[BizzyB]

Would love to meetup with a group of other THs and do this! July, Aug, or Sept work for me, but as others have mentioned snow levels in July may not allow it . . .

Yeah, July would be a stretch. A-Basin ski resort has been open after 4th of July weekend before.

 

[ua_who]

Last week in July? I know if it slides into August that I will have some troubles. School for the kids starts so early around here.


I'm planning a whole week off work. So any day of the week will work for me.
Any day between July 24th and August 1st. (or any day earlier than that if snow levels will allow)

 

[BizzyB]

Last week in July? I know if it slides into August that I will have some troubles. School for the kids starts so early around here.


I'm planning a whole week off work. So any day of the week will work for me.
Any day between July 24th and August 1st. (or any day earlier than that if snow levels will allow)

"Black Bear Road is open a few months of the year, from late summer (usually the last week of July) to early fall."

Maybe, but it's risky. Mountains have been getting a lot of snow this year so far. It'll depend on what snowfalls look like closer to spring.

 

[herb4372]

Finally, yall are tapping into my bread and butter.... I lived in Telluride for some time and visit atleast twice a year. I set out and attempted Black bear pass last year. Made it through about 90% of the trail, but the actual pass was closed while i was there. But the switchback isn't difficult, just go slow. The trail is tough but not impossible. I fgot my badge for it even. The pass itself is one way at the top and must be approached from Ouray. But driving from Telluride around the mountain to Ouray is only about 40 min.

Should you head out there and find out the pass is closed, there are literally 100's of miles of beautiful trails in the Uncompahgre and San Juan forests that you can drive down. And an equal number of hiking trails to beautiful places.

You should find the trail passable from July thru Late October, maybe early november (first snowfall usually arrived mid November). But i've been up to Bridal Veil falls as early as june 5.

If you're a history geek you'll get a kick out of the house at the top of bridal veil falls. Tesla/Watts built it to power a cable car for the mine. And it still operates. The town generates about 15% of their electricity from it when the water is running.

IU could go on and on, That little corner of the San Juans is my favorite place on earth. Take your Mountian Bike, and take a free ride up the Gondola and downhill mountain bike. Go Fly Fishing, There's lots of camping nearby, and even some affordable hotels.

Lookout for offseason. @ weeks begining and end of summer everything is closed except Steaming Bean coffee.

Recommend a Trails Unlimited map, has all the forestry roads on it.

 

[Jaro360]

I really want in on this guys. I'll be coming in all the way from Arkansas but my schedule is flexible and whatever you guys decide date-wise I'll be there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[herb4372]

I would recommend taking a few days and trailing/camping up and around there area. there are so many trails and places to camp. just be careful....

 

[HAWKDVM]

Wow! I've lost track of this thread but I'm so excited to see some legit
Interest! I can plan most any date with about 1.5-2 months advanced notice for work. A little piece (or maybe a huge piece) of my soul belongs in those mountains and I cannot wait to see them from an off pavement perspective. Something beyond the capabilities of the rental Camaro I had the last time I was in the Fairplay/breckenridge area

Is there a way to create an event for ppl to sign up for?

 

[herb4372]

dont forget todownload the jeep badge of honor app and check in. they'll send you the badge after you complete the trail.

The hardest part is figuring where to put the badge

 

[ua_who]

Let's pick a date guys. I'm in, hook line and sinker.

Last week of July is my preference.

 

[zzjdzz]

I will be making a trip with @Newislander in late September. I could be down for another trip though....

 

[BizzyB]

Finally, yall are tapping into my bread and butter.... I lived in Telluride for some time and visit atleast twice a year. I set out and attempted Black bear pass last year. Made it through about 90% of the trail, but the actual pass was closed while i was there. But the switchback isn't difficult, just go slow. The trail is tough but not impossible. I fgot my badge for it even. The pass itself is one way at the top and must be approached from Ouray. But driving from Telluride around the mountain to Ouray is only about 40 min.

Should you head out there and find out the pass is closed, there are literally 100's of miles of beautiful trails in the Uncompahgre and San Juan forests that you can drive down. And an equal number of hiking trails to beautiful places.

You should find the trail passable from July thru Late October, maybe early november (first snowfall usually arrived mid November). But i've been up to Bridal Veil falls as early as june 5.

If you're a history geek you'll get a kick out of the house at the top of bridal veil falls. Tesla/Watts built it to power a cable car for the mine. And it still operates. The town generates about 15% of their electricity from it when the water is running.

IU could go on and on, That little corner of the San Juans is my favorite place on earth. Take your Mountian Bike, and take a free ride up the Gondola and downhill mountain bike. Go Fly Fishing, There's lots of camping nearby, and even some affordable hotels.

Lookout for offseason. @ weeks begining and end of summer everything is closed except Steaming Bean coffee.

Recommend a Trails Unlimited map, has all the forestry roads on it.

Wait, there's a free shuttle there? I'll have to bring my AM and my DH bike. Would love some back country camping (not campsite) info if you got it.

 

[O|||||||O]

I would not count on Black Bear Pass being open in early July. Historically its not. It was still closed in July of 2014. See my avatar photo that was taken near there in early last July.

 

[herb4372]

I would not count on Black Bear Pass being open in early July. Historically its not. It was still closed in July of 2014. See my avatar photo that was taken near there in early last July.

That's true. Late July should be alright. They're having a low snow winter though, so it may open earlier.

I wouldn't let that deter yall. There are literally hundreds of miles of other off-road/forest roads you play on and see fantastic stuff in the San Juans. Even if the pass is closed you can get up to bridal veil falls from the telluride approach.

Here are some photos of trail.

THESE ARE NOT MY OWN. GOOGLE SEARCHED. I don't have access to all of my photos offshore.

 

[herb4372]

Wait, there's a free shuttle there? I'll have to bring my AM and my DH bike. Would love some back country camping (not campsite) info if you got it.

http://www.telluride.com/gondola

 

[Newislander]

Proposed date for an informal TH Black Bear Pass event...

I will be making a trip with @Newislander in late September. I could be down for another trip though....

To confirm @zzjdzz post, we're finalizing the date for this activity, so...

We're planning to drive Black Bear Pass in Colorado later this year in my 2014 Cherokee TH. The proposed date is Saturday September 26th but we're driving up from Dallas and since it's late in the season this may slip to 27th due to weather conditions.

We very much hoping that @zzjdzz will be joining us, but the more the merrier. Please post back if you're interested in joining us. It'd be cool to get a caravan of TH's but anyone in a suitably equipped vehicle is welcome.

Black Bear is not to be taken lightly and is not for the faint hearted, this is high elevation with extreme drop-offs. Safety is paramount especially when ascending the steps and the switchbacks, but all sorts of vehicles ride this trail every year and we believe the Th is perfectly capable.

Update: Official event has been posted here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1418847571742015/

 

[O|||||||O]

I'm trying to put a Moab mt. bike trip together during that same time period. With any luck I'll be able to do both. And that would be my dream vacation come true.


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[Newislander]

Anyone have experience with this trail? I saw a video of it today and I think it's on my bucket list, either hiked or driven. Any idea if a Trailhawk could make it?

I hope so @HAWKDVM because we're planning to drive it in TH's this coming Sept:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1418847571742015/

I didn't read the responses to your post yet, but if you'd like to join us then you'll be very welcome.

 

[orbiteleven]

Could be interested in a BBP run. Headed to Telluride this weekend and will do some snow recon.

 

[zzjdzz]

Nice, let us know how it goes @orbiteleven!

 

[taatmk]

View attachment 46866

Someone with more computer skills than myself should photoshop a KL into this picture