How long is the Black Bear Pass road?
Usa, north-america
17.86 km
2,500 m
extreme
Year-round
Black Bear Pass, nestled high in Colorado's San Miguel County, is a wild ride you won't soon forget! This unpaved beast of a road climbs to a whopping 12,844 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest.
Clocking in at 11.1 miles, Black Bear Road (Forest Service Road 648) carves its way from the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) to the charming old mining town of Telluride. The road can start on US 550 and will take you to Telluride.
The views are absolutely insane, with two stunning waterfalls, vistas of the San Juans, and a bird's-eye view of Telluride itself. But don't let the scenery fool you - this road is not for the faint of heart!
Picture this: narrow dirt track, ridiculously steep sections, and enough exposure to make your palms sweat. You'll need a high-clearance, short-wheelbase, 4-wheel-drive vehicle to even attempt this, and even then, it's best left to experienced drivers. Keep an eye out for those pesky rock slides!
The road starts as two-way, but quickly becomes a nail-biting one-way descent. Speaking of descents, brace yourself for the infamous switchbacks above Bridal Veil Falls, the highest waterfall in Colorado.
Open only from late summer to early fall (snow permitting), Black Bear Pass demands respect. And because this drive is so intense, it's extra important to be sober and alert behind the wheel. Check the forecast, buckle up, and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.86 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,500 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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