adding a front camera to my TJ,and that will be my Spotter before making that run,as I do 99.9% of my 4 wheeling solo!

[@tereztiago9133]

Most terrifying thing I've ever watched in my life i had an anxiety attack looking at this..you people are super heroes

[@petemotley3151]

Driven it in one vehicle or the other a dozen times. I've driven far worst roads but my rule for Black Bear is to look at the scenery with the brake on and other than that, be very observant.

[@mpool4210]

The hair pin turn at 4:11 , 6:24 was the only nail biter in my stock wrangler.

[@darksideemt]

I'm pretty sure that is a badge I will never get. Absolutely breathtaking views but too sketchy for my tastes. That switch back at 1130 is exactly why.

[@JH-mt3pp]

I agree with your comment on a spotter. I've done most of the trails in that area and have never had a spotter. What if your spotter gives bad directions ? LOL

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

There are exactly 2 people I trust to spot me. One of them is me, the other is in the white JLUR.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

I remember doing this in a horse-drawn carriage in 1887. :-)

[@adeshwodan4679]

It is a very well maintained tourist attraction now. Should have seen it in the fifties and sixties. But it’s about the Sacredness of this place not rust the challenge of driving. Adesh Wodan

[@upsguppy520]

my dad took me on this trail in a subaru hatch 40 years ago we were the only car up there i was scared but had fun and we had a lot of compliments from other 4x4 ps my dad is and was a computer science guy so i was amazed at his skill not even knowing it was skill

[@terrancesmith1674]

Its a beautiful drive. I have this trail at least 7 times in my life long wheelbase pickup. Not fun. But doable, the shorter the wheelbase the better. The last time I done it in our 2016 jeep renagade. Me and my father did it in his short wheelbase winnebago rv. Yes he regretted it but we got it down without any damage other than nerves. It can be a deadly drive if you don't pay attention and there is always that slight possibility, that someone else could take you out from there mistake. Enjoy this trail be cautious. And I did do it in a 2006 mustang gt. The last step did not like the spare tire carrier sticking down so it gladly pushed it up about 2" yes had some damage. But not really that much. I still enjoyed what he'd a guy in front of me asend it in a Cadillac environment escalade yea he lost his rear bumper on the stairs. The renagade did fine all the way down but it is lifted.

[@michaelquillen2679]

The tour ride services do this in 1-ton pickups with riders in bench seats on the back. Saw a guy pulling (coming up from the Telluride side) a 30' travel trailer with a Suburban on Imogene pass. Remember, these trails were originally forged for mules/horses pulling wagons...now there's a challenge!

[@dufonrafal]

You start to turn too early on those switchback. You should take them as wide as possible, this will make it easier ;)

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

While this is true, this trail has very loose gravel and I try not to push it over the edge by taking the turns wide. You have to back up regardless.

[@davidwike4522]

Glacier national park is nice in Montana and it is daunting but safe , if you go off forget about your vehicle and your soul

[@bdkrma911]

The most intense part is the tip of the switchbacks when you go over rocks. It’s crazy…doable in the proper vehicle, but intense. DO NOT TAKE A SUBURU over this… How did subarus get a reputation for being an off road vehicle anyway?

[@rm25088]

BE careful man one wrong move and you're screwed as i just seen that mishap from a couple years back. Hopefully the girl is alright now.

[@mikewest712]

How many psi you guys running? Looks like everyone is over inflated for the conditions.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

Probably 10 to 12.

[@jamesareeves]

Please do be careful out there on the switchbacks. You don't want to stop. The trail has slid out from under vehicles before - for example, Suzie Rhodes from Durango, Colorado - she was injured last year and is still learning to walk again. You can Google it. She was a passenger when they stopped for another vehicle when the trail slid out from under her. If that happens, it's completely out of your control, so do please be careful.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

Vigilance is absolutely necessary. It isn't hard but the consequences of a mistake are terrible

[@largelarry2126]

If you're making tight turn such as on a switchback you need to turn your wheels all the way to lock before moving forward or back.

[@sinepari9160]

It's the 'scariest' but in a short wheelbase under 150'' wheelbase you're not even going to have an issue. People have done it in HD series trucks...I've been on much more sketchy shelf roads around CO haha. You BETTER respect it but yeah, it's not a big deal, then you get a beer down in telluride! And telluride is like the los angles of CO.. 180 degrees from Ouray!

[@twalatka]

I'd rather back up into the rocks than fall off of the cliff! LOL

[@legaprov]

Nicely graded road with beautiful views. You get a chance, come out to California and bring your friends through fordyce creek trail. There are no warning signs, but lots of people to help you through. Cell coverage whole trail!

[@nordic5490]

You need cell overage, and other people ? Soft

[@twistofthethrottle]

Did Engineer Pass a couple years ago with my wife in my 2016 F150 FX4 SuperCrew, all stock minus 33s. Not the best vehicle for these trails, but it managed. She was white knuckling the entire time and there were a couple hairy moments passing others. I only scraped the bottom once though. I would say this trail looks "passable" in my truck as well, just some extra time on some of the more "technical" spots, and a lot of time and 10-point turns taking those switchbacks. My truck could probably clear everything fine, but the wheelbase would suck to deal with on this. I'll pass. Maybe I'll give it a try on my FTR 1200.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

None of the MAJOR "trails" in this area are actually "trails" at all with the exception of Mineral Springs and Poughkeepsie Gulch. They are maintained forest roads with a high consequence if an error is made.

[@baloghlcb]

Was out that way the second week of August, but only did the Alpine loop. If I had a smaller vehicle I would do Black Bear, the switchbacks in my crewcab F250 were a pain in the butt. Wanted to do Imogene as well, but the rest of my group had enough of the shelf roads even though they had a great time.Well that, and I would've been doing Imogene all by myself on very little sleep, so for safety reasons I didn't do it. Not a fan of heights, but actually felt more sketchy to me driving that high on the paved roads than on the trails because the speed is much slower on the trails. Headed out to Utah next year and might do Imogene along the way, but will pass on Black Bear lol.

[@mobiltec]

NO NO NO NO NO... I can't even watch. Dang... Scary stuff.

[@mobiltec]

@Steven Goodnight I'll just watch it on You Tube thanks.

[@michaelwalker7397]

Wounder if a 1997 grand Cherokee Laredo could make that trip.. I would love to drive on that road..

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

Absolutely!! It would be doable!

[@karlelliott9254]

Experience? That’s a great thing. I started in a 1952 Willys (please do call them willlieeeees) pick up 4x4 in 1961 that my Dad bought for the farm and hunting. I was 13. Fifty nine years later I have never wrecked one or turned over, not because I haven’t tried. Jeeps, there are no two alike. As with a sail boat each has their own personality, usually taking after its owners traits, same as a good dog. This is a really nice “down to earth” video.

[@mikerobbins5049]

Well, we’ve done every other trail around Ouray, Silverton and Telluride plus trails in Moab and Sedona but not Black Bear. It is just one I cant conquer in my mind.... Be sure to try Brown Dog Pizza in Telluride....

[@MrHitthespot]

This trip takes too long in a Jeep. I usually take my 2019 Corvette to speed up the process. In all seriousness I always thought these types of trips would be so much fun... I’ve always owned 4 wheel drive or Subarus. After watching a couple of these videos and watching that Jeep roll down the mountain.......I’m out. I just couldn’t do it. I love watching though. Thanks for the video.

[@hahahajackmyswag]

You don't have a 2019 Corvette poverty guy. Word is it got repo'd 🤣😂🤣😂 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@thepcal9654]

I have to admit that I don’t get the draw or reason for doing some of these drives. The very real possibility of serious injury through no fault of your own (other than going there 😁) makes me wonder why do it?

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

That's exactly why we do it. If it was safe, it wouldn't be fun

[@aaronchandler2380]

Yep, on the list. Would not do it alone. What time of year did you do this?

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

Mid July. The trail had only been open for a few days.

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Wish we had stuff like in Virginia. All we have are woods. Their are the apalacian mountains but no trails here like this

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

@Charles X Yea unfortunatly i probably will never get to drive in these colorado mountains with my Two Jeeps. My wagoneer gets 11mpg highway. My 5.9 liter v8 grand cherokee gets maybe 17. The wagoneer itd cost me 1000$ in gas both ways from virginia to black bear pass and back. Lol.

[@markjoey1852]

I would have INSTANTLY BACKED UP!!!....Notice the amount of rock debris following the incident!!!

[@Lloydski]

Vids old but its similar to Schaffers Pass with all the switch backs. We broke down on Schaffers about 1/4 way down Jeep went into limp mode and I had to back back up to the top that was.... butt clinching one might say. But all was good I made the wife get and walk just in case.

[@pawadventures5544]

Wolf Creek Pass, you don't have to be crazy to drive this road, but it helps. 😎

[@Abhitips224]

This is bad? You should try the Himalayas. We do it in 2wd cars on much scarier roads. With oncoming traffic.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

You must not have watched... it isn't that bad.

[@jjackman2032]

Through the entire video he states it's not that bad at all. Did you watch??

[@Abhitips224]

jjackman2032 in parts 😬

[@laswan5]

@@Abhitips224 your bad.

[@paulseebach5978]

I don't think I would do it in my Durango, but maybe. My Sportsman? Hell yah! That would almost be too much fun.

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

Slow and steady.

[@LarryRichelli]

It looks like from your video that a lifted subaru or honda CRV could have done this drive. I have a new JL Rubicon I just bought but this didn't look like it challenged the jeeps.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

Correct. Zero technical challenge

[@res1cue2001]

What psi were you running your tires at?

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

probably 10 to 12psi. . .the Nittos were a little stiff. The only reason to air down on this particular trail is for comfort. It is not challenging to the vehicle at all.

[@GeographyNerd48]

I haven't been over blackbear but imogene imho was a bit of a joke. It only had one moderate section the rest easy. Its just the drops and rental jeeps that make it a bit scary. Everything i seen is same on blackbear but it better be short wheelbase. I drive a mostly stock 2005 ranger ext cab with LS and manual. The manual is scary reversing the switchbacks and momentarily rolling.

[@4x4overlandadventures55]

All of the passes in the San Juans...except Poughkeepsie Gulch...are about scenery and adventure, not technical challenge.

[@davidlaforce1855]

It’s a mildly difficult trail is all. What can get you in trouble on Black Bear is poorly kept vehicles, your rig should be mechanically sound, faulty brakes, brake lines, shoes, emergency/parking brake must be in order. An automatic transmission is best here, you slip your foot off clutch, you could be history. The other ingredient for Disaster is inexperienced off road drivers. Last but not least, bad weather can give you problems.

[@lindaingallsobrien4217]

I used to live in Durango too!

[@twhaz2001]

No worries. UNLESS you forget to check the weather report. Don't get caught on Black bear Pass during a downpour or Snow storm.