Black Bear Pass Road — Silverton to Telluride via the San Juan High Loop
The switchbacks above Telluride eat rigs for breakfast.
Black Bear Pass tops out at 12,840 feet in the San Juan Mountains before delivering one of the most talked-about descents in American wheeling — a series of reverse switchbacks carved directly into the cliff above Telluride that have claimed more vehicles than anyone cares to count. The route runs roughly 9 miles from the trailhead off Highway 550 near Ophir to the Telluride town limits. The western descent is one-way downhill only; the infamous switchbacks require short-wheelbase rigs, experienced spotters, and nerves that don’t quit. Several turns require a three-point or more to navigate, with sheer drops on the outside edge. The wreckage visible below certain switchbacks is not decorative.
This is an Expert-rated trail, full stop. Long-wheelbase trucks and most full-size SUVs cannot make the descent switchbacks — seriously assess your rig’s turning radius before you commit. Lockers front and rear are standard kit here. The pass is typically open July through September but can hold snow at the summit well into July. No fuel or services between Silverton and Telluride on this route. San Juan County does not maintain this road; run it with a group, carry a winch and recovery gear, and file a trip plan. The views from the summit across the Ophir Valley are genuinely worth the exposure — but respect the road’s history.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 9 mi / 14.5 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 12840 ft |
| Best season | July–September |
| Minimum vehicle | Short-wheelbase modified 4x4 with lockers |
| Nearest town | Silverton, CO |
| Land manager | San Juan National Forest / Uncompahgre National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS San Juan NF Recreation Area |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my long-wheelbase Tacoma or full-size truck run Black Bear Pass?
No. Long-wheelbase rigs cannot navigate the tight switchbacks on the Telluride descent — the infamous 'Steps' require a short-wheelbase vehicle to make the turns. A full-size truck will get stuck and there's no room to back out safely.
When does Black Bear Pass Road actually open each year?
Typically late June to early July depending on snowpack, and it closes again by October once early storms roll in. July through September is the reliable window — call the Silverton Ranger District before heading out if you're going early or late season.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to drive Black Bear Pass?
No permit or fee is required to drive the trail itself. It's managed by San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests, so standard public land rules apply — pack it in, pack it out, and follow Leave No Trace for any dispersed camping.
How bad is the hardest section and what exactly makes it so dangerous?
The descent into Telluride via 'the Steps' is a series of extremely tight, exposed switchbacks on a one-way shelf road — one wrong move puts you off a cliff with no guardrails. The road is one-way downhill from the pass, so if you're not confident before you start, you cannot turn around once committed to the descent.
Is there any gas or services between Silverton and Telluride on this route?
Absolutely none — it's 9 miles of remote alpine trail with zero services and no cell coverage anywhere on the route. Top off in Silverton before you leave and carry extra fuel, because if something goes wrong up there, you're on your own until you reach Telluride.
Trail track
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