Black Bear Road

About

Black Bear Road is a notorious jeep trail connecting Red Mountain Pass to Telluride, widely recognized as one of Colorado’s more difficult mountain passes. The route reaches an elevation of 12,840 feet at Black Bear Pass. While primarily used by experienced 4WD drivers, hikers often traverse the upper section as a day climb. The trail is approximately 7.6 miles long with an estimated duration of five hours. Access begins at State Highway 550 near Red Mountain Pass. Parking is available at the pass summit and along the road up to Bridal Veil Falls. The descent into Telluride involves steep, technical switchbacks known as the 'Steps' and features extreme exposure. Key landmarks include Ingram Basin, Ingram Lake, the Black Bear Mine, and Bridal Veil Falls. The road is one-way only when descending toward the Bridal Veil Powerplant. High-clearance, short-wheel-base 4x4 vehicles are strongly recommended for the steep sections. The trail is accessible year-round, though conditions vary by season.