BTW - Black Bear Pass...
The very first time I rode that trail was in my '92 Ranger 4x4 pickup. The date was 9/11. Yes, that 9/11. We had watched the planes fly into the World Trade center. Full of horror at what we had seen (much like the rest of America and the world) we had talked about cancelling the vaction and heading back to town. Then we thought, Why? That's what the terrorists would want us to do. So, we headed on down the road and drove Black Bear Pass.
Nothing is like the first time down Black Bear. It is not that technical a ride. But there is that monumental pucker factor on the Telluride downhill side. I have Mitral Valve Prolapse. It is a slight heart condition that involves a valve doesn't always close all of the way. It can and often does cause 'panic attacks.' They come quickly for me and they go away just as quickly. Black Bear is always good for an occasion like that.
If you do Black Bear, you can catch it from Red Hill Pass on US550. Have lunch in Telluride (get a t-shirt extolling your conquering of the BB pass), and then take Ophir Pass back to US550. Ophir pass is a narrow shelf road that can get the heart pumping, as well, especially if someone is coming the other way...
I have driven the pass several times since that first time.
Let us know how you like it!
BTW... There is plenty of camping around that area. Be prepared though, it can get really cold at night and hot during the day. Welcome to Colorado!!
Charlie (cewtwo)