Imogene & Black Bear (colorado) in a stock 3rd gen?

[jonnyd42]

I have a 2000 limited running Geolandar AT G015 265/75/16s. It has no lift & just the factory metal skid plates. It has an e-locker and currently still has factory running boards on.

My buddy just did this with no problems in a stock 100 series land cruiser, and another friend did it with zero problems in his 3rd gen with a ~2" lift.

Do you think I'd be able to navigate this in my car or would I need a lift to do it safely? Additionally, assuming it'll be problematic with running boards on, for breakover?

 

[sleepydad]

I have a 2000 limited running Geolandar AT G015 265/75/16s. It has no lift & just the factory metal skid plates. It has an e-locker and currently still has factory running boards on.

My buddy just did this with no problems in a stock 100 series land cruiser, and another friend did it with zero problems in his 3rd gen with a ~2" lift.

Do you think I'd be able to navigate this in my car or would I need a lift to do it safely? Additionally, assuming it'll be problematic with running boards on, for breakover?

I can't answer for black bear but Imogene was very easy. if I can do it in a stock range rover, you can do it in a stock 3rd gen for sure. Just take the easy line and you should be fine.

<a href="https://imgur.com/uIOGLNQ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/uIOGLNQl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 

[JohnMc]

Imogene probably has slightly more technical spots than Black Bear. One thing about BB is doing multi-point turns on the top couple of switchbacks. They're too tight for a 4Runner to make in one bite, they're steep, and there's a soft edge. So you'll need to be able to back uphill on an off camber diagonal situation. Since you have a locker, no real problem. But cars with poor articulation and no locker might have issues there, spinning,, and not able to make the turn.

Also, there's a trend of people rolling on a diagonal ledge above the 'notch' (a narrow shelf road that gets into the main downhill into Telluride). It's been slowly getting steeper over the years, and it's been catching people out who try to drive straight over it, the downhill tilt is more than it appears, and it can certainly tip you. Hang right, then turn sharply down it.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Imogene probably has slightly more technical spots than Black Bear. One thing about BB is doing multi-point turns on the top couple of switchbacks. They're too tight for a 4Runner to make in one bit, they're steep, and there's a soft edge. So you'll need to be able to back uphill on an off camber diagonal situation. Since you have a locker, no real problem. But cars with poor articulation and no locker might have issues there, spinning,, and not able to make the turn.

Also, there's a trend of people rolling on a diagonal ledge above the 'notch' (a narrow shelf road that gets into the main downhill into Telluride). It's been slowly getting steeper over the years, and it's been catching people out who try to drive straight over it, the downhill tilt is more than it appears, and it can certainly tip you. Hang right, then turn sharply down it.

Never wheeled in CO and even I have seen the vids of tipping on that particular ledge. It's funny, I had even made a mental note to Hang right, then turn sharply down it just like you, with the real knowledge, said. Hopefully I'll put it to use one of these days.

 

[spartacus]

I have a 2000 limited running Geolandar AT G015 265/75/16s. It has no lift & just the factory metal skid plates. It has an e-locker and currently still has factory running boards on.

My buddy just did this with no problems in a stock 100 series land cruiser, and another friend did it with zero problems in his 3rd gen with a ~2" lift.

Do you think I'd be able to navigate this in my car or would I need a lift to do it safely? Additionally, assuming it'll be problematic with running boards on, for breakover?

In my opinion, try to find someone in town that has done it and follow them. your 3rd Gen is capable to do BB and Imogene. If youvé been off roadin high montain off camber narrow roads before you'll be fine.

 

[02SE]

I did Black Bear, Imogene, and many other trails in the area many times, in my 3rd gen. It was a V6, 5-speed, with the rear diff locker. The only non-stock addition as far as increased wheeling ability, was 1" larger LT 265/75R16 tires.

The trails aren't difficult. There's a pucker factor on Black Bear, and knowing how to choose a line is important.

The San Juans are beautiful.