Just got back from two-week vacation out west. My wife (Terri), her sister (Linda) and a friend (Greg) took two Jeeps to the road and ventured to Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota. It was a blast. Four thousand miles later, we returned to Minnesota last Saturday night.
Of all the travels we did those two weeks (tenting, sleeping in vehicles and hotels), everyone’s favorite adventure was a Jeep trail called “Black Bear Pass”. I had researched the hundreds of trails for off-road vehicles in the United States and BBP stood out to me as being the most scenic, the most exciting, the most challenging and the most dangerous.
BBP is a trail that begins in Ouray, CO and traverses up and over the San Juan Mountains (part of the Rockies) and down to Telluride, CO. The two towns are similar in that they sit in valleys surrounded by cliffs and the beauty of the landscape is breathtaking.
While researching the trail, I watched videos and heard testimonies from others who had taken on the trail and so I felt I was familiar with what to expect on the trail. However, the others who have passed through this treacherous trail gave warnings that the trail can be a little “dicey”.
Two areas of the trail were identified this way and I was warned that if I decided to take on BPP, to be sure to do it under ideal weather conditions since the shale boulders can be slippery in the rain or snow. The first “dicey” spot is called “the steps” and includes a tilted road of rough boulders that rock your vehicle like a bobblehead doll. The second spot is the second of numerous “switchbacks” where the trail does a 180º turn back upon itself in zig-zag fashion as it descends.
By the way, BBP is 12,840 feet above sea level and the paths are no wider than that of a vehicle.
Though the trail came with a hefty danger warning — I felt compelled to take on the trail and see how I would handle it in my 2016 Jeep Wrangler.
Terri and her sister were able and willing to come along, though each did so under extreme hesitation. The morning was sunshiny, so we took the soft top off the Jeep for a complete convertible experience.
The trail starts on a steep path that is all stone and winds upward the mountain at a rapid pace. We followed a herd of Jeeps from Oklahoma for the first half of the trail and I was able to maneuver my Jeep while watching the trio of Jeeps ahead of me as we ascended the mountain.
At the halfway point, many of the Jeeps, SUVs and trucks congregate at a landing that has some spectacular views. We got out, stretched our legs, took in the beauty and snapped a couple dozen photos. Fifteen minutes later, I was anxious to continue the ride so I suggested we move ahead.
Since I wouldn’t have a herd of Jeeps to follow (the Oklahomans stayed behind for more photos and visiting), I got behind the wheel to continue the stretch of trails that leads to the precarious final leg of the steps and switchbacks.
Just as we approached the steps (my greatest fear), dark clouds rolled in and light raindrops started tickling our backs, sliming up the windshield and wetting the rocks. As the vehicle rocked through the steps, I remember telling myself, “just trust the Jeep”.
So I did.
If I hadn’t put that thought in my mind, I probably would have stopped the vehicle and asked if anyone else would like to drive because I just can’t do it.
I pushed on. And so did the rain.
By the time we accomplished the first switchback, our open-air Jeep was getting pummeled by freezing rain and sleet (yes sleet) as I crawled the motor vehicle towards the second challenge — the tight, reverse switchback — with little or no room for error.
As we approached the spot, we noticed a trio of full-size pickups stuck on the switchback, attempting to make the turn down the path. All we could do at this point was sit there in the pouring rain and wait for them to make it through.
The Jeep was a swimming pool and our knees were knocking and hands trembling as we waited for a clearing both in the clouds and on the trail.
By the time the rain subsided and the sun broke through, the pickup truckers had finally passed through the switchback and were now past the two hardest obstacles.
Now it was my turn.
Greg got out to spot me and make sure I didn’t slide off the edge, but after a couple back-and-forth turns, we made the turn and were heading downhill towards Telluride.
The rest of the trail is relatively easy and we jumped out to dry ourselves at a landing just below the Bridal Veil Falls and the hydroelectric power plant.
We made it.
For those of you who may be interested in taking on this trail or any of the dozens located in Colorado, Utah and surrounding areas — I highly recommend it. Though steeped with danger and plausible peril, the beauty of the trail and the feeling of defying the odds is weel worth the trip.
Just do so under better weather conditions.
