Phew...We Take On the Heart-Pounding Black Bear Pass and Survive!

( www.TFLcar.com ) Phew! We Take On the Heart-Pounding Black Bear Pass and Survive.
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[@ericcarlson8451]

During the late 60's and 70's my parents drove (multiple times) Black Bear, Imogene and Engineer. First time was in a stock 63 Jeep and in later years they were in stock 70 and 77 Scouts. No need for all the fancy gear, just solid driving skills and common sense.

[@robbiehensley2843]

I've done it twice in a subaru wagon lol

[@jefflange5853]

1973 Scout in the 80's.

[@d23g32]

Yep. The dog and I have done it twice while passing through the Rockies on a 7k mile round trip from the SW back east to visit family in a stock Jeep JK 6MT,. We went over the pass solo, no "spotters" or equipment on board, unless you count our baggage for the trip, and no dramatics or video. Both times were on a weekday morning in late October and we were the only ones up there. The first time we did it I watched a few videos on YT and read some write-ups about it before we left on the trip, but otherwise we just detoured through the Rockies, went up and over Black Bear, and continued east on our trip.

[@nichisjesus]

Pro tip for motorcycles: on long steep downhills like that, hit the kill switch (engine off), put the bike in gear, and let gravity be your propulsion source, while you use your CLUTCH as a rear brake. Allows you to keep both feet down if needed while still braking your back wheel. Picked that up from the guys at MotoTrek (I've never done it myself lol)

[@YT1300PILOT]

One of my favorite episodes! Dad and son and 4 wheeling . Pure Awesomeness. 👨🏻‍🚒

[@petrbenda3406]

Your videos are the best kind of advertising Colorado could wish for. The Colorado Tourism Office should give you a budget just to show off the awesomeness of the countryside :-)

[@jhgeetars1172]

Petr Benda Planning my next vacation in Colorado in part because of that channel :)

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Petr Benda we went in June of 2017 and stayed 6 days in Ouray which isn’t too far from Telluride. Lots of beautiful scenery!

[@NunYa953]

You're all welcome to visit, but please leave.

[@NunYa953]

@Maximus Prime I'm a native and far from a hippie. That being said, come here to visit all you want but please don't stay. There too many people in general here. Most coming from California and they are ruining this place. We should let California become it's own country and then place a travel ban on them. Motherfuckers ruin their own state now they are spreading their stupidity everywhere.

[@justsomedude5420]

Most of them are in Boulder. Move to Denver and you'll be fine. Colorado Springs is another option. Or if you want to get far away from them entirely, check out Grand Junction.

[@fgialcgorge7392]

Man, I love the off-road community. Ninety nine percent of people are so nice, willing to help all day if needed, just good people.

[@TheronJensen]

Memories! Lived in Montrose 1970-1975. Drove these passes in old pink jeep, 69 Bronco, '73 Yamaha XT360. Wife had XT250 enduro. She always walked the staircase and I had to hike back up and ride hers down. In Bronco she got kids out and walked down. Glad this is still open.

[@hikerstl]

I laughed out loud when the father to son says, "you want stay driver here" as the father on the passenger side is looking down a 1000 ft drop.

[@georgewashington938]

glad you showed a full-size pickup on the trail!

[@ATLOffroad]

I’ve subscribed to your channel for years now but just discovered some of your off-road videos. These are awesome. I’m building a Wagoneer now and can’t wait to road trip it to Colorado and ride some of these trails.

[@Van-Hammer]

I'd always wondered when TFL was going to do the famous Black Bear Pass. Thanks for sharing the beauty of the landscape and the thrill of the trail. Good driving by Tommy, even if he probably held his breath the whole time.😊

[@jackhook4192]

Black bear pass was awesome. We really enjoyed doing it.

[@chybagus]

I wanted to see the Raptor do that hairpin turn!

[@user-jz3vc9kd2j]

I lived in Ridgway for 5 years....been over Black Bear into Telluride 10 times in a completely stock 96 grand Cherokee Laredo. Had to use a spotter coming down the steps everytime....but it made it no problem.

[@LivingOnCash]

Nice job guys, especially good to see Tommy getting more off road experience. Looking forward to seeing you guys run the Rubi. You're going to learn real off-roading on that trip! I'm just across the state line on the NV side. Hopefully, you'll get to drive around the lake too.

[@julioangel1839]

Colorado in my opinion is one of the nicest state ever. I loved it

[@michaelquillen2679]

Have done Imogene, Ophir, and Engineer in a rental jeep. Son and I are doing a build on a '91 YJ. We hope to do Black Bear that YJ in 2021!

[@Offshore1977]

Wow. Great video!! I can only imagine the difficulty in having to build that road back in the good old days

[@Hawaiiansunsets808]

Black Bear its awesome . Very unique experience . We did it on 990 Adventure bikes . People ware saying stay away and don't do it . We say don't panic that's all. Definitely top 5 in my book .

[@rahulrane1658]

This is one of the most awesome videos your channel has. You folks always keep bringing so much fun into videos. So much variety in content as well. Cheers!

[@danscott2172]

"This is fun. This is really really fun," Tommy says as hes trembling! Great video guys. Love all your videos.

[@smarticus6384]

I really like the B-Movie music 6:24 - 6:55. I grew up in Colorado and this video took me back to old times. I can remember like it was yesterday doing this in my old 72 Land Cruiser with friends in CJ5’s and old Broncos.

[@rickykraus7450]

Rented a Wrangler Rubicon from our hotel in Ouray and now has me hooked. I’ve been wanting a Jeep ever since.

[@IndianMC-jf3cp]

Love that guy's comment.. "you're gonna be IN the line"

[@aroi70]

This trail reminds me of the road to my home in greece.... cheers

[@MewFushisDad]

This has got to be the best Black Bear Pass video that I have ever seen on KZbin.

[@aaronbehindbars]

Those stairs are sketchy on a bike. Did it 17 years ago on a KLR650 which is too heavy. Ended up shutting the engine off in first gear and using the clutch to modulate rear wheel speed so I could keep both feet down. Those rocks were bashing the hell out of the skid plate! The monsoon season thunderstorm throwing bolts of lightning at the side of the mountain made the next few minutes after the stairs a bit entertaining as my group got stuck behind a group of 4x4s with no room to pass.

[@Deetroiter]

Kind of reminds me a bit of driving up Pikes Peak in CO before it was paved. No guard rails and basically a one lane road with both directions of traffic coming. That was one of the only times I was actually frightened to drive...the sheer drops on the side of the road were a certain death.

[@Davedimmensions]

14:35 When that Raptor came down that mountain I laughed out loud.

[@danwalters2080]

I love your show! I currently bought a 2018 JK 4dr unlimited Sahara. I'm eventually going to get a lift on it. Probably in 4 yrs. (That's when my daughter gets out of college.) Will always watch and learn, thanks fir everything you do! Live in Colorado myself.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Congratulations Tommy! You have now earned a set of Kent's "Mr. Truck Testicles" to hang on the back of the Jeep! Black Bear looks amazing! Great video as always!

[@Slingsomelead]

Aside from it being a well made video, how cool is it for a father son to be able to do this together!

[@Kristian_Saile]

Black Bear is one of my favorite trails and right there up with it is Marble to Crested Butte via Devils Punchbowl and Schofield Pass. Then take Pearl Pass to Aspen and it's an epic route and not nearly as busy as stuff in the San Juans.

[@andysams6690]

Super awesome video. I could really sense the dangers both in the video and your reactions. You can't drama that. I can't imagine how I'd feel on that trail. I have lots of experience to gain before even contemplating Black Bear Pass.

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

Did it in a CVCC civic 5spd in 1983.

[@harvbegal6868]

Like the song says. "You don't have to be crazy to drive this road but it helps."

[@WACONimages]

Love those Isuzu VehiCROSS passing by!

[@zacharynolte6085]

That light in the spare tire is badass

[@dc76384]

What a great job you have. Not sure working with your dad is always great. But enjoy it while you can.

[@teags603]

Oh the squeaky brakes....... LOL

[@DrKinesin]

I have run Black Bear once. The cameras have a hard time fully showing the beauty of the road as well as some of the scary parts. It is a really tough drive at parts. Thanks for an awesome video.

[@morrisbienvenu283]

Great video!! I did Black Bear 2 years ago and can't wait to go back.

[@jeffmeyer3600]

These offroad videos you guys do are always awesome. Keep em coming!

[@malifestro7596]

Thanks for taking us on the trip!

[@rose415]

I like Tommy's explanations of the different equipment. TY

[@Gizmo42Rodeo]

The funny thing is when us Isuzu owners get together in Moab a lot of people who dont know much about them ask if the VehiCross is something new that Isuzu is bringing out. Not bad for an almost 20 year old vehicle.

[@rickyrodriguez2238]

Glad your back to making the father n son videos . Always fun to watch them .

[@Thomas-qk7wf]

+1 on the father-son 4-wheeling time. Good stuff. Keep up the great work.

[@texas2mp]

Been following videos with this JK very impressed so I bought one this weekend

[@RoverRacer913]

Awesome driving Tommy!! Nothing like intense focus and adrenaline pumping at the same time!! 😁👌

[@myroadtours6147]

Great video! I was just amazed as you seeing a Raptor on that trail. I love my Raptor but I would really want something narrower for Black Bear Pass.

[@estherswartz9588]

Gives me some hope my Power Wagon wont be so scary.....Almost did it this summer but the Dura Tracs going flat ever 5 miles stopped me.

[@Lincolnzz]

@@estherswartz9588 ARe you still alive?

[@One_Bar]

Classmate of mine did Black Bear in an extended cab Ram 1500. Had some serious wheel stuffing in the switchbacks but somehow he got it done.

[@donbrloks3959]

Did it on a motorcycle years ago. Video doesn’t really show how steep it is. On the steep section, there’s no stopping. Just keep it straight and on the trail.

[@user-jz3vc9kd2j]

You can stop plenty...I've done it over 20 times in a stock 96 grand Cherokee. No lift.

[@JoshBryan]

1 2 do you need 4lo?

[@CoveringFish]

@@user-jz3vc9kd2j a lot of crashes happen because people stop on the trail rather than using gearing

[@donbrloks3959]

12. Do it on 2 wheels, then tell me how easy it is. Otherwise, you don’t know s-t.

[@J.Young808]

Wow this came up in my current suggestions (Jan 16, 2022). It took me a second to figure out that it was the JK you guys used to have.

[@chadharmon5716]

Awesome editing and video as a whole great job guys

[@CliffWarren]

Recently I was in a 98 Dodge Ram going down a steep off-road in Utah, not as treacherous as that but if you fall 400 feet or 2000 the result is the same. I was coming down it and had a brake line burst. When that happens, you lose all hydraulic brakes of course. I was able to get it stopped with the emergency brake. It literally saved our lives. So, with your Land Rover with squishy brakes, DO NOT take it off road until you get the rubber parts replaced and get it bled real good. Then, make sure the e-brake can stop you on a pretty good downhill. Be safe my friends, check out all your off-roaders this way and keep making videos!

[@scarhart53]

I've had a LOT of brake lines pop, being in rust belt country, and have never lost ALL braking.

[@vicfazio7847]

You guys have the best channel for cars and fun. Good driving Tommy that looks like a lot of fun. MT Dirt Every Day took an OEM Jeep Renegade on Black Bear Pass. They popped a tire but all went well.

[@fgialcgorge7392]

What a great episode guys. Thanks. I just became a patron, it took far too long because I've been a subscriber for years. Probably all five. Just couldn't ever bring myself to part with the five bucks because I'm on disability. You guys just do so much good work I had to try to give something back.

[@samuelcurto5505]

Colorado is so beautiful! Awesome vid and an awesome jeep

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Great job guys! The auto community is great! So many nice people, who are enthusiastic!

[@Dr_Reason]

My grandmother rode this road on a tourist jeep where you ride hanging over the edge of the Jeep.

[@ShaneSimon3D]

Went over Black Bear in a 95 Expedition - was crazy.

[@JoshBryan]

Damn! Lifted?

[@ShaneSimon3D]

Josh Bryan Stock with off-road tires.

[@JoshBryan]

@@ShaneSimon3D I didn't think the expedition came out until a couple years later? I vaguely recall the explorer launching around 92-ish when I was in high school

[@ShaneSimon3D]

@@JoshBryan You are correct - it was a 97 XLT - had to go doublecheck. It was huge - on the second or third switchback we had to inch around the corner and back up twice. I had a great spotter which helped a lot.

[@JoshBryan]

@@ShaneSimon3D that is impressive! My sister-in-law had an expedition about that year and the one thing I remember about it is how bouncy the suspension was. That's awesome you guys made it.

[@marbizzy3158]

I could go like 30 mph over that in my 1973 renagade (Bones) it also has a gas can for a boat tank, no windshield, and no seatbelts. It's also pretty darn rusty. Fun fact, someone else tried to paint it yellow, but gave up half way, so the front is orange and the back is yellow. We call the color yeorange. And it has one working brake.

[@clintbiesinger9436]

Awesome video! Great camera work and dialogue! You could really get a sense for what the trail was like from the video.

[@streetstomper]

so beautiful there, I just picked up a 98 Jeep TJ and cant believe how much I am falling in love with it already. I did just post a video on my channel about it if your interested in having a look.

[@efs83dws]

Impressive. Your best off-road yet from what I’ve seen.

[@joellaurent3334]

Nice to see 2 door jeep excelling!

[@brianhoefer7148]

Offroad on a dirtbike is always faster and easier if you know how to ride. From an offroad rider since 73.

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

Just wait till the Rubicon !!!! Butt Clencher 4.0 LOL !!!!! Thought that pass was scary it has the altitude advantage but when it comes to ultimate off roading nothing beats the Rubi !!!! Have fun out there and be safe.

[@T4nkcommander]

Nah, we had a 2016 rubi prior to my Raptor....Raptor is way better

[@LonnieHutchinson90]

Damn that place is AMAZING!!!

[@shkotayd9749]

Great video! And several Cherokee Trailhawks have made the BB Pass already :O

[@matconner21]

I’ve seen a lifted vehicross here in Oklahoma City, they are seriously cool!

[@Metalbass1979]

A few spots had me clenching my bunghole tighter than a snare drum. I think you need a TFL-Parachute. Haha. Excellent video, as always. Keep them coming!

[@johnhall6194]

Nice job Gentlemen! I'm jealous... Been wanting a Jeep since I sold a purchased new 77 CJ 5... Maybe when the JT comes out. Thank you for sharing your father/son adventure. Thumbs up!!

[@DavidSorensenRealLife]

It's a shame that video never shows how terribly steep it is. You guys are sweating in fear and we viewers wonder what all the fuss is about... untill we drive the same trail! This is indeed very scary. Awesome video! Love the music.

[@tooligan113]

I know of at least 5, 4x4 trails in Colorado that make Black Bear Pass and Schofield Pass nothing but scenic trails. From extreme to almost impassable1-5: 1) The Middle Fork Swan River 4WD trail follows the river up its valley. The annual flooding from snow and thunder storms provide ever changing rock crawling of the river. 2) Kelly Flats has 2 distinct obstacles Heart Attack Hill and The Chutes. Both obstacles have bypasses that are extreme as well. 3) Fruita Colorado, 21 Road is a trail that will give any driver or vehicle a challenge. The trail follows a rocky wash through Hunter Canyon, into the Book Cliffs, and gets progressively more difficult the farther you travel. Most obstacles have multiple line choices including ones that will leave you asking, "are you crazy"? NOTE: There are no bypass routs or turnarounds plus add some of the largest boulders on any rout in Colorado. I my opinion the low elevation is what makes this doable, at altitude this trail would not be passable. 4) Blanca Peak, drivers must traverse five major named obstacles in order of appearance... Jaws 1, Jaws 2, Jaws 2.5, Jaws 3, and Jaws 4. 5) Holy Cross City, on the side of 14,009 foot Mount of the Holy Cross, is one of the most difficult, hardcore rock-crawling trails in the state! The snow and water obstacles make this the most difficult in my opinion.

[@butch93105]

I like how Roman abandons Tommy Boy in case he goes cliff diving.

[@Sacapuntas69]

Awesome video! I was getting nervous sitting at home watching! I'm waiting for all the youtube experts to say how easy this trail is though.

[@CustomVStar05]

Fantastic video brings back memories! Such a beautiful pass!

[@ortiz73caify]

Awesome trail looks beautiful and fun.

[@ntsms69]

There's nothing better than a 2 Door JK. Especially a Black Manual.

[@davidking3311]

Those views, meanwhile , here on the east coast my closest place to wheel is an old landfill that leaks garbage when the rivers swell .

[@Jsuarez6]

Great video. This really makes me want to go travel those trails.

[@briangleeson1528]

One of you best videos, yet! This is one where we could definitely tell how steep it was. And, I think you could get some kind of KZbin award for filming two Vehicross in one video. When's the Scout going to run Blackbear? Just kidding, (sort of)... Keep up the good work!

[@jameshall4385]

Great video. That was a pucker factor of nine out of ten. I was thinking I could do that in my firebird, then you hit the stairs. That was crazy. Seriously steep and that drop off was crazy. You better hope no one is trying to go up when you are going down. I am going to remember that trail, looks awesome

[@TFLnow]

James Hall Luckily its a one way trail!

[@thejohnnerparty]

That downhill side of the pass definitely looks scary, but so rewarding. A big thumbs up. ;-)

[@almeisam]

Since you were in the area, did you get over Cinnamon and Stoney passes?

[@matthewmaddox2915]

Black bear pass is the scariest pass out of the dozens in CO.

[@timvl8178]

Appreciate all the Jeep vids you folks do! Liked this one since the wife and I did Black Bear this July for the first time but we did it in a stock 2012 Sahara JK with automatic trans and did not lower air pressure in tires (the stock Bridgestone). We only bottomed out once on one of the rock drops on the trail before the stair steps corner. Had to choose the path carefully and was great fun. We also did all the other trails around Ouray (except did not attempt Poughkeepsie understandably). Hey, why don't you guys do more stock Jeeps on trails and not always the Rubicon model...show them what a stock jeep can do. Ours handled the trails just fine...On Black Bear I climbed the creek bed (which I notice you guys went around) and did some of the other challenging cuts along the trail. These vehicles are fantastic and yet very comfortable (we traveled from MN to CO in it). Anyway Great Stuff so keep it up.

[@HeCute_]

Taking my YJ to black bear pass this summer! Great video guys

[@bosse641]

A very fine son. The father must be so proud.

[@mrnine324]

Great video! When I was stationed at Carson I was up in those mountains every weekend doing so many trails. I drove either my 05 Grand Cherokee, or my 07 Dodge Ram Powerwagon. I did this same trail in the PW, that sharp turn was quite difficult in my 4-door HD truck, haha, but did it. Another one yall should try is Red Cone, and the trails around there. Or venture south towards Woodland Park and there are some that I went to a LOT. Gosh I want to move back there soooo bad, just need a career opportunity with enough pull to move my family there.

[@4-LOW]

The image you see at 13:00 was the cover shot on the first issue of Four Wheeler magazine decades ago, if I'm not mistaken.

[@michelleluna4278]

Loved this... but I’m sure you already knew I would. If only those trails were closer to me.

[@pagosadoug1]

I have done this trail many times in a stock Ford ranger and a stock Ford Expedition.

[@ElmoUnk1953]

Yesterday 08/11/21, This family, Mr. and Mrs. Mennonite Bad Ass, and their little kids crossed Black Bear Pass in their bone stock F-150, behind my Rubicon the entire time! 😁❤️😁 He was very skilled, and very patient.

[@xbpbat21x]

And it helps to turn off your lockers on the switch backs...if you have them...

[@jeep2003]

Nice! I was starting to wonder why you guys bother living in Colorado if the only place you go is gold mine hill.

[@wolfman9999999]

They do Gold Mine Trail all the time for their tests as it is very close to where they have their offices.

[@bryco32]

Got stuck on that trail after a Toyota broke in a precarious spot. Ended up making our way down it in my old cj5 with manual steering and manual brakes in the dark and with it raining. The pucker factor was high!

[@blain5827]

Deezildennis I could only imagine....

[@steved881]

I did black bear in a Lexus Gx470 2 1/2 inch lift stock drivetrain. I did a 3 point turn on the sharp turn without a spotter or damage. I think the Gx has a better turn radius

[@psychologicaltirefire8190]

Me and brother on the corner of Chicken Corners. "Stay driver on this one".