Black Bear to Telluride

Well, today we took a little trip over Black Bear pass. The trip started just South of the crest of Red Mountain Pass on Colorado Highway 550 (approximately half way between Ouray and Silverton). We unloaded our ATV's off the side of the highway and proceeded up and over Black Bear pass towards the town of Telluride. We went up well over 13,000 feet (that's why you see some snow in some of the pictures). I am going to give you all a break this time and let the pictures do the talking.










This last picture looks down upon Telluride, Colorado. We could not go all the way down into town because they have an ordinance against unlicensed vehicles (aimed specifically at ATV's and off-road motorcycles). So, rode to this vantage point and then turned around and went back over Black Bear.

For a few in our group this trip had less than the best of memories. This same run last summer had included a serious injury to one of the riders. An ATV had flipped over backwards on a rock climb, leaving one of the group with an ankle full of pins and plates.

Regardless of any dangers, this is a great way to see magnificent scenery. Many of these views are available only to hardcore hikers, and of course, the slightly less ambitious off-roaders like myself.