Accessibility Tools

Skip to main content

BLACK BEAR PASS

Unforgettable/ Epic 4×4 Adventure


BLACK BEAR PASS

‘Hold Your Breath’ Exciting!

Black Bear Pass is considered one of Colorado’s most memorable and rugged Jeep tours, connecting Ouray to Telluride. In 1975, country singer C.W. McCall wrote about Black Bear Pass with the words “You don’t have to be crazy to drive this trail, but it sure helps!” With staggering descents and spectacular views of both Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, Lizard Head, Wilson Mesa and many other San Juan Mountain peaks, mountain explorers are afforded a trip of a lifetime. And, because we just can’t stop there, we’ll return to Ouray over Imogene, one of the highest driveable 4×4 passes in the country! This full day Jeep itinerary should be on the ‘must-do’ list for anyone with an adventurous heart who wishes to experience San Juan mountain jeeping at it’s most exhilarating!

This itinerary is generally open July 15 – Sept 15 with  Wednesday,  Friday and  Saturday online reservations available in the 2024 season. Other dates by phone or email reservation only. 

Please note this trail did not open in 2023 and we are not sure of the status for 2024.

Highlights

  • Stunning Elevations

  • Mining History

  • Waterfalls

  • Heart-Pounding Descent

  • Unforgettable Views

Adult (13 and up)

$220.50 full day

Child (6 to 12 yrs)

$130 full day

This personalized adventure is designed for small groups of up to 5, and can operate with a minimum of 3. Larger groups may be accommodated in multiple vehicles. Not recommended for children under 6.

  • telluride-jeep-tours-bridal-veil-falls

    Bridal Veil Falls

    Photo by John R. Giardino
  • View of Telluride

  • Early Summer

  • black-bear-pass-wildflowers

    Summer Wildflowers

  • black-bear-pass-red-jeep

    Rugged and Narrow

  • black-bear-pass-silverton-summit

    Black Bear Summit

  • ouray-wildflowers-black-bear-pass

    Mountain Aster

  • black-bear-pass-stairs

    Heart Pounding Descent

  • black-bear-pass-switzerland-of-america

    First Switchback

  • black-bear-pond-telluride

    Are We Still on Earth?

Trip Details & Logistics

Black Bear Pass

Depart from Ouray, Colorado. Travel through the historic Ironton and Red Mountain mining districts to the top of Red Mountain Pass. From this point, begin your 4×4 journey as you trek up Black Bear Pass with a stop just past the 12,840 ft summit to soak in the views of the surrounding Red Mountains, carpets of mountain aster,  alpine streams and artic ponds dotting the landscape. Heading down, enjoy the bird’s eye view of Ingram Basin and Town of Telluride. Then, hold on to your seats as you slowly make your way down a narrow precipice to the renowned, heart-pounding stair steps and switchbacks over Bridal Veil Falls and Telluride. Return to Ouray via Imogene Pass and discover the expansive ruins of the Tomboy and Camp Bird Mines left behind in the rocky terrain of the area. Both mines are littered with remnants of century old mining structures sorely tested by avalanches, heavy snow and even fires prevalent in the San Juan Mountains. Rugged, exciting adventure in specially-built Black Bear Pass Jeep Wranglers. 

This itinerary is contigent upon snowpack melt and trail clearing. Generally available July 15 – Sept 15.


“All we can say is WOW! Take a deep breath and hang on! Beautiful and more beautiful!

C. Webb, Midland TX