Black Bear Pass?

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I did it last summer in a mildly modified Tacoma. No problems. We were with a couple of Jeeps and we had to back up a few more times than they did to make a few of the switchbacks.
 
How about a 5 year bump (can't say I didn't search). Waiting on my supervisor's approval, but I am planning on going to CO for a week next month and when there I would like to run BBP and a few others. Just curious of other 5th gens that have done it and how they felt it handled the tight roads and multi-point switch backs.
 
TexasTJ said:
How about a 5 year bump (can't say I didn't search). Waiting on my supervisor's approval, but I am planning on going to CO for a week next month and when there I would like to run BBP and a few others. Just curious of other 5th gens that have done it and how they felt it handled the tight roads and multi-point switch backs.
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Every 5th gen that went to FJsummit this year did it. They had to definitely do some multi point turns on the sharper switchbacks. I was not there but saw countless videos on instagram and snapchat.
 
live_discover said:
Every 5th gen that went to FJsummit this year did it. They had to definitely do some multi point turns on the sharper switchbacks. I was not there but saw countless videos on instagram and snapchat.
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No vehicle outside of a motorcycle can do it without at least a 2 point turn. That said the 4Runner will do it in less turns than most FJ Cruisers.

That said a stock 4runner or tacoma can do black bear, not a hard pass as long as you don't try to be stupid.
 
My wife has driven our 5th gen over BBP 2-3 times and this year I led one of the FJ summit BBP runs in that same 5th gen. It did great even when it was more stock, it's not a real technical pass anyway but you do need to pay attention. You will be doing a few 3-point turns no matter what you take up there.
 
I know I could not take my Tundra up there, but the 4Runner should not be a problem. I have taken my FJs up and over several times.

now Poughkepsie... that might be fun
 
gm350reratliff said:
My wife has driven our 5th gen over BBP 2-3 times and this year I led one of the FJ summit BBP runs in that same 5th gen. It did great even when it was more stock, it's not a real technical pass anyway but you do need to pay attention. You will be doing a few 3-point turns no matter what you take up there.
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It's a county road after all. You have to be a real goon to slide off the side. Most of the time that happens is someone renting a jeep and not having a spotter, or going too fast for their skill level.

It's earned a reputation by way of people playing stupid games and winning stupid prizes.
 
Dravur said:
I know I could not take my Tundra up there, but the 4Runner should not be a problem. I have taken my FJs up and over several times.

now Poughkepsie... that might be fun
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People have taken Tundras down it. It's TOTALLY do-able, it just requires a bit more time and attention.
 
I'm not sure if just "not being stupid" is enough to get you up and over roads like that, there's a certain amount of character and nerve that only comes with experience that is required to navigate trails with that kind of exposure safely and successfully.

Technically no it's not that bad, but the stakes are high and you wouldn't want to learn the ropes up there. Knowing how your vehicle reacts on varied terrain, how your gearing works, and where your tires are at all times is requisite.
 
JSparky said:
I'm not sure if just "not being stupid" is enough to get you up and over roads like that, there's a certain amount of character and nerve that only comes with experience that is required to navigate trails with that kind of exposure safely and successfully.

Technically no it's not that bad, but the stakes are high and you wouldn't want to learn the ropes up there. Knowing how your vehicle reacts on varied terrain, how your gearing works, and where your tires are at all times is requisite.
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Not being stupid usually encompasses knowing your skill level.

The slower you go the easier the trail reveals itself to be. As are most trails. Fast as necessary, slow as possible, as the saying goes.

SecretSquirrel said:
I ran it 4 years back. There was a raptor group and H1s running it....Austin Powers-type turns, but they made it w/o issue
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Bingo, there's footage of Ram 3500s doing the trail as well. It's comical, but it proves that if you take your time and just wiggle around turns, it's not at all impossible.

I've run it about...5 times, and each time if you just focus on the terrain in front of you, and don't worry about what's 3-4 feet to your left (or right), the challenge dies down and you just focus on controlling the brakes and having a good time.
 
For those of you with the fancy crawl control stuff, did you use those on BBP or just low gear and brakes? I haven't played around with the 4R controls quite as much, I'm used to my old Jeep w/ 4low and go.
 
Just take that extra second or two to verify what gear you're in when performing those 3-point turns on the switch backs. Just take it slow and easy. Pull over, get out and walk it if you're not completely sure about something. Also, stop to take pictures, don't try to take them while driving. Take plenty of water and remember to drink it.
 
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