Vintage Jeeps on Black Bear Road July 2020

A group of vintage jeeps drives over the world famous Black Bear Road that terminates in the town of Telluride, Colorado.
This video gives a pretty good feel of what it is really like to drive over this iconic trail. The descent of the famous Black Bear Steps starts at about 13:30 on the video.
Thanks to Jeff Petrowich of Classicjeeptops.com for providing most of the footage for this video. Check out the custom jeep tops he makes at his web site and also see his great flat fender videos on his KZbin channel Jpetrowich.

[@PK-vd3vo]

God bless these folks. No stupid plea to "smash that like and subscribe button." No silly faces being made. No flex from the latest mod they installed. And no mind numbing synth track. Thank you fellas for showing everyone how to enjoy the little things in life, and how to share that on youtube.

[@pdv76]

I only just found this channel and it is a breath of fresh air to distract me from all the truly terrible things that are going on in the world today. I wish more people could appreciate what they have and make the best out of enjoying the simple things, friend, 4wheeling and fun. ❤

[@themooreclan1220]

love the sound of no music ruining this peaceful ride.

[@wirebrush]

CW McCall's Black Bear Road would be the perfect background music though.

[@chrismccloskey2502]

Moab...no music. Black Bear...I want some Tool. Loud. So, it drowns out the whimpering of the angel side of my conscious. Lol

[@OldGriz708]

@2:40 got the Humvee flex goin' on👍

[@asmitadevi9295]

@@wirebrush iiiio

[@Marcos.CJ3A]

that old continental 442 engine music...

[@zzzz-ok7733]

This is so much more satisfying to watch then all the new rigs!🏜️🦉

[@pinkertonj1]

This is when you have to be a good driver because your old vehicle doesn't drive itself like the new ones do

[@pdv76]

Thank you for taking us out on the trails again. Such beautiful countryside can really be appreciated in a open top Jeep!

[@Grampas-jeep]

Thank you!

[@tammyjarvis3699]

I think those old jeeps handle better than the newer ones ! They walked down those steps with the greatest of ease.

[@mikemullay5622]

"You don't have to be crazy to drive Black Bear Road but it helps." C.W. McCall

[@ronaldburgess2884]

I saw some of those "U drive 'em Army Jeep cars"!

[@marvindebot3264]

The sign was there for a while in the late 70s, not sure if it still is, asshats kept stealing it.

[@gregdaniels7479]

Just goes to show you, that the original Jeep, is the OG!! So organic and true to its core. Well done guys.

[@bradl45]

Love it!! Jeep has got it done for SO many decades. I'm shocked we can still enjoy so many of the great roads in the Ouray area !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@motorv8N]

Simply stunning scenery. What a ride!

[@VPB1970]

Beautiful Jeeps. No BS. Plain old off roading, with truly effective vehicles engineered to do that, not because it’s a hobby, but because you needed to. I love Jeep, in all forms, but to see CJ and Willys do BB is so, so satisfying! Thanks for the truly amazing, no music, no BS video. Really!

[@Grampas-jeep]

Thanks for your kind words.

[@jaynelson5793]

I went down this in 1970 when I was 5 in my parents 65' CJ5 and our friends 67' CJ5. Oddly enough, I remember it.

[@gcjctc2]

I love it, no lift kits, no 35in tires, no lockers, no hill decent, no slip differential, no sway bar disconnect, no body armor just a god damn Jeep! My first was a 1978 CJ7 now I have a fancy Jeep Wrangler JLU. Lol Great job Ladies n Gents.

[@diostejastierras7898]

*Y'all are some Mad Lads(& Ladies)!!* This is so raw and no bells & whistles. Showing the Guts on those old Glory jeeps. *Take Care & Safe Travels Everyone!!*

[@keithbryan3630]

Where are u all from what state.

[@Grampas-jeep]

Keith Bryan If you’re talking about the guys and gals in this video, there are folks is our group from Colorado, Illinois, Utah and Texas.

[@ddevelper]

Thank you for taking us along with you guys Blessings

[@4x4_travel]

This is one of the best Blake Bear pass videos I've seen! Thanks for sharing!

[@frankjacoby9460]

Dunking your heads is such a “memory” building family tradition- and the old iron is heart warming to see, I can almost smell the 90 weight on the exhaust

[@Hay-tn6hz]

Very well done. Thank you for taking us along with you. Beautiful Jeeps.

[@talezfromthedashcam3138]

This is an absolutely awesome video! If owned one of these classics, I would restore them to their former glory and still wheel them. They deserve that

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Great video, just sound of the nature and Jeeps. ❤️

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Just hit the play button and thumbed up without hesitation. I love to see basic old school tech and good driving rule the trails. Sometimes it is just way more interesting to see.

[@OldGriz708]

You're right 👍 I prefer the original basic off road vehicle to this new air conditioned crap with all the latest Johnny Whizbang bullshit bolted to with a tent on top. The new Fiat jeeps are nice and everything but have they won a World war..........

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Colorado is an absolute off road paradise. Really dig all these great vintage flat fender Willys! And very cool to see a TJ among them. O|||||||O 🇺🇲 Only in a 2 Dr 🇺🇲 '41 - '06

[@W2IRT]

The thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is this was filmed with a handheld iPhone...meaning he drove that beast of a road WITH ONE HAND! I'm about to watch it again, with the volume turned up to see if I can hear him clanking as he walks, 'cuz those must be big and made of brass .

[@bunditchunasit8076]

very good

[@georgerohrs9793]

Stupid and reckless. They don't respect rescue crews. Someday, that kind of senseless stupidity will put rescue crews in danger recovering their mangled bodies from the scree.

[@chancbennion2861]

What a good video! Over 20+ years ago when I first started Wheeling I used to see vintage Jeeps Internationals and Broncos all the time. Love seeing this

[@souperwulf]

Thanks for bringing us along for the ride! Great video, of an epic experience 👍🏼

[@CUDAbuster]

Great video. It seems there is an untapped market for making new off-road vehicles that are mechanically simple with minimum electrical systems and no computers. This video shows that by using a compact vehicle with short wheel base, you don't need huge lift kits and massive tires.

[@AustinH7]

Black bear pass is also a fairly easy trail(easy but potentially dangerous) but I get the sentiment

[@normanfields6371]

Seen earlier footage of Bam Bam rolling over and now I see BamBam and this video still rock ‘n’ rolling that is one tough Willy’s 👍👍

[@PaulA-yh7kr]

Another fun run I liked the house above the water fall over looking the world, Stan & Jeff you know how to put on a show. Can't wait to get mine going, frame & axles & running gear are sandblasted now the body & parts it all takes time but the old gal is 73 years old its time for a back rub! Paul

[@DrJohn493]

Driven the Alpine Loop in my FJ Cruiser and I've had this desire to take my (virtually) stock '77 FJ40 Landcruiser and drive it on some of these back country passes but darned if I want to put it on a trailer and haul it 1,100 miles across country. I have not and will not do Black Bear though so thanks for all these old vintage jeeps, especially the one with military markings. And the views are excellent!

[@paulvinzant4809]

I am against trailering also.

[@galeaiken3841]

Did the Alpine loop beautiful!!! And black bear in a mildly modified 3rd gen 4Runner. After the bear I now have rattling in places I didn't know could rattle lol But the amazing views are worth every rattle Grace earned. 4Runner named Grace because she's amazing

[@dangilliam5986]

My Mom, Dad, Sister and I took this trip in a '42 Willys in 1973. Dad drove, I watched the edges and Mom and Sister set in the back and cringed . I don't think I would attempt it now.

[@isaactrujillo76]

Ah yes, when jeeps were the size of jeeps.

[@OldGriz708]

And not made by Fiat🙄

[@chrislecompte6676]

This reminds me of my 68 wagoneer. Is there a standard code of travel on this trail direction?

[@isaactrujillo76]

Chris Le Compte it’s one way down, at a cut off point a bit before the decent.

[@Grampas-jeep]

Chris Le Compte From the Summit down to the power plant Black Bear is a one way county road.

[@teop7887]

...they were also a death trap. I do appreciate my 2.5 TJ ('97) for its simplicity, but modern jeeps have come a long way in terms of daily drivers, and off-road technology. What often needed to be outsourced from the aftermarket, can now roll straight out of the factory. A fully equipped TJ Sahara easily tipped at $20k in 1997... which is about $32k in today's money. For less than that, you can buy a 2-door Sport with features you could only wish for in 1997. Gotta be realistic. As for FCA, they turned Jeep into one of the top automotive brands, unlike Daimler-Benz. Cheers.

[@walleyehunter8862]

That guy with the beard / blue jeep had confidence in himself !! I thought the jeep was flipping over .. Experience I'd imagine

[@eightpenny6379]

These vintage units handled this no problem. In fact it looked like a simple Sunday outing through the pass. No drama.

[@esully60]

I love love to have been on this ride. Best Black Bear video ever!

[@Grampas-jeep]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words.

[@Mrtojo]

Thank you so much for filming this! It was a awesome ride along!

[@VaicomaDany]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jedlimen123]

Sweet!! Super scenic. Thanks for sharing!

[@paulweiler9068]

That was awesome! Felt like I was right there in the group with my flattie.

[@michaelwier1222]

Keep putting out videos like this and you're going to make me rethink what I want to do with my 3B. Thanks for the video, take care.

[@SegoMan]

Thanks for reminding me that I need to go back there!

[@petervollers]

Absolutely breathtaking scenery.

[@Grampas-jeep]

Peter Vollers About 5 hours from Albuquerque.

[@eddiep5676]

Great video, thanks for posting. Not a lot of videos with the OGs. Cool tradition as well.

[@lunakat6260]

Such a beautiful location, and really cool to see the multiple generations dunking in the water. What memories!

[@jafo321]

Love watching vintage Jeeps. Nice video!

[@vintagepureheaven152]

Looks like a good time! It’s a bit wetter here on the East coast.

[@jimsr.4019]

Great trip, winding down to telluride, awesome ride...

[@64_Falcon]

This is so cool to see. I have a 1984 CJ-7 and one day I can’t wait to take her on a trail like this.

[@suesanchez5831]

That was so awesome. Did a lot of jeep tours in that area but never Black Bear!

[@davidkline4372]

Goddamn, I miss Colorado. No place in the country is as beautiful and awe inspiring.

[@kenwelch198]

I'm really hoping to get the chance to get my jeep out to some of these great trails again! Not quite ready to risk a cross country trip to get away from the flatland of Florida yet. Maybe next year.

[@patriley9449]

These old guys really know how to drive those jeeps. Slow and careful. I could never do that. Once the jeep starts leaning too far sideways I would chicken out. Experience I guess.

[@ronaldburgess2884]

"The shortcut road that Kuboski was talking about." Gotta love C.W. McCall!

[@jayboy9124]

"You dont have to be crazy to drive this road, but it helps"

[@Islamisthecultofsin]

Search for "C.W. McCall - Black Bear Road"

[@TheVortech11]

Excellent Jeeps👍

[@leandrox2002]

Excellent trip in jeeps, the coexistence between friends and family.

[@DirtyOldMountainGoat]

That is one heck of a final summit block!

[@bettycollins3271]

I have a really nice 76 cj7 I’m about to sell and have done passes like this with no problem. It’s amazing how well these vintage jeeps perform.

[@gwenmontgomery7585]

thank you soooo much for this video. we went through this country on the highway and I always wanted to go back and do some photography but now doubt we will ever get there. As beautiful as I imagined, Thank you for taking me there.

[@Grampas-jeep]

Thanks for checking in. This is one of my favorite places in the world.

[@ronnieyalung]

I love watching your video😁 nice driving😊

[@victorsr6708]

Great video! Looks like lots of fun. Nothing fancy just real Jeep’s with real folks driving them. No ridiculous talk, these people made it look as easy as a Sunday drive.

[@rockymnthodad3047]

Awesome video, thanks.

[@albany222]

2:25 is where I hit the like button. This video is so raw and so real and so awesome. The sound track is like no other. We have a CJ7. Maybe, just maybe someday.

[@Marcos.CJ3A]

hard way to go back home! that sequence of "z" turns in the edge of the hill... madness! 1st gear + low ratio in t-case, one hand in steering weel, other hand in gearbox handle and a 3rt hand in keys (to turn off engine in case of brakes fail)...

[@f1jr724]

Great fun, Great location 👍

[@LincolnMaxnCo]

Beautiful video Great job 👍🙂

[@gogerwi]

Good video, thanks

[@jamespeters3907]

This is an awesome trail with amazing views. We recently recently drove this trail in a stock rubicon. I think most stock jeeps are capable of making it across. We didn't use the lockers. I wouldn't recommend full size rigs with long wheel bases though. The turns are tight. I would recommend a bit of off road experience with your rig. There are other trails in the area that you can run before if your new to off roading.

[@grampabadger]

That's definitely one beautiful area.

[@nealesmith1873]

The joys of shelf roads! I almost drove off the side one time due to trying to swat a fly in the Jeep.

[@DrJohn493]

Nooooo, you cannot swat and drive on those roads!

[@ynot0714]

Don't know it I'd fess up to that....lol.

[@albany222]

Don't swat the flies, just let em ride.

[@rogermontee8264]

Nice jeep run!!!!!

[@cq7415]

Good stuff, vintage. I like your mangled, dented, rusted-out old military Jeep. Glad you got behind that mangled old Jeep “Grmps48”. You did a great job of film one handed with your cellphone camera. Loved your camera angles too hanging out the left side. Funny at 2:30 when Jeep nearly tipped. You really showed how steep the switchbacks are. Thanks for sharing.

[@jpibacache6045]

Que magnificas maquina son los JEEP!!!!.....pootro lado que hermosos paisajes!!, gracias por compartir.

[@mheib9904]

Good stuff . We need good stuff in a time where there’s a lot of crap out there. Thanks

[@vdub5818]

We were out there this year july 2-13, go every year now. Made it to the pass of black bear the day they opened it july 8th, but thought it was supposed to be the next day. Chickened out and went back to 550🤣 Our airport rental jeep didn't have the best of tires, but we still did almost every other trail in the Ouray/Silverton area. Imogene was incredible, also the views from a dead end spur called Hurricane Peak, off the California Pass trail, are spectacular.

[@lanefrank6208]

It's interesting that all the modern Jeeps have all the latest and greatest suspension modifications and yet these classic Jeeps seem to make it without them.

[@exoplanetnomad]

EPIC!!!! TRULY EPIC!!!!!

[@kinorosales881]

really cool...love it..

[@johnsader8811]

Now this is more my speed. thank you

[@56fordthunderbird]

wowzer i had forgoten how good my flat fender was

[@MajorWeakness]

Cool old school jeeps

[@AceGoodheart]

That would be so freaking awesome to do. Would love to do that in my jeep, but I would need to go with some experienced jeepers like you guys. Wow, what a thrill that would be. The best part about this video is that if these vintage jeeps are able to do that trail then surely my jeep (3 inch lift with 35" tires) would be able to do it just fine. Huge difference being I have practically zero experience off roading. That'll change though.

[@markwisniewski2227]

Black Bear Pass is a bucket list item.

[@johncitizen5377]

I like watching american 4WD videos because the mountains are open with low vegitation. On the East coast of Australia, the 4WD trails take you through thick jungle that is so dense that it stays cool all year round and, in places difficult to see day light. It's very difficult to navigate off the trail. Keep up the good work :)

[@Grampas-jeep]

I'd love to visit Australia someday and experience those jungles. Thanks for checking in.

[@Eightball2516]

Love this video this is how it should be old school just as good if not better then the new jeeps these are as tough as nails

[@sithinstructor]

No one's gonna comment on the Beemer going the wrong way? Alright then. Awesome job guys. Can't wait to get mine running... replacing the fuel pump in a couple minutes actually...

[@davepg4173]

What about the women 40 seconds later? Wearing a mask outdoors, not one person within breathing distance from her.🤦🏻‍♂️🙄. Probably wears it at home all alone.

[@marvindebot3264]

The road is two way below the powerplant falls mate, he's fine.

[@patd4u2]

Cool video, I didn't realize those vintage jeeps had such a poor turning radius, those switchbacks should have been pretty easy with that short wheelbase.

[@OldGriz708]

Only in 4 low. In 2 wd it'll turn on a dime and give you 9¢ change.

[@patd4u2]

@@OldGriz708 Lol, I'll take the change. The last time I was in a Willys jeep was in the late 60's, my dad had one, not sure what year it was, must have been a 50's model.

[@st1buchanan698]

I've watched a lot of stuff go over that pass. Been over it on a WR450f Yamaha myself. I've never seen anything cross that pass with the ease of those old Army Jeeps. I am truly impressed. Now I just need to find a spot to keep one🤔

[@ricardocapriglioni5747]

Wonderful!!!!!!!!

[@kendzoadventure]

Nice jeep brother

[@timryan8174]

Awesome footage Jeff! And amazing scenery! Looking forward to doing that drive in my flat fender someday,

[@ahmadfathoni2785]

Amazing...!

[@haroldrull4943]

You amazed me taking a video while driving at Black Bear pass? .... nice jeeps too.

[@joshreed7102]

Damn, I didn’t know you could go up the mountain, trail only looks large enough for one truck. Awesome, absolutely awesome video.

[@FlyFish402]

I’m pretty sure it’s a one way trail once you head down from the pass.

[@Grampas-jeep]

Its one way down to the powerplant.

[@roytabucanon4349]

Gotta love ❤real Jeeps

[@dannmatt2304]

Beautiful

[@machinesrus9212]

so cool!

[@marshallcahill4958]

Nothing like getting off road 👍✌️

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

This is on my bucket list. But I get so freaked out driving in the mountains, I don't know if I could do it.

[@markopoloasia]

That was fun

[@Jbirdsprings]

Awesome video. To repeat what others said: great that you did not disguise the adventure with music.

[@almoody7155]

got a '42 MB last week. Extended family has had health issues for 6 or 7 years and it has been parked. I have a new gas tank and carb on the way. It has a later model F-134 and a later one-piece windshield. can't wait to get the grandkids into hunting camp this summer... they will love putting around the mountains in this (four @ 9 yrs old and one @ 11 yrs old)

[@Grampas-jeep]

Grandkids love jeeps.

[@almoody7155]

@@Grampas-jeep not sure if I will spend more time in the tree stand or giving driving lessons... betting on the lessons

[@z3lot]

Imagine someone sneaks in this group with a FJ40. Footage is amazing feel like its a adult theme park tour ride