Black Bear Pass

I’m planning on taking Ouray to Telluride via Imogene Pass and would like to drop down on Black Bear Pass right after the Imogene summit, following BBP all the way to Telluride. After a lot of map study and research I can’t seem to figure out where they connect.

 

expect snow.......even into July

 

Space, the final frontier. To boldly go where no man has gone before. GodSpeed to you.

 

Thats because they don't connect.

 

Correct. BBP ends in Telluride, Imogene runs between Telluride and Ouray.

 

They don't connect. Do your plan in reverse. Enter the trailhead to BBP off of the paved road Rt 550 at the top of Red Mountain Pass (Just south of Ouray before you get to Silverton), take BBP into Telluride, then take Imogene from Telluride back to Ouray. BBP is one-way only into Telluride. And take some extra underwear...

Have fun! Post pics...

 

And take some extra underwear...

Now that's a good one for the funny bone! HA!

 

Thanks for clearing that up, guys. How long does Imogene take from Ouray to Telluride?

 

Depends on when you are going. If you go any time soon, you will be there awhile waiting for the county to dig it out. Figure about 3 or 4 hours probably when it gets open and depending how much time you spend sightseeing and picture taking. It’s not a race, enjoy the scenery it’s awesome. I have no idea when it will be open, but usually BBP is open around July 4th. Not this year probably. Best trip is Black Bear to Telluride and Imogene back to Ouray. All day trip but once in a lifetime deal for most people. I have heard rumors might not even get opened this year but will definitely be late.

 

I don't know. I was up on Grand Mesa last week and EVERYTHING was still snowed in. I seriously doubt Black Bear or Imogene are open yet. We got a lot of snow this year and it's still melting.

 

Imogene is exceptional and is one of my favorites. It gets WAY higher than Black Bear and has some incredible views. I actually ran the trail during the Imogene Pass Run and will be doing it again in September this year. Didn't die last time so I might as well do it again. The drive is great and you should be able to do it no matter what modifications you do or don't have. This trail is closed currently and will be for about another month. They've had record snow fall this year. Nothing killer on this one but keep your wits about you because on trails like that if you screw up; you die.

Black Bear Pass runs from 550 closer to Silverton and is a ONE WAY trail into Telluride. It comes down into the south side right by Bridal Veil Falls. I believe the trail changes directions once a year for an annual Jeep meet. The descent into Telluride is the hardest part. The switch backs are extremely tight. I've done it in my truck so it's certainly possible. You just have to setup for the turns in advance. Again, stay sharp and take it seriously. Use the gearing of the truck so you can go easy on the brakes. Someone dies on Black Bear every year and it's always the people who fuck around. As long as you're alert and cautious, you'll be fine

First picture is the top of Imogene. Second picture is the descent into Telluride on Black Bear. I know all of those trails very well out there. I try to go every year.

 

Thanks for all the info. The trip is end of July, been planning this for months so fingers crossed the trails are open...actually rebuilt the entire truck for a trek out west. Huge bummer if I have to skip Imogene.

 

End of July "might" be open but here is a recent pic trying to get Ophir Pass open. I live just over an hour away in Cortez and we have had snow like we haven't seen in many years.

 

@BobnCo I saw that picture last night too in the Ouray group on FB. The snow is insane. I believe they said Ophir is "open" now on that post. Won't be near as cool as it is without snow but it will still be a neat drive.

My guess is end of July and the OP should be ok as long as summer actually comes along. It's been such an odd year though it's just hard to tell.

Also, go buy this trail book. It's very helpful for navigating the trails since the signs are almost non-existent.

$27 Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Colora...=gateway&sprefix=colorado+4x4+,aps,181&sr=8-3

 

Mega snow year in the west this year......

Drought buster for sure !!!!!!!

 

Ahhh, one of my favorites. I lucked up and @In4aride was my personal guide for a day on the trails. Had a great time there.

 

Because I can...

These were from a few years ago, still some of my absolutely favorite trails

https://youtu.be/RamlBu0wtmk

https://youtu.be/9lhMQvuTbIc

 

Unbelievable weather out there. Thank you all for the resources to help plan this trip. I certainly wasn’t planning on snow and avalanches.

 

It was a good winter!! Bring the AT skis or go tubing instead!

 

I was in Telluride today for work. Looking up to Black Bear it is easy to see with the white line coming down. Also looks like quite a few snow slides/avalanches across the road. Be awhile I believe. Only good thing was the 2 big elk herds right outside of town by the road. Didn’t stop to get pictures because of traffic and I see them all the time.