Black Bear Pass, CO - Opinions wanted
Jul 24, 2003 | 11:26 AM
#1
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From: Lenexa, KS
Black Bear Pass, CO - Opinions wanted
Hey all,
Just found and joined the board. Taking my new '03 SR5 out to CO in a couple of weeks in order to break it in properly. Planing on hitting the trails around Tincup/St. Elmo for a couple of days and then heading to the Ouray area. I've been on the Tincup/St Elmo area trails a few times in the Ramcharger I used to have, so I'm fairly familiar with that terrain. The mystery area is around Ouray. This will be our first trip to SW CO. I know my truck can handle the Alpine Loop but what about Black Bear? Guidebooks warn against trying it in a full size due to the switchbacks. Any worries with a stock 4Runner?
Also, any recommendations on good backcountry camping spots in/around the Alpine Loop?
Just found and joined the board. Taking my new '03 SR5 out to CO in a couple of weeks in order to break it in properly. Planing on hitting the trails around Tincup/St. Elmo for a couple of days and then heading to the Ouray area. I've been on the Tincup/St Elmo area trails a few times in the Ramcharger I used to have, so I'm fairly familiar with that terrain. The mystery area is around Ouray. This will be our first trip to SW CO. I know my truck can handle the Alpine Loop but what about Black Bear? Guidebooks warn against trying it in a full size due to the switchbacks. Any worries with a stock 4Runner?
Also, any recommendations on good backcountry camping spots in/around the Alpine Loop?
Jul 24, 2003 | 12:34 PM
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You found the right spot. Welcome! 
I traveled Black Bear for the first time a few weeks back. I rode along in a Jeep, but made some observations in the CO Independence Day thread further down the page. Here's the excerpt:
*** "I put up a preliminary trail report of Black Bear on CO4x4 .
Alan, I took a number of pictures, but didn't a get couple I wish I would have along the steps. I didn't really want to stop as traffic behind was being held up as it was (read other report). I got a video of a TJ doing the first switchback which will help better than a still shot would, but it's still tough to translate what that means for a longer wheelbase vehicle. Keep in mind H1's and full size pickups and Suburban type vehicles have done it (no thank you).
As I recall there are only 4 tough sections on the trail. The first is prior to the steps that has a small rock ledge on the right half of the road (no picture). If you put your right tires on it, I think it would be quite off-camber toward the no good side. Surprisingly, we were able to fit going to the far left and close to the edge which is flat. I didn't think we were going to be able to do that when nearing this.
The 2nd are the steps themselves. Not near as steep as I thought they were going to be. There is one 30' section or so in particular that has kind of a rocky edge to it. Depending if you got to the right too far, it would be off-camber into the wall which is much better than if it were to the open side. It was pretty flat horizontally here, but still substantial. I need to see this section again before I run it.
The last 2 tough ones are 2 of the switchbacks. Either the 1st and 2nd, or the 1st and 3rd. The 1st one will definitely get your attention upon coming up to it. The tendency would be to turn tight to the inside on it, but you need to go wide. If you go inside, it is rocky and you will get flexed out and in a much worse position than you would want to be. The TJ's can easily make this just backing up once. Is that a 2 or 3-point turn? It's getting late and I forget at the moment. We may be able to though I'm not sure. It's really tough to make the translation. I need to do see this one more time before I run it as well. The other switchback in question is tight as well, but a little easier.
Lastly, whenever I run it, I will probably air down to 15, maximum. Probably 12. There is a lot of loose dirt and small rocks just prior to the steps and maybe on them too, and I would just prefer to have as much of a footprint as I could. It wasn't nerve-racking at all for me being a passenger. I know that would completely change if that weren't the case. I have no doubts I'll run it, but I want to ride it 1 more time so I can get a better evaluation." ***
In short, you can make it in a stock Runner no problem. It will require your attention, but you'll be fine. For myself, I will be riding it one more time before I drive it. I like to play this stuff on the conservative side.
You will love the San Juan mountains. It is the best area in the state, no question.
Black Bear has this post covered. I'll post camping suggestions next . . .
--Darren
I traveled Black Bear for the first time a few weeks back. I rode along in a Jeep, but made some observations in the CO Independence Day thread further down the page. Here's the excerpt:
*** "I put up a preliminary trail report of Black Bear on CO4x4 .
Alan, I took a number of pictures, but didn't a get couple I wish I would have along the steps. I didn't really want to stop as traffic behind was being held up as it was (read other report). I got a video of a TJ doing the first switchback which will help better than a still shot would, but it's still tough to translate what that means for a longer wheelbase vehicle. Keep in mind H1's and full size pickups and Suburban type vehicles have done it (no thank you).
As I recall there are only 4 tough sections on the trail. The first is prior to the steps that has a small rock ledge on the right half of the road (no picture). If you put your right tires on it, I think it would be quite off-camber toward the no good side. Surprisingly, we were able to fit going to the far left and close to the edge which is flat. I didn't think we were going to be able to do that when nearing this.
The 2nd are the steps themselves. Not near as steep as I thought they were going to be. There is one 30' section or so in particular that has kind of a rocky edge to it. Depending if you got to the right too far, it would be off-camber into the wall which is much better than if it were to the open side. It was pretty flat horizontally here, but still substantial. I need to see this section again before I run it.
The last 2 tough ones are 2 of the switchbacks. Either the 1st and 2nd, or the 1st and 3rd. The 1st one will definitely get your attention upon coming up to it. The tendency would be to turn tight to the inside on it, but you need to go wide. If you go inside, it is rocky and you will get flexed out and in a much worse position than you would want to be. The TJ's can easily make this just backing up once. Is that a 2 or 3-point turn? It's getting late and I forget at the moment. We may be able to though I'm not sure. It's really tough to make the translation. I need to do see this one more time before I run it as well. The other switchback in question is tight as well, but a little easier.
Lastly, whenever I run it, I will probably air down to 15, maximum. Probably 12. There is a lot of loose dirt and small rocks just prior to the steps and maybe on them too, and I would just prefer to have as much of a footprint as I could. It wasn't nerve-racking at all for me being a passenger. I know that would completely change if that weren't the case. I have no doubts I'll run it, but I want to ride it 1 more time so I can get a better evaluation." ***
In short, you can make it in a stock Runner no problem. It will require your attention, but you'll be fine. For myself, I will be riding it one more time before I drive it. I like to play this stuff on the conservative side.
You will love the San Juan mountains. It is the best area in the state, no question.
Black Bear has this post covered. I'll post camping suggestions next . . .
--Darren
Last edited by Darren; Jul 24, 2003 at 12:36 PM.
Jul 24, 2003 | 01:30 PM
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Ha! 
You know, that was always one of the things I used to think about as well. "I wonder how far I could go." I'm always wanting to see what's around the next corner.
There is an ego factor of sorts though if you actually went up and came back out to the entrance. Because if someone sees you traveling east with your tail between your legs, it would be tough to live that down, especially if they had a burly rig on 37's. Personally, I'm not man enough to do that.
In seriousness though, I would consider the one way section to be above the steps a ways, or somwhere in the Ingram Basin area. I would say for common courtesy though, that one should not go beyond the pass summit. For one, no one is going to be expecting having to face oncoming traffic, and two, a lot of it is a narrow single track as well.
It's definitely doable with what you have. Just take your time and go slow (duh!). And hopefully, you don't have any traffic around to induce any added pressure. I'm sure it would be quite enjoyable going alone.
You know, that was always one of the things I used to think about as well. "I wonder how far I could go." I'm always wanting to see what's around the next corner.
There is an ego factor of sorts though if you actually went up and came back out to the entrance. Because if someone sees you traveling east with your tail between your legs, it would be tough to live that down, especially if they had a burly rig on 37's. Personally, I'm not man enough to do that.
In seriousness though, I would consider the one way section to be above the steps a ways, or somwhere in the Ingram Basin area. I would say for common courtesy though, that one should not go beyond the pass summit. For one, no one is going to be expecting having to face oncoming traffic, and two, a lot of it is a narrow single track as well.
It's definitely doable with what you have. Just take your time and go slow (duh!). And hopefully, you don't have any traffic around to induce any added pressure. I'm sure it would be quite enjoyable going alone.
Last edited by Darren; Jul 24, 2003 at 01:34 PM.
Jul 24, 2003 | 01:56 PM
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Camping
As far as camping possibilities, the whole area is full of them. Most of the region is National Forest, which means free camping for you wherever you think a tent would look good at.
Actually, now that I'm trying to think of stuff, I am somewhat at a loss. Really, that first paragraph is all you need to know. Were you going to be touring the whole region, or just the Alpine Loop, Silverton, Ouray and T'Ride areas?
There are possibilities along each of the pass roads and along most of the gulch roads out of Silverton. The Mineral Creek road out of Silverton has a few spots. My favorite though, has to be right around in here at the Blue Lakes Trailhead. It's a few miles west of Ridgway and 8 miles back in to the south. There are a number of great spots back in here. Another great area is Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir. There are a couple basic campgrounds near the reservoir, but there are 3 forks (East, Middle and West) that head south that you can see from that last link. All kinds of good spots along each.
If you were able to narrow down an area where you think you might stay a night, I could probably give a better answer. But you'll be fine if you just wing it.
Actually, now that I'm trying to think of stuff, I am somewhat at a loss. Really, that first paragraph is all you need to know. Were you going to be touring the whole region, or just the Alpine Loop, Silverton, Ouray and T'Ride areas?
There are possibilities along each of the pass roads and along most of the gulch roads out of Silverton. The Mineral Creek road out of Silverton has a few spots. My favorite though, has to be right around in here at the Blue Lakes Trailhead. It's a few miles west of Ridgway and 8 miles back in to the south. There are a number of great spots back in here. Another great area is Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir. There are a couple basic campgrounds near the reservoir, but there are 3 forks (East, Middle and West) that head south that you can see from that last link. All kinds of good spots along each.
If you were able to narrow down an area where you think you might stay a night, I could probably give a better answer. But you'll be fine if you just wing it.
Jul 24, 2003 | 02:20 PM
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From: Lenexa, KS
We're meeting up with friends from CA on Tuesday, Aug 12th and traversing the whole area down there through Saturday. Will probably use a hotel the first night, but other than that, we're camping. No real plans on what day we're doing what trails. Depends on weather and mood. 
Plan on doing most of the SW region trails listed in 4WD Adventures. Taking a nice leisurely time to do them. Stop for lots of pictures and short hikes. Definately want to spend one night near Animas Forks in order to check it out early. Have heard the daytrip crowds can get a little thick there.
Plan on doing most of the SW region trails listed in 4WD Adventures. Taking a nice leisurely time to do them. Stop for lots of pictures and short hikes. Definately want to spend one night near Animas Forks in order to check it out early. Have heard the daytrip crowds can get a little thick there.
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