Colorado Looking for help from my CO buddies

[NashvilleTJ]

That section of Black Bear isn't open yet and I don't think I'm quite ready for the whole run yet anyway. However, the bottom half is open to two-way traffic from Telluride, so I went as high as was allowed.

I don’t have the skill (or the sack) to do it but a few guys on my adventure bike trip last year did Black Bear. That’s definitely pushing it on a big adventure bike.

We are staying in Telluride a few days, and will likely do that bottom half portion of Black Bear. I think that gets you at least a look at Bridal Falls. The video my buddy took while riding the switchbacks (yeah, hand held video while riding - he’s a bad ass), showed small SUV’s and cars parked on the road just below the falls. Killer views of Telluride from there.

 

[jjvw]

I don’t have the skill (or the sack) to do it but a few guys on my adventure bike trip last year did Black Bear. That’s definitely pushing it on a big adventure bike.

We are staying in Telluride a few days, and will likely do that bottom half portion of Black Bear. I think that gets you at least a look at Bridal Falls. The video my buddy took while riding the switchbacks (yeah, hand held video while riding - he’s a bad ass), showed small SUV’s and cars parked on the road just below the falls. Killer views of Telluride from there.

Once you see the bottom half, know that the top is about the same. BB is entirely psychological.

 

[TRevs]

Once you see the bottom half, know that the top is about the same. BB is entirely psychological.

That’s good to know. I figured the top half was substantially narrower since it’s one-way only.
I’m heading back to the area in late July and might try it, although Imogene is higher on the list.

 

[hosejockey61]

Once you see the bottom half, know that the top is about the same. BB is entirely psychological.

Completely agree.

 

[Apparition]

That’s good to know. I figured the top half was substantially narrower since it’s one-way only.
I’m heading back to the area in late July and might try it, although Imogene is higher on the list.

Get both

 

[RMETeeJay]

Some good info to be found here. They're reporting a lot of calls lately. (@NashvilleTJ , not assuming that you would get into these situations, it's just another set of data):
https://www.facebook.com/CO4x4RnR/
I think I saw that rescued yota on Sunday in a nearby area.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Some good info to be found here. They're reporting a lot of calls lately. (@NashvilleTJ , not assuming that you would get into these situations, it's just another set of data):
https://www.facebook.com/CO4x4RnR/
I think I saw that rescued yota on Sunday in a nearby area.

That's great information. Thanks.

 

[tworley]

Once you see the bottom half, know that the top is about the same. BB is entirely psychological.

Yes, really nothing more than a groomed trail with several tight turns is all.

 

[tworley]

Very cool. Thanks for the info. If I was taking the big Jeep, I wouldn't think twice about hitting that. But in the Grand....

Ophir is definitely doable in a grand cherokee. Its loose rock, but nothing I would call an obstacle.

 

[Ericict]

Not sure if it is open yet, but Boreas Pass road runs from Breckenridge to South Park (Somewhere near Fairplay).

Comes out in Como, SE of Fairplay on 285.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Yes, really nothing more than a groomed trail with several tight turns is all.

View attachment 256526

I'm pretty sure I'd have no problem, even in the Grand, but my wife is afraid of heights, so Black Bear is a non-starter.




(...possibly masking my own fear by blaming it on my wife )

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Ophir is definitely doable in a grand cherokee. Its loose rock, but nothing I would call an obstacle.

I've read (most recently on the Colorado Rescue and Recovery page) that I should avoid any snow covered roads up in the passes, as this time of year the surface can give way unexpectedly dropping you in up to your axles, and you're hosed. It feels like we may be coming out a few weeks too early this year, but we'll see. Really looking forward to the trip - even without the big Jeep.

 

[TRevs]

Yes, really nothing more than a groomed trail with several tight turns is all.

View attachment 256526

I’ve wondered why they chose for it to be downhill instead of uphill traffic for the one-way section. I was more comfortable ascending than descending.

 

[rasband]

I’ve wondered why they chose for it to be downhill instead of uphill traffic for the one-way section. I was more comfortable ascending than descending.

My guess is the view driving down. I haven't been there quite yet, but all the pictures/videos make it look incredible!

 

[TRevs]

I've read (most recently on the Colorado Rescue and Recovery page) that I should avoid any snow covered roads up in the passes, as this time of year the surface can give way unexpectedly dropping you in up to your axles, and you're hosed. It feels like we may be coming out a few weeks too early this year, but we'll see. Really looking forward to the trip - even without the big Jeep.

I don’t know what info is on their page, but after trips to the San Juans for 3 consecutive summers, if a road is open it’s plowed or melted to the earth beneath. There will be solid tracks everywhere that’s open. Just don’t blaze a new track into untouched snowbanks!

Sorry if I missed it, but what dates will you be there?

 

[TRevs]

My guess is the view driving down. I haven't been there quite yet, but all the pictures/videos make it look incredible!

Probably the bars in Telluride outbid the bars on Ouray.

 

[Apparition]

My guess is the view driving down. I haven't been there quite yet, but all the pictures/videos make it look incredible!

It's because of the song by the mayor of Ouray that's originally from Audubon Iowa right where it outta been.

 

[TRevs]

It's because of the song by the mayor of Ouray that's originally from Audubon Iowa right where it outta been.

There’s a CW McCall album that came out around 1990 where he updated all his old songs with the Mannheim Steamroll people. I listen to tracks from it all the time, especially around there. I went to elementary school with Bill Fries’ grandson.

 

[Powdermonkey]

And:

View attachment 256336

An acquaintance on mine just did it in a Nissan.

 

[rasband]

An acquaintance on mine just did it in a Nissan.

Dirt Every Day did it in a renegade!