Black Bear Pass Trail Guide - Ouray to Telluride Colorado (Switchbacks & Bridal Veil Falls)

Complete Black Bear Pass trail guide from Ouray to Telluride, Colorado. This iconic one-way trail climbs to 12,840 feet with challenging switchbacks, narrow shelf roads, and passes Bridal Veil Falls - Colorado's tallest waterfall. One of the most scenic and technical 4x4 trails in the San Juan Mountains.

*LOCATION & TRAIL INFO:*

BLACK BEAR PASS TRAIL
Starting Point: Red Mountain Pass summit (US Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton)
Destination: Telluride, Colorado
Distance: Approximately 13 miles
Elevation: 12,840 feet at Black Bear Pass summit
Difficulty: Advanced - narrow shelf roads, steep switchbacks, exposure
Best Season: July-September (snow-free access)
Duration: 3-4 hours one-way
Direction: ONE-WAY ONLY (Ouray/Red Mountain Pass to Telluride)

FOREST SERVICE DESIGNATION:
Official Forest Service Road 648. One-way traffic enforced for safety due to narrow conditions and lack of passing areas.

*TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS:*

RED MOUNTAIN PASS START: Trail begins at 11,018-foot summit of Red Mountain Pass on US Highway 550. Air down tires and engage 4-low before starting.

THE SWITCHBACKS: Series of extremely narrow, steep switchbacks descending toward Telluride. Multiple-point turns often required. Exposure on outside edge. This section requires careful spotting and precise vehicle control.

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS: Colorado's tallest waterfall at 365 feet. Trail passes directly by the falls with spectacular views. Historic Bridal Veil Power Plant visible at base.

TELLURIDE VIEWS: Panoramic views of Telluride and surrounding San Juan peaks throughout descent. Incredible photo opportunities.

ALPINE SCENERY: High-altitude tundra, wildflower meadows in summer, dramatic mountain vistas throughout entire route.

*TRAIL CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:*

High clearance 4x4 absolutely required. Short wheelbase vehicles recommended (Jeep Wrangler ideal). Narrow shelf roads with significant exposure. Steep grades and loose surfaces. Weather changes rapidly at altitude - afternoon thunderstorms common in summer.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS:
4x4 with low range transfer case
33-inch tires minimum (35-37 inch shown in video)
Front and rear lockers helpful
Skid plates recommended
Good brakes essential for steep descent
Short wheelbase advantage for tight switchbacks

DRIVER REQUIREMENTS:
Advanced off-road driving experience
Comfort with exposure and heights
Spotter recommended for switchbacks
CB radio or communication device for coordination

*SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:*

ONE-WAY ONLY: Never attempt to drive uphill from Telluride. Serious safety hazard and illegal.

WEATHER: Check forecast before departure. Afternoon thunderstorms bring lightning danger at high elevation. Snow possible even in summer months.

TIMING: Start early to avoid afternoon weather. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. Do not attempt if weather deteriorating.

SPOTTERS: Use spotters on switchbacks. Multiple-point turns often necessary. Take your time - no style points for speed.

*OURAY & TELLURIDE AREA:*

Black Bear Pass is one of many excellent trails accessible from Ouray and Telluride. Other nearby trails include Imogene Pass, Ophir Pass, and Engineer Pass. Both towns offer excellent base camp options with full amenities.

*JEEP WRANGLER SETUP:*

Blue Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
38-inch off-road tires
Front and rear lockers
Progressive Suspension components
Clayton Offroad upgrades
Bestop Trek Top
Recovery gear and safety equipment

*BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:*
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*NAVIGATION & TRAIL INFO:*
Trails Off-Road All Access Pass - Save 25% with TRAIL_TRAVELER: https://www.trailsoffroad.com/all-acc...

*JEEP GEAR:*
Bestop Trek Top: https://www.bestop.com/products/trekt...
Bestop Bumpers: https://bit.ly/3wRwIHe

*OVERLANDING GEAR:*
Tribe Trailer: http://tribetrailer.com/
Devos Camp Light (10% off 'Trail Traveler'): http://www.devosoutdoor.com/?rstr=tra...
SetPower Fridges (16% off 'Trail Traveler'): https://bit.ly/ttsetpower
Dometic Fridges: https://thetrailtraveler.com/go/dometic

*RECOVERY GEAR:*
Yankum Ropes (10% discount): https://thetrailtraveler.com/go/yanku...

*JEEP BUILD DETAILS:*
Optimus (Wrangler): https://revkit.com/trailtraveler/
Bagheera (Gladiator): https://revkit.com/bagheera/

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*RELATED VIDEOS:*
Ouray Area Trail Guides
Telluride 4x4 Adventures
Imogene Pass and Engineer Pass
San Juan Mountain Trails

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