Black Bear Pass

Based on pictures it doesn't look too hairy aside from the dropoffs that don't really make it harder, just scarier. I dunno. If a full size Hummer can do it which many seem able based on pictures I don't see why a qualified driver in an adequate full size truck couldn't also (meaning some skills and good tires, obviously 4wd with low range - better yet with lockers and swaybars disconnected).

Years ago I had a mildly modded Xterra and there were a lot of guys with similar rigs from CO who ran it successfully. My current truck isn't as good offroad just from a size and weight standpoint, but it does have some advantages with bigger tires, more torque and solid axles on both ends compared to my old X.

Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride all have jeep tour companies that will take you over Black Bear Pass. You can also rent ATVs, which are allowed on both black Bear and Imogene Passes (but not on the highway!).

But to answer your question, no Chevy 2500, even with 4WD, is going to be able to get to the top--the road is too narrow. You might be able to drive it over Ophir Pass, but even on that you will have to do multiple turns to get around the hairpins. I've had to do that on Ophir and Cinnamon Passes even with a mid-size truck (Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier).

Not too many years ago, some idiot drove a 3/4-ton truck up one of the jeep roads in the San Juans and couldn't turn around, so he drove out onto the tundra to the edge of a cliff. Couldn't back up, couldn't turn around, and now he was really stuck. The truck was finally taken apart and hauled out by heavy-lift helicopter. He not only got the bill for that, but he also got fined $20,000 by the Forest Service for destroying the tundra!

No you can't! You could walk it though. :)

TBammer wrote:
Can you drive to the top of the pass and then turn around and return to Hwy 550 in a regular pick up truck.

NO!

I've seen vids of the section from the Stairsteps into Telluride and I know my truck is not doing that, but I would like to see the view from the top.

Black Bear Pass

images

JMHP,

Before you get anywhere close to where it goes down the steps there is a lot of rough terrain to cover, IMO, the answer is no unless your pickup is high clearance and 4 wheel drive.

Cinnamon Pass is do-able in a regular p/u if you take it slow and the view is exceptional. 4WD makes it easier tho. We did it this last summer in our truck. I heard Black Bear is much more difficult but I'm not a local so my info may be off. I have a book on the passes but I'll have to see if I can find it. I don't think I'd try it this time of year tho.