Black Bear & Imogene

[IntrepidXJ]

I headed down with some friends from the Salt Lake City area and England/Switzerland on Satrurday afternoon when they rolled through Grand Junction on their way to the San Juans. On Sunday we headed off and did the Black Bear Pass and Imogene Pass loop before heading back to Silverton for some tri-tip cooked by Dan.

Here's some pictures from the trails.

Everyone at the trailhead

Headed up towards Black Bear Pass

Ryan's and my Jeep at the pass

Our group at the pass

Headed down to Telluride

Approaching the steps

Headed down the steps

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Ingram Falls

Headed down the switchbacks into Telluride

View of the first switchback

Bridal Veil Falls in the distance

 

[IntrepidXJ]

After making it down into Telluride, we had a quick lunch and then started up Imogene Pass

View of the Black Bear switchbacks from Imogene

Social Tunnel

Looking down on the Red Mountains near Imogene Pass

Headed down from Imogene Pass

Ryan, Rachael & Vince

Crossing the creek at the end:

Rachael

Vince

Dave

 

[DaJudge]

Nice Randy! That is the deepest I have seen the crossing at the end/beginning (depending on your direction) of Imogene.

You've got me pumped for next weekend now!

 

[kcowyo]

Great shots.

Combining Black Bear and Imogene, makes for an amazing day in the San Juans. Looks like perfect 'July in Colorado' weather too.

:beer:

 

[durango_60]

I ran Black Bear on Sunday, and returned home via Bolam. The waterfalls and wildflowers are breathtaking due to the long lasting snow and monsoon rains we are getting right now.

 

[DarinM]

So nice...

Black Bear is one of the few roads out there I haven't driven.
With 100+ degree weather here, SW Colorado is even more tempting than usual. I'm hoping to get out there mid-September for a week or so. I'm thinking of "roughing" it with a cabin rental around Lake City and then just do day trips throughout the area.

Great pics of a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing!

 

[IntrepidXJ]

I ran Black Bear on Sunday, and returned home via Bolam. The waterfalls and wildflowers are breathtaking due to the long lasting snow and monsoon rains we are getting right now.

what time were you there? we were there yesterday as well

 

[durango_60]

what time were you there? we were there yesterday as well

I hit the trail around 11:30. I was a lone vehicle and don't recall seeing your group, but I'm pretty antisocial and probably wouldn't have given much more the a waive and a nod...(still trying to work on that)

 

[IntrepidXJ]

I hit the trail around 11:30. I was a lone vehicle and don't recall seeing your group, but I'm pretty antisocial and probably wouldn't have given much more the a waive and a nod...(still trying to work on that)

ok...we hit the trail about 9am and were having lunch in Telluride by noonish

 

[paulj]

Which parts of the route required low range? I expect it is comforting to have on the steps and the swtichbacks.

Any particularly rough on climb to Black Bear pass from the east?

Last time I was in the area was in the fall several years ago. I looked at Black Bear from the bottom, but camped at nearby Alta Lakes. Since the next day was quite rainy (remnants of some tropical storm), I opted to stay on pavement, making the loop through Oray to Silverton and on to Durango and Cortez.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

those pics are beautiful! that is one place I plan on hitting soon
black bear is pictured with those narrow shelf roads correct? man it looks a bit sketchy!:Wow1: dropoffs like that get the heart pounding a bit I guess!

 

[Pskhaat]

...I'm pretty antisocial and probably wouldn't have given much more the a waive and a nod...(still trying to work on that)

Yeah right.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Which parts of the route required low range? I expect it is comforting to have on the steps and the swtichbacks.

Any particularly rough on climb to Black Bear pass from the east?

East side is pretty easy. I would highly recommend low range for the steps and upper switchbacks.

 

[paulj]

There was an incident several years ago in which a couple in a rental Jeep went over the side somewhere around the Steps. I didn't see any discussion in the local paper account as to whether they were in low range or not. They probably did not have much experience.