I would appreciate any advice from people who have been on this road in any version of the 4-runner. This is the famous downhill switchback road in Colorado that runs into Telluride. I have wanted to try it for many years, as I have moderate 4x4 experience, nothing drastic. However the pictures I have seen imply that it's not a road for the unexperienced and a 1st timer would want a guide possibly.

Thanks
Paul C

See this thread for a trip report and some extra discussion about Black Bear.

When I first did it (in my 4th gen) I was extremely nervous due to the descriptions in both of the 4wd guide books I was referencing and some of the other comments I'd read on the web. The danger was exaggerated, imo. You say you have moderate wheeling experience. That should be enough. By all means do it unless you have a fear of heights. Fantastic views and just enough challenge to be lots of fun. Don't forget to remove the running boards if you have them. Let me know if you'd like further info.

Thanks for the info and link.

I have a sport with the tube style boards, do you feel that they should be removed?

Paul C

BTW you mentioned in your link you were very pleased with your tires, what tires did you have? Stock Dunlops? I was concerned about using them also, however I have rented many times out there and the tires that a rental has most times are worse.

Thanks
Paul C

JB,
Thanks for the link and the pics, so far yours of the steps are the best I have found. Much better perspective than most offer.

One other question, I liked you idea of walking up to check it out first. So it's OK to drive up from the Telluride side? to the spot you mentioned. Is there a sign that tells you where to stop?

I was considering driving over the pass, to the spot where you are just above the steps then hiking it that what, I have read the road is two way till just above the steps, but not having been there I am not sure.

If you come in from the Telluride side, can you drive up far enough to get to the Bridalveil falls turnout?

Also you mentioned that you felt that Engineer pass from the summit to 550 was hard. I have only driven Engineer from the Lake city side to the summit then over to Animas Forks and then over Cinnamon Pass. We drove the loop with Cinnamon first, then over to Animas Forks. The hardest part was from Animas Forks up to the top of Engineer Pass, as I remember some very tight turns, and some pretty steep parts of the road, nothing like Black Bear however.

Thanks again
Paul Caldwell

I have a sport with the tube style boards, do you feel that they should be removed?

Only if you like them. 4th gens have pretty decent rocker panel clearance considering how low they are. The rocker panels should be safe without the tubes. You might well touch the undercarriage but with care it should be fine.

what tires did you have?

32" BFG AT KO. One inch larger than stock, so 1/2 inch more ground clearance. Although the risk of flats is greater with P rated tires, it's still very small imo. It's a pretty well traveled road close to town so I wouldn't let tires stop me.

...was considering driving over the pass, to the spot where you are just above the steps then hiking it that what, I have read the road is two way till just above the steps, but not having been there I am not sure.

That's correct. There should be a sign, although when I was there it was lying on its side. Approaching from that side worked out well for me because even though I didn't intend to do the whole thing, I couldn't resist.

If you come in from the Telluride side, can you drive up far enough to get to the Bridalveil falls turnout?

Yes, that's where it becomes one-way I believe and there should be a sign. From there the tightest switchback is about .6 miles and the top of the steps is another 1/2 mile.

Also you mentioned that you felt that Engineer pass from the summit to 550 was hard. I have only driven Engineer from the Lake city side to the summit then over to Animas Forks and then over Cinnamon Pass. We drove the loop with Cinnamon first, then over to Animas Forks. The hardest part was from Animas Forks up to the top of Engineer Pass, as I remember some very tight turns, and some pretty steep parts of the road, nothing like Black Bear however.

The part I was referring to was the lower section which you didn't drive. I'm not sure how typical the trail was when I was there. The night before had a long, torrential rain and the trail was pretty washed out in spots. I'm going to guess its usually smoother judging by the trail ratings it gets in the books and elsewhere.

Thanks for the answers, I have considered the AT's just haven't gone there yet.

Any thoughts on Imogene Pass, from the Quray side up? I have read it's harder on the Quray side and have only driven it part way up towards Tomboy on the Telluride side, but had to turn back, due to weather.

Thanks
Paul C

If you're in the area lookin' to do some off-roading, it's a must, imo. Yes, the Ouray side is the harder of the two as I recall. Awesome views with a nearly perfect amount of challenge for fun with good stock SUVs. If you like the amount of challenge Imogene offers and feel you'd be happy with a touch more, then you could consider Black Bear.

About the step tubes. I had the running boards. I don't know if the tubes offer more clearance than the boards so you might get by on Black Bear with them on. I doubt they'd be scratchless afterwards. Now, dentless, I'm not sure about.

That sounds like a good plan, Imogene 1st, I have seen the views from it many times, just never made it over the top.

Thanks again for all the advice. I looked last night at the tubes, and they do cut down a good bit in clearance, so they would need to come off. I figure I will take both the tubes and the mounts off as if I hit a mount and bend it, then it's ruined.

Thanks
Paul C