As mentioned it is mostly the intimidation factor that gives this trail the ranking it has. It's not a relaxing scenic drive like most people anticipate. I'm from Colorado and I still held my breathe in a few spots on that trail. The steep and narrow shelf roads with tight switchbacks play more of a mental factor than vehicle capability does.

It's complicated because as far as technicality goes the trail isn't difficult at all but the area is heavily trafficked with tourists who hear the trail isn't hard and take their family SUV's up it only to realize the only way out is through after the peak of the trail. Take a look at one of the vehicles that was on the trail last year.

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Oh yea I can imagine the yahoo factor is really high in Colorado.. thanks for the pic 😁

Slow down look around enjoy the spectacular views and have fun.

I grew up in CO, and I agree that the trail damage guys have a ton of good stuff on their site. I'm kind of old school, so I used a couple old fashioned books to navigate most of the time. The most famous is by Charles Wells, and called "Guide to Colorado's Backroads and 4 Wheel Drove Trails". It is a great book to keep in the rig all the time. Looks like its on it's 4th edition :Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, 4th Edition: Charles A. Wells, Matt Peterson, Susan Hindman: 9781934838266: Amazon.com: Books

As @spartacus said, he nailed it.

Black Bear is an awkward trail. It is far from extremely easy which is why IFS rigs roll there annually. It is also far from extremely hard, which is why Subarus drive it on occasion. It is one of a kind. It challanges the driver.

You need to be comfy with trails like Porphyry Gulch or Kendall Mountain before doing Black Bear. There are several other trails that are very narrow as well.

The tip about brakes is gold.

Also: vehicles with bad lifts, huge lifts, or top heavy rigs are much more likely to roll than a stock or properly modified vehicle.

BB is not a beginner trail and must not be taken lightly. Also, heavy rain has killed experienced folks on the trail, literally washing them off the switchbacks. And last year a falling Jeep, bad parking, almost took out another one, flew right in front of it, I posted the video somewhere here.

So care is in order.

Alright folks, went and did my adventure. Spend a few days in Moab, 2 days in the telluride area and had a blast on Imogene and Black Bear. Both were extremely easy trails. Black Bear was extremely easy just a few spots that are what I call puckery. Off camber and visually scary since on the cliff edge.. so with calm nerves and a tiny bit of ability how not to place your vehicle on off camber situations it is extremely easy..

In all Honesty Imogene and Black Bear were the highlights of the trip. The perfect weather, the views and the time spent with my son there it will always be a top memory for me. Can't wait to go back..

So go to Black Bear, stay calm in the off cambers, take your time,, get out and look at any off camber or switchbacks, don't do anything stupid and you will be 100% fine.. if you freak in puckery spots stay on YouTube. Lol