This guy is 100% right....do not do this in any full sized truck! Been on this trail and many others in Colorado several times and it's not a trail to be light hearted about! He's got a brave wife, mine would of filed for divorce in Telluride....!!
I generally speed through black bear pass videos because "you've seen one you've seen them all" but I watched your whole video because 1) POWER WAGON and 2) your voice and style of video was very relaxing and enjoyable. Nice job!
hell I'm second guessing it with my Jeep! That second switchback, and those parts after the third where the road isn't even wide enough for his tires. yikes!
Thanks for the video. I have a Power Wagon and was making plans to drive this exact route next weekend. At first I was doubting what you were saying about “Don’t drive this with a Power Wagon”. And I couldn’t understand way, I’ve taken my Power Wagon on some crazy trails and had no problems. But then I kept watching the video. That road gets very narrow and I am very aware of how wide my truck is. Not to mention how terrible the turning radius is. By the end of your video, it definitely had me rethinking my trip. Thanks again. I can honestly say some of the goat trails I drove in Afghanistan in an armored MRAP had more room then some of the spots in this video of yours. I appreciate your honesty and I’m sorry for doubting you.
Dude I lived in CO almost my whole life and I lived in Telluride for 6 years. I own a 2000 Tundra that will seriously go anywhere. I’ve taken it on Jeep trails many of times. But when a trail is difficult due to its size that’s when I say no. So I never did Black Bear in my Tundra. With that being said…I can’t believe you did it in a freaking Power Wagon!!! 😮😮😆 Youre nuts bro! Two girls just flipped their brand new Bronco down that trails a month ago. They ok but had to be hospitalized. It’s a no joke trail. You should’ve went up through Ophir then drive up and over Ophir Pass to Silverton. Then drive to Ouray and start up Imogene Pass to camp. Then take Imogene over to Telluride. That’s a good fun trail that I’ve done in my Tundra many of times. Anyways glad y’all had fun and were ok 👍
It is no joke, but after my first time through it with my dirt bike, I was like, "WTF? That's all?" It is very beautiful, but it is over-hyped. As long as you have a basic idea of what you are doing with ground clearance and wheel placement, just don't drive off of the edge and you'll be okay. I took my Jeep XJ down it last year, and the Jeep didn't care... like, at all. Those girls who rolled their Bronco (sport) / Ford Edge went up the Telluride side and tried turning around after they went past the 1-way sign. It wasn't a rough road that did it. If I understand it right, it was an off-camber situation while trying to turn around.
Read up on the Power Wagons. Same lockers front and rear, winch, detaching sway bar and a set of 33" Falken Wildpeak M/Ts from the factory as the Wrangler 392. Great truck.
This is crazy! I just traded my Jeep 4xE Rubicon for a Power Wagon. It’s always been a bucket list item of mine to run Black Bear Pass and I was just curious if anyone had ever done it. I love your narration. It really hits home how serious you are when you say not to run it in a Power Wagon. You’re serious, yet have a sense of humor about it. I really appreciate this. I showed my wife this video, and she was already afraid of this trail and she says she’ll not ever go on this trail, not even in a Jeep. Lol!
You were fine. So something to keep in mind about that edge, is that most of the accidents happen from people panicking and actually driving up the wall. There are a few Jeep roll over videos with people actually being so afraid of the edge, then end up off-camber because they were started driving up the wall. But otherwise, great video. As I've been repeating in Full-Size forever, the trail is wide enough for a Power Wagon and even a Hummer. The only advice I would have offered you is that having your wife get out on those switch backs would have put you both more at ease. Having a spotter outside the vehicle always helps get a clearer more concise picture of the situation. I have been in situations I thought were bad, they felt bad inside the truck and my asshole was clinched tight, until I saw video or a photo afterwards and was like: "Oh yeah I was fine the whole time and no way would I roll over or XYZ" Cheers. Great video.
We did this trail with an 80 and a 200 series cruiser. Glad we did it. The views are breathtaking, but like you, in hindsight a small jeep would have been a better choice. This trail is not technical but if the shale is loose or there are wet sections be prepared for hours of pucker. Can't imagine doing it in a 3/4 ton truck! Props from NC.
I'm doing it... but not with a power wagon... I'm not that crazy. I'm doing it with an F350! I don't often learn my lesson but when i do, it's the hard way. Hope to post my video too. Thanks for sharing.
Just keep in mind that the Jeep rental places do not let you take them through Black Bear Pass. I don't know if they are GPS tracked or whatnot to make sure of that, but they don't want you to do that. Basically, all you need is good approach, departure, and breakover angles with a general idea of proper wheel placement and you are good to go as long as you don't drive over the edge.
My wife and I did BBP last week in my 2015 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X. It was intense for sure. We had excellent weather and it seems like every one has problems at that on switch back. We got hung up there and the thing which saved us were my rear lockers which got us off the corner. Glad we had rock-sliders and skid plates.
I just crossed Wed 08/11/21 in my Rubicon, behind me the entire time was a young Mennonite family in a bone stock F-150 crew cab 4x4 with running boards. He scared the hell out of me, and expressed his second thoughts when we finished. There’s no backing up or changing your mind once you start. Don’t do it in an oversized truck. “Experience is a hard teacher, it gives you the test first, the example last.”
I have driven this road twice. The first time was in a 1975 Bronco in 1975. Then a few years later I drove it in a full size, long bed 1978 Ford Crew Cab (I think it was called a Crew Cab back then). Using the long bed Ford was a very, very tough drive.
Yep. I did it back in July. Had the trail pretty much to myself. I was solo, no spotter and coming down the steps it was raining with intermittent hail. It was thrilling! But I was in a Tacoma not a land yacht! Hahaha. I'll be doing it again next July now that I've highly modified the Tacoma. I give you all the respect in the world for doing it in a Powerwagon!
You honestly make this trail look super easy. Video doesn't do justice on how sharp these switchback are going down. Great job and speed that you did it at.
Amazing scenery. Nothing like that here in Oregon. I just picked up my 2020 PW a couple of weeks ago and am getting it ready for many adventures. Looking forward to more videos!
I had to watch this again. Loved it!!! I made a mistake. My wife was watching. Guess what??? I can’t go 😢😢😢😢😢😢. Didn’t see her watching this vid over my shoulder. Well well done video. Loved it, I have a huge respect for all who attempted this. 👏👏👏
I've done this trail in the last century in a Nissan Pathfinder that was 6" narrower and 2 feet shorter than a Power wagon and was a butt clencher. I had a rainy day with slick rocks and sliding dirt. The only thing that saved you and your Guardian Angel was that it was dry! Actually, your driving skills are excellent.
20 years ago I would have done this without another thought. Now that I'm close to 70, don't know if I've lost my nerve, or just too cautious. Those drops give me the willy goobers. I've got a 5 speed manual YJ jeep and I just think about the back and forth on those switchbacks (although my YJ might go around without reversing). Glad you made it!
The camera systems on the new power wagons would’ve helped you a lot, since it’s hard to see over the hood at times. I would call rock sliders an absolute must for that one switch back. Glad you made it!
I am building a full size suv and want to try this trail out. Your rig did not do that bad. If a power wagon can make it I will be able. Thank you for this content.
Thank you for this! this was on my bucket list with the Ram but i was always curious how it would be because all you see if jeeps and this shows me why glad you made it!
That was tense! Thanks for the warning. We drove from Telluride up to the base of Bridal Falls and a few other local trails last October. Awesome trip! I'm looking forward to doing more wheeling in our PW.
We have stuff that steep in the PacNW. They even haul logs off of stuff that steep albeit better road. The biggest difference is timber. We have a lot more timber so you cannot really see how steep it is and if anything goes wrong hopefully the trees will arrest your fall. I used to play around Red Lodge Mt when I worked in the oilfield for a weekend when it wasn’t worth driving all the way back to Washington. Similar country! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Timothy, great video, thanks for posting it. Black Bear pass was one of my bucket list passes to hit but last summer we took our power wagon down the Schafer's Trail switchbacks in Canyonlands and when you watch videos of all these passes, it doesn't do it justice until you are there. After doing Schafter's Trail I think I'll pass on Black Bear Pass. These trucks are too big for some of these passes. We have video of ours on our channel, too. Thanks again for posting.
I had to sub after watching this video. Your comments along with the video view, had me puckered up big time. Your Power Wagon with that ARE cap on it is something that I would like to own. Keep making these types of videos. Great Work my friend.
Great video man! Thinking of getting a power wagon, saw your video title and thought "I didn't know a power wagon would fit down black bear pass." Now I know.
We were out there in August, but didn't take my F250 on Black Bear. Those super narrow spots and that second switchback are a big no for me lol. My group I was with would've kept me from going on it even if I did want to, they had a hard enough time with other trails lol. Thankfully we didn't have any issues with altitude sickness the whole time we were there.
Great video! We've got a 2018 PW with a Four-Wheel Camper on it and recently got ourselves into a pickle, three wheels on the ground type of pickle on some really steep, narrow stuff here in Nevada. Kudos for taking the big PW down Black Bear! Can empathize with your "idiotness" !!
I've wanted to take my PW over BBP for a while. I'm not worried about the switchbacks or stair steps, but those narrow sections of trail are only getting narrower with traffic and weather. I saw video once of a group of H1 Hummers going over it, but I'd bet those narrow spots weren't that bad when they did it years ago.
The rental companies don’t want you to take their rigs on black bear. I have enjoyed it both times in our old jku. It’s also much scarier when it is wet!
You did great. We run this trail every year. In a full size - the one switchback is tough but you did it just fine. Hopefully you enjoyed the other trails in Ouray. So may great spots with world class views. Give us a message next time ! We will go with you. And your comment about don't make mistakes... yep. Black Bear is a dirt road with a few turns and rocks.....unless you make a mistake - then it gets ugly quickly.
Awe, Send it! (joking) Would like to see the same type of video on the Alpine Loop. At least any sketchy sections that a PW might have issues with. BTW, I took your advice and put the 37s on!
Great job on the video and narration. Might turn down the background music a little, your commentary is priceless vs. royalty free tunes. Black Bear ain’t no joke. Great job!
Altitude sickness...... I asked my doctor for some Acetazolamide before my trip to Black Bear. They work but make you piss like no other. Drink lots of water. Oh, nice job taking a full size through black bear. There's some really tight switchbacks! However, remember that tour companies take full size trucks with a bed full of passengers through it so you're not a total idiot. lol I've done it twice. Once in a 2017 Tacoma and once in a 2018 4Runner. The first time I went with a group of friends and it was actually my first off road trail I've ever done so I'm an idiot too lol. The next year I went up there in the 4Runner with just me. No problem in those vehicles but I've seen (on youtube or forums) FJ's and 4runners roll over on BB. They all seem to roll and that section before "The Steps".
That was insane dude. I never would of attempted that in a 3/4 ton truck. Surprised your brakes didn’t fade out. But does say a lot about the abilities of the powerwagon.
Thanks for sharing your experience. This video confirms what I already suspected; There is no sane reason I could justify taking my recently purchased '20 PW on this trail. Not to mention it's far more impactful than any snark filled comment could ever be. Safe wheeling to ya!
I've been over several times on my motorcycle. No way I would take my PW over Black Bear. Haha! Good for you! Yes, mostly easy, but I would be concerned about a few of the exposed switchbacks.
My first trip to Imogene Pass I hopped out of the Jeep to take pictures. I trotted about 4 steps and started to black out. The high altitude is no joke.
Yes they do, but you need to trailer them in Telluride as they are not allowed on the road. And the trail is one way. So you'll need a drop-off trailer and a pickup trailer.
A few summers ago went with my son and his friend on a trip to CO in their Suzuki Sidekicks. We had some hairy moments passing other vehicles, but it was a blast. Can't imagine doing it in a PW. Subscribing... I'm in the market for a PW.
Here's an alternative. Do like I did. I bought a 2020 Power wagon. Sent it to CJC offorad and had the suspension replaced with their Carli Pintop system with Carli Radius Arms and low mount steering stabilizer which provides a 2.5" lift and an additional 7 inches of articulation and great high speed behavior. Add 37's, proper underbody protection and hoon the shit out of it.
Tight switchbacks in a full-size crewcab? I did the Black Bear Pass in a shortbed Toyota in the early 80s. The trail looks much smoother now, but the switchbacks appear just as hairy as I remember them. My experience with idiocy was taking a Silverado crew cab down the "Devil's Washbowl" near Crested Butte. Half my driver's side tires weren't touching dirt. No way to back out either. I use my Jeep or RZR for the pucker stuff now.
Funny seeing all these new pw running around clean and shiny clean tires, My O'l 17 be running around looking like a great white thats got all kinds of scars on it.
So I was setting my ram to go there next month...... Thank you, I will definitely NOT go to that trail. I felt like I was right there with you, and my butthole puckering
Not the best choice of equipment but at least you owned your mistake. I have been over this pass in a 1980 FJ40 and it certainly was the right choice of equipment. Take care and be safe.
Great narration, keep it up. It's your own style. subbed to help out the new channel :) And man. This is making me re-think my plans to do Black Bear even though I've got a Wrangler 4dr with a lift and good tires, I don't have 35s. And I'm intermediate not advanced. This might be some of the better perspectives of this trail that I've seen. Power Wagon. SMH. LOL!!! :D
You do not need 35s to do Black Bear. I run 33s and it is very doable on 31s. The last time I followed a Jeep Liberty with its slightly larger than stock tires. It is a fun trail. Just go slow. Don't allow yourself to climb the inside bank, and breath!
How do you think they got tools up to the mines? The mighty Power Wagon. The original 4x4 H.D. truck Since 1946. Mines in California have abandoned old power wagons next to the mine openings. They still use Dodge trucks and Jeeps to mine underground to this day. Awesome views. Thanks for sharing.
These mines were built in the late 1800's. There were no Power Wagons used during the mining era in the Telluride area. They used mules teams, horse wagons, and ox carts.
This guy is 100% right....do not do this in any full sized truck! Been on this trail and many others in Colorado several times and it's not a trail to be light hearted about! He's got a brave wife, mine would of filed for divorce in Telluride....!!
I generally speed through black bear pass videos because "you've seen one you've seen them all" but I watched your whole video because 1) POWER WAGON and 2) your voice and style of video was very relaxing and enjoyable. Nice job!
Idk why but your voice was soothing kinda like a country morgan freeman
I thought the same thing lol.
Yeah. So soothing I almost fell asleep as soon as he started speaking.
Like Matthew McConaughey mixed with Morgan Freeman.
After watching your video you convinced me about not trying this with my silverado, thats the best video of black bear pass.thanks, im scared,lol
hell I'm second guessing it with my Jeep! That second switchback, and those parts after the third where the road isn't even wide enough for his tires. yikes!
Always drive your comfort level!!! I back up a propane bulk delivery truck with one dual hanging off a 300’ drop!
Thanks for the video. I have a Power Wagon and was making plans to drive this exact route next weekend. At first I was doubting what you were saying about “Don’t drive this with a Power Wagon”. And I couldn’t understand way, I’ve taken my Power Wagon on some crazy trails and had no problems. But then I kept watching the video. That road gets very narrow and I am very aware of how wide my truck is. Not to mention how terrible the turning radius is. By the end of your video, it definitely had me rethinking my trip. Thanks again. I can honestly say some of the goat trails I drove in Afghanistan in an armored MRAP had more room then some of the spots in this video of yours. I appreciate your honesty and I’m sorry for doubting you.
Thanks for your service! I think it would be awesome to explore some of those goat trails in Afghanistan, just under different circumstances!
Dude I lived in CO almost my whole life and I lived in Telluride for 6 years. I own a 2000 Tundra that will seriously go anywhere. I’ve taken it on Jeep trails many of times. But when a trail is difficult due to its size that’s when I say no. So I never did Black Bear in my Tundra. With that being said…I can’t believe you did it in a freaking Power Wagon!!! 😮😮😆 Youre nuts bro! Two girls just flipped their brand new Bronco down that trails a month ago. They ok but had to be hospitalized. It’s a no joke trail. You should’ve went up through Ophir then drive up and over Ophir Pass to Silverton. Then drive to Ouray and start up Imogene Pass to camp. Then take Imogene over to Telluride. That’s a good fun trail that I’ve done in my Tundra many of times. Anyways glad y’all had fun and were ok 👍
I definitely want to go back and spend more time in the area! Ophir and Imogen are still on the list!
It is no joke, but after my first time through it with my dirt bike, I was like, "WTF? That's all?" It is very beautiful, but it is over-hyped. As long as you have a basic idea of what you are doing with ground clearance and wheel placement, just don't drive off of the edge and you'll be okay. I took my Jeep XJ down it last year, and the Jeep didn't care... like, at all.
Those girls who rolled their Bronco (sport) / Ford Edge went up the Telluride side and tried turning around after they went past the 1-way sign. It wasn't a rough road that did it. If I understand it right, it was an off-camber situation while trying to turn around.
Read up on the Power Wagons. Same lockers front and rear, winch, detaching sway bar and a set of 33" Falken Wildpeak M/Ts from the factory as the Wrangler 392. Great truck.
This is crazy! I just traded my Jeep 4xE Rubicon for a Power Wagon. It’s always been a bucket list item of mine to run Black Bear Pass and I was just curious if anyone had ever done it. I love your narration. It really hits home how serious you are when you say not to run it in a Power Wagon. You’re serious, yet have a sense of humor about it. I really appreciate this. I showed my wife this video, and she was already afraid of this trail and she says she’ll not ever go on this trail, not even in a Jeep. Lol!
Please don’t take your power Wagon down that trail 😅 you legitimately have such a high chance of dying with a full sized truck on this trail
@@AustinH7 I wasn't planning to. Although I believe TFL Truck has taken a Ford Raptor down it and survived. Lol
You were fine. So something to keep in mind about that edge, is that most of the accidents happen from people panicking and actually driving up the wall. There are a few Jeep roll over videos with people actually being so afraid of the edge, then end up off-camber because they were started driving up the wall. But otherwise, great video. As I've been repeating in Full-Size forever, the trail is wide enough for a Power Wagon and even a Hummer.
The only advice I would have offered you is that having your wife get out on those switch backs would have put you both more at ease. Having a spotter outside the vehicle always helps get a clearer more concise picture of the situation. I have been in situations I thought were bad, they felt bad inside the truck and my asshole was clinched tight, until I saw video or a photo afterwards and was like: "Oh yeah I was fine the whole time and no way would I roll over or XYZ"
Cheers. Great video.
We did this trail with an 80 and a 200 series cruiser. Glad we did it. The views are breathtaking, but like you, in hindsight a small jeep would have been a better choice. This trail is not technical but if the shale is loose or there are wet sections be prepared for hours of pucker. Can't imagine doing it in a 3/4 ton truck! Props from NC.
Extreme pucker factor.
I'm doing it... but not with a power wagon... I'm not that crazy. I'm doing it with an F350! I don't often learn my lesson but when i do, it's the hard way. Hope to post my video too. Thanks for sharing.
Well at least I'm not responsible! Good luck, and I'll be watching for your evidence!
dude you got some serious balls!!! plain and simple
Just keep in mind that the Jeep rental places do not let you take them through Black Bear Pass. I don't know if they are GPS tracked or whatnot to make sure of that, but they don't want you to do that.
Basically, all you need is good approach, departure, and breakover angles with a general idea of proper wheel placement and you are good to go as long as you don't drive over the edge.
My wife and I did BBP last week in my 2015 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X. It was intense for sure. We had excellent weather and it seems like every one has problems at that on switch back. We got hung up there and the thing which saved us were my rear lockers which got us off the corner. Glad we had rock-sliders and skid plates.
I just crossed Wed 08/11/21 in my Rubicon, behind me the entire time was a young Mennonite family in a bone stock F-150 crew cab 4x4 with running boards. He scared the hell out of me, and expressed his second thoughts when we finished. There’s no backing up or changing your mind once you start. Don’t do it in an oversized truck.
“Experience is a hard teacher, it gives you the test first, the example last.”
I have driven this road twice. The first time was in a 1975 Bronco in 1975. Then a few years later I drove it in a full size, long bed 1978 Ford Crew Cab (I think it was called a Crew Cab back then). Using the long bed Ford was a very, very tough drive.
Yep. I did it back in July. Had the trail pretty much to myself. I was solo, no spotter and coming down the steps it was raining with intermittent hail. It was thrilling! But I was in a Tacoma not a land yacht! Hahaha.
I'll be doing it again next July now that I've highly modified the Tacoma.
I give you all the respect in the world for doing it in a Powerwagon!
Their are two things I want do, look for bears or go down black bear pass.... God bless you guys that you survived....
Don't be too hard on yourself. this is a first-class video. you have the voice for radio and video. Please continue to post.
Thank you! Feedback like this means so much!
You honestly make this trail look super easy. Video doesn't do justice on how sharp these switchback are going down. Great job and speed that you did it at.
Amazing scenery. Nothing like that here in Oregon. I just picked up my 2020 PW a couple of weeks ago and am getting it ready for many adventures. Looking forward to more videos!
Looking down as that trail rock rolled out got my feet sweating!!! You rascal. I can see how u were puckering a little, i sure was lol!
I had to watch this again. Loved it!!! I made a mistake. My wife was watching. Guess what??? I can’t go 😢😢😢😢😢😢. Didn’t see her watching this vid over my shoulder. Well well done video. Loved it, I have a huge respect for all who attempted this. 👏👏👏
Go by yourself then.🤣
I've done this trail in the last century in a Nissan Pathfinder that was 6" narrower and 2 feet shorter than a Power wagon and was a butt clencher. I had a rainy day with slick rocks and sliding dirt. The only thing that saved you and your Guardian Angel was that it was dry! Actually, your driving skills are excellent.
20 years ago I would have done this without another thought. Now that I'm close to 70, don't know if I've lost my nerve, or just too cautious. Those drops give me the willy goobers. I've got a 5 speed manual YJ jeep and I just think about the back and forth on those switchbacks (although my YJ might go around without reversing). Glad you made it!
The camera systems on the new power wagons would’ve helped you a lot, since it’s hard to see over the hood at times. I would call rock sliders an absolute must for that one switch back. Glad you made it!
I am building a full size suv and want to try this trail out. Your rig did not do that bad. If a power wagon can make it I will be able. Thank you for this content.
Thank you for this! this was on my bucket list with the Ram but i was always curious how it would be because all you see if jeeps and this shows me why glad you made it!
that was INSANE.....great driving. I dont even know how you got around one or two of those switchbacks.
Great video. Love the camera angles, really shows how steep and narrow it is. Hope to be up there one day.
Damn! My butt puckered up watching you drive on the edge. Really good advice by the way. Planning to buy a tj and turn it to an overland rig
Thanks for the advise! I've been watching this trail for a while myself, but I'll rent a Jeep and check the insurance box when I do it!
That was tense! Thanks for the warning. We drove from Telluride up to the base of Bridal Falls and a few other local trails last October. Awesome trip! I'm looking forward to doing more wheeling in our PW.
Thank you for posting! I really enjoyed your presentation style, and I would agree: think before taking a Power Wagon on Black Bear!
My word! Just watching was almost overwhelming with the pucker factor!
We have stuff that steep in the PacNW. They even haul logs off of stuff that steep albeit better road. The biggest difference is timber. We have a lot more timber so you cannot really see how steep it is and if anything goes wrong hopefully the trees will arrest your fall. I used to play around Red Lodge Mt when I worked in the oilfield for a weekend when it wasn’t worth driving all the way back to Washington. Similar country! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Timothy, great video, thanks for posting it. Black Bear pass was one of my bucket list passes to hit but last summer we took our power wagon down the Schafer's Trail switchbacks in Canyonlands and when you watch videos of all these passes, it doesn't do it justice until you are there. After doing Schafter's Trail I think I'll pass on Black Bear Pass. These trucks are too big for some of these passes. We have video of ours on our channel, too. Thanks again for posting.
I had to sub after watching this video. Your comments along with the video view, had me puckered up big time. Your Power Wagon with that ARE cap on it is something that I would like to own. Keep making these types of videos. Great Work my friend.
Great video man! Thinking of getting a power wagon, saw your video title and thought "I didn't know a power wagon would fit down black bear pass." Now I know.
We were out there in August, but didn't take my F250 on Black Bear. Those super narrow spots and that second switchback are a big no for me lol. My group I was with would've kept me from going on it even if I did want to, they had a hard enough time with other trails lol. Thankfully we didn't have any issues with altitude sickness the whole time we were there.
Well done sir, I did this in a built Rubicon in August. I am your age with similar experience and it was a gut check for me! Enjoy the journey.
Great video! We've got a 2018 PW with a Four-Wheel Camper on it and recently got ourselves into a pickle, three wheels on the ground type of pickle on some really steep, narrow stuff here in Nevada. Kudos for taking the big PW down Black Bear! Can empathize with your "idiotness" !!
I've wanted to take my PW over BBP for a while. I'm not worried about the switchbacks or stair steps, but those narrow sections of trail are only getting narrower with traffic and weather. I saw video once of a group of H1 Hummers going over it, but I'd bet those narrow spots weren't that bad when they did it years ago.
The rental companies don’t want you to take their rigs on black bear. I have enjoyed it both times in our old jku. It’s also much scarier when it is wet!
as a tundra wheeler stuck out east i love your videos!
Akron ohio is void of "cool " trails . Lol
What a trip! U definitely pro driver, I'd probably abandoned my pw at that first turn. Pls share more videos!
Earned a subscription. Sometimes the RUclips algorithms working and gems like your video pop up.
You did great. We run this trail every year. In a full size - the one switchback is tough but you did it just fine. Hopefully you enjoyed the other trails in Ouray. So may great spots with world class views. Give us a message next time ! We will go with you. And your comment about don't make mistakes... yep. Black Bear is a dirt road with a few turns and rocks.....unless you make a mistake - then it gets ugly quickly.
Awesome video. Im in CO. I dont dare tke my wagon over this
Awe, Send it! (joking) Would like to see the same type of video on the Alpine Loop. At least any sketchy sections that a PW might have issues with. BTW, I took your advice and put the 37s on!
WOW! Just found ur channel - cool stuff and love dem power wagons. Lukin forward to more “pucker” videos - stay safe, stay healthy.
Great job on the video and narration. Might turn down the background music a little, your commentary is priceless vs. royalty free tunes.
Black Bear ain’t no joke. Great job!
Thanks for the video! I have a PW and live close to BBP. Looks like I'll probably rent a jeep when we decide to do the trail.
My hats off to you i would not have tried to walk down that trail its a good thing you were in a Billy goat
That's nuts! I'd want an off-road bike to do this trail. And I'd stop at those switchbacks and turn the bike by picking it up. LOL!
You Sir have Ice in your veins!!!
And Balls Of Steel!!! I tip my hat to you and your Lady!
Altitude sickness...... I asked my doctor for some Acetazolamide before my trip to Black Bear. They work but make you piss like no other. Drink lots of water. Oh, nice job taking a full size through black bear. There's some really tight switchbacks! However, remember that tour companies take full size trucks with a bed full of passengers through it so you're not a total idiot. lol I've done it twice. Once in a 2017 Tacoma and once in a 2018 4Runner. The first time I went with a group of friends and it was actually my first off road trail I've ever done so I'm an idiot too lol. The next year I went up there in the 4Runner with just me. No problem in those vehicles but I've seen (on youtube or forums) FJ's and 4runners roll over on BB. They all seem to roll and that section before "The Steps".
I was leaning left just watching that first switchback trail after the steps.😱
It gave me a lot of stress watching that video but it is a really good warning
Funny thing is you didn't seem that stupid when we talked at Lowe's. Seeing what you described was awesome. Stay safe.
Beautiful dog. 👍
Well done video with sage advice! Give it up for our Guardian Angels!!
Only people offended by you doing this in a full size truck are Jeepers who feel you violated their territory. 😅.
Well, I woulda been in the jeep if the transmission didn't lock up! And I would probably be planning to go back in the truck...
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!
That was insane dude. I never would of attempted that in a 3/4 ton truck. Surprised your brakes didn’t fade out. But does say a lot about the abilities of the powerwagon.
I changed the pads and rotors before the trip, and took advantage of engine braking in 4lo 2nd gear!
Thanks for sharing your experience. This video confirms what I already suspected; There is no sane reason I could justify taking my recently purchased '20 PW on this trail. Not to mention it's far more impactful than any snark filled comment could ever be. Safe wheeling to ya!
Man!! We love this post.
I've been over several times on my motorcycle. No way I would take my PW over Black Bear. Haha! Good for you! Yes, mostly easy, but I would be concerned about a few of the exposed switchbacks.
My first trip to Imogene Pass I hopped out of the Jeep to take pictures. I trotted about 4 steps and started to black out. The high altitude is no joke.
I’ve snowmobiled upwards of 12,000ft; elevation sickness affects everyone differently, for sure.
He made it cus he has a lot of experience and he has a solid front axle, dont attempt with long wheelbase ifs or a top heavy vehicle
Why; it’s not like nobody’s done it before.
@@Icutmetal I just told you why. Go ahead do what you want I aint gonna stop you.
@@yotagang3705 Ok.
Cool trip. Thanks for the video. I wonder if they allow UTVs on that trail.
Yes they do, but you need to trailer them in Telluride as they are not allowed on the road. And the trail is one way. So you'll need a drop-off trailer and a pickup trailer.
Awesome content! I felt like I was there.
The shots were scary but amazing!
What an awesome and scary video! Well done and I will not be attempting this trail, even in my little TJ!
Well done on BB. Well done. I would never take a full size let alone a PW monster. Damn man, well done, and thanks for sharing.
thanks for this video, this trail is exactly what i was contemplating with my PW, i will pass on it, thanks
A few summers ago went with my son and his friend on a trip to CO in their Suzuki Sidekicks. We had some hairy moments passing other vehicles, but it was a blast. Can't imagine doing it in a PW. Subscribing... I'm in the market for a PW.
The woman that got ejected from the Jeep lived but was NOT OK.
At the beginning I was thinking it looked easy, then you got to the shell... my butt puckered up tighter then a crabs back side...
Here's an alternative. Do like I did. I bought a 2020 Power wagon. Sent it to CJC offorad and had the suspension replaced with their Carli Pintop system with Carli Radius Arms and low mount steering stabilizer which provides a 2.5" lift and an additional 7 inches of articulation and great high speed behavior. Add 37's, proper underbody protection and hoon the shit out of it.
Tight switchbacks in a full-size crewcab? I did the Black Bear Pass in a shortbed Toyota in the early 80s. The trail looks much smoother now, but the switchbacks appear just as hairy as I remember them. My experience with idiocy was taking a Silverado crew cab down the "Devil's Washbowl" near Crested Butte. Half my driver's side tires weren't touching dirt. No way to back out either. I use my Jeep or RZR for the pucker stuff now.
sorry... Devil's Punchbowl
Funny seeing all these new pw running around clean and shiny clean tires, My O'l 17 be running around looking like a great white thats got all kinds of scars on it.
It makes me wanna take my Tacoma up there!! One of these days!!
He needed a Power Wagon to tote those Power Balls!
I'm taking my PW up to Colorado next Fall to finally do the Alpine loop but I'll pass on Black Bear Pass.
@@derekheuring2984 Awesome, I can't wait to get back over there and finish the top of the loop!
It is great to know it is capable of such a feat, now I don't have to do it 🤣
Surprised you took a full size up there, but good to know it can be done lol.
I know the trail...i'm amazed....wow......
I didn't know you have to train your guardian angel. 🤔 Makes sense.
So I was setting my ram to go there next month...... Thank you, I will definitely NOT go to that trail. I felt like I was right there with you, and my butthole puckering
Great Videography
I plan on going with my F150 SuperCrew at some point. Definitely not alone. Will love having spotters with me. 😁
"Life is so short, don't make it shorter"....Kim Jung..
Not the best choice of equipment but at least you owned your mistake. I have been over this pass in a 1980 FJ40 and it certainly was the right choice of equipment. Take care and be safe.
When I did it the pass was really washed out in areas I did that in my built Willys
I remember a time when a Jeep was the only thing that could drive that road. Long before they ran bulldozers down it to keep it semi safe.
Great narration, keep it up. It's your own style. subbed to help out the new channel :) And man. This is making me re-think my plans to do Black Bear even though I've got a Wrangler 4dr with a lift and good tires, I don't have 35s. And I'm intermediate not advanced. This might be some of the better perspectives of this trail that I've seen. Power Wagon. SMH. LOL!!! :D
You do not need 35s to do Black Bear. I run 33s and it is very doable on 31s. The last time I followed a Jeep Liberty with its slightly larger than stock tires. It is a fun trail. Just go slow. Don't allow yourself to climb the inside bank, and breath!
I read the title and said “well ok just gunna watch this dude roll off a cliff.”
Awesome video! WOW! 2020 Power Wagon owner here from Florida most most I've done outside of Florida is Wheeling in Tennessee
How do you think they got tools up to the mines? The mighty Power Wagon. The original 4x4 H.D. truck Since 1946. Mines in California have abandoned old power wagons next to the mine openings. They still use Dodge trucks and Jeeps to mine underground to this day. Awesome views. Thanks for sharing.
These mines were built in the late 1800's. There were no Power Wagons used during the mining era in the Telluride area. They used mules teams, horse wagons, and ox carts.
@@herbmanning8348 power wagon don’t care!
Neither do I. Get right with history.
Ok you talked me out taking my 20 power wagon sheeesh