San Juans, Black Bear Pass, Then And Now

[Remote]

The goal was to slip over one sunny morning to replicate this 1962 cover. Alas, I was the victim of doddering senility and left the original at home, so everything is guesswork. In the rarified air of 12K feet, I might add.

The Original

The trip, in order of occurrence.


At the summit of Red Mountain pass we took a detour to all the ruins you see from 550 (coming from the north).

Half way up Black Bear looking across Red Mountain Pass to one of the Red Mountains, #1 of 3, I think. Look closely to see a bunch of new trails (to us) we need to check out. Zigging and zagging above the tree line.

Not much snow left and a shot of the endless San Juan Range.

Getting near the summit.

The summit and some Yellow Bellied Marmots on the north side.

Continued

 

[Remote]

Getting close.

My best guess, sort of close but not exact. Oh well another trip is in order.

Some shots out the window on the "steps".

And finally, where Eagles Dare.

 

[cosmiccharlie]

Awesome shots! I was just up on black bear pass last saturday during the FJ summit. I'll try to get some of our pics up soon.

 

[KSJeep]

Love that mag cover.

 

[trailsurfer]

That shot of Red Mountain should be the top of the Corkscrew trail. Great trail and beautiful scenery.

 

[Remote]

That shot of Red Mountain should be the top of the Corkscrew trail. Great trail and beautiful scenery.

Back home, further research shows it to be the west flank of Red Mtn #3, not #1. The trails appear to be a multi-forked spur off of FSR #825 coming off Red Mtn Pass and the saddle to the right being the top of Prospect Gulch coming up from the east.
There does not appear to be any vehicular connection between the two although one map indicates that at one time there was.
Next week we will investigate first hand, if the monsoon action is not acting up which unfortunately looks likely.

 

[Funrover]

Beautiful area! thanks for the pics

 

[KEENO]

Flashback!

Thanks for the Flashback Remote!

Great Pics!

KEENO

 

[Northern Explorer]

Really cool. I could see Black Bear Pass from where we were over on Imogene Pass last week. Not for the faint at heart.

 

[jeepmedic46]

Those pics were really cool, Thank you for sharing

 

[Martinjmpr]

The summit and some Yellow Bellied Marmots on the north side.

Sounds like something someone would call another person if they wanted to start a fight in an old West saloon!

Clem: "Yer nothin' but a yellow-bellied marmot!"

Asa: Them's fightin' words!" (Breaks a chair over Clem's head.) :sombrero:

 

[Remote]

Sounds like something someone would call another person if they wanted to start a fight in an old West saloon!

Clem: "Yer nothin' but a yellow-bellied marmot!"

One of my favorites, almost melodious, really rolls off the tongue.