Black Bear Pass

4.9/5 (123 reviews)
The sign that once stood at the trailhead said it best; You don't have to be crazy to drive this road - but it helps. Traveling between Silverton and Telluride, Black Bear Pass is a legendary shelf road with 1,000-foot drop-offs, dangerous off-camber switchbacks, tight turns, and loose shale. It of...Read More
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Highlights of Black Bear Pass

Altitude Category IconAltitude
Forest Category IconForest
Ghost Town Category IconGhost Town
Iconic Category IconIconic
Mine Category IconMine
Overland Category IconOverland
Scenic Category IconScenic
Highest Elevation
12831 ft
Shape of Trail
Straight Through
Typically Open
07/01 - 11/01
Best Direction
West
Official Trail Name
823
Nearest Town
Telluride
Nearest Services
Telluride
Management Agency
San Juan National Forest / Uncompahgre National Forest
District
Columbine Ranger District / Norwood Ranger District

Overview

The sign that once stood at the trailhead said it best; You don't have to be crazy to drive this road - but it helps. Traveling between Silverton and Telluride, Black Bear Pass is a legendary shelf road with 1,000-foot drop-offs, dangerous off-camber switchbacks, tight turns, and loose shale. It offers amazing mountaintop scenery as you climb to 12,840 feet and pass the breathtaking 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado. This Jeep Badge of Honor trail rightfully earns its title as one of the most dangerous trails in the country.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
21 Waypoints
65 Trail Photos
6 Trail Concerns
123 Community Reviews
1 Video
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