Near Black Bear Road
Views down toward Telluride from near the top of the falls and Powerplant.
Near Black Bear Road
The Bridal Veil Powerhouse.
Near Black Bear Road
Telluride Valley view from the Black Bear Pass switchbacks.
Near Black Bear Road
The Bridal Veil Powerhouse.
Near Black Bear Road
Telluride Box Canyon (westward view).

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Black Bear Road

4.0 (1 Rating)
A one-way road that is a notorious jeep trail and one of the more difficult mountain passes in the country.
7.4
mi
Distance
2,622
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
River/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.4mi
Distance
2,622ft
Elevation Gain
1,868ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
12,828ft
High Point
10,321ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
To get to the trailhead in the summertime, drive up the road to Bridal Veil Falls and park at the top - as far as you feel comfortable going. The road up is not a leisurely drive, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. Black Bear Road, which is a one-way road that is a notorious jeep trail, is one of the more difficult mountain passes in the country to my knowledge. It is pretty easy to follow and moderately trafficked. When you cross the creek the first time there is some really cool old mining equipment, as well as incredible views of the valley off the trail to the left.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Closed
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Ajax Peak

Classic Hike Route

Ajax Peak

River/Creek
strenuous
9.54 mi
+3,941 ft
Ajax Peak + Telluride Peak

Classic Hike Route

Ajax Peak + Telluride Peak

Fall Colors
strenuous
12.39 mi
+5,016 ft
Lewis Lake and Mine

Classic Hike Route

Lewis Lake and Mine

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
12.25 mi
+3,935 ft
Bridal Veil Falls

Classic Hike Route

Bridal Veil Falls

Birding
moderate
4.77 mi
+1,272 ft
Bear Creek Falls

Classic Hike Route

Bear Creek Falls

Birding
moderate
4.54 mi
+1,094 ft
The 7 Summits of Telluride

Hike Route

The 7 Summits of Telluride

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
13.47 mi
+6,645 ft
Contributors
Emma Healy