Black Bear Pass
Black Bear Pass is a expert 9 miles off-road trail near Telluride, CO. It requires a properly built 4x4 with 33"+ all-terrain tires, 3"+ lift kit, 4WD with low range and is best run July - September. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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Black Bear Pass is not just a trail but a legend, consistently ranked among the most dangerous roads on the continent. The one-way descent into Telluride features the infamous 'Steps,' a series of impossibly tight switchbacks carved into a sheer cliff face with thousand-foot drop-offs and no guardrails. Full-size vehicles simply cannot navigate these turns; even purpose-built rock crawlers require multiple three-point turns with wheels inches from the edge. This is not a trail to casually attempt. It demands respect, preparation, and honest self-assessment. For those with the skill and vehicle, the views are quite literally once-in-a-lifetime.
Fun Facts
Black Bear Pass is considered one of the most dangerous roads in North America.
The 'Steps' section consists of six consecutive 180-degree switchbacks on a cliff face.
The road was originally built in 1889 for pack mules carrying silver ore.
Several vehicles have gone over the edge over the years; some were never recovered from the canyon.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
📦 Other
Closest campgrounds to Black Bear Pass:
- Alpine Glow Campground · Ouray · 10 mi
- Pine Ridge Overlook Camp · Durango · 44 mi
- East Portal Campground · Montrose · 44 mi
- South Rim Campground · Montrose · 45 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Telluride, CO
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Expert-level terrain demands a purpose-built rig. Use every tool here before committing.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Running 35s or 37s? Confirm fitment and sidewall height before you go.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Low-range crawl ratio is everything on technical terrain, calculate yours first.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Remote Expert trails have no fuel stops. Know your range before you leave.
Trail Matchmaker
Not sure this trail matches your rig's current build? Find out fast.
Answer 6 questions and confirm Black Bear Pass is right for your setup, or find a better match.