Black Bear Pass
Distance
~12 mi one-way (Red Mountain Pass → Telluride)
Time
3–5 hours
Difficulty
Difficult
The most photographed (and most infamous) trail in Colorado. From US-550 at the top of Red Mountain Pass, Black Bear climbs to 12,840 ft, drops into the Ingram Basin above Bridal Veil Falls, then descends a series of single-vehicle, one-way switchbacks so tight that most full-size trucks require multi-point turns to navigate them. Stunning beyond description — but the switchback section is genuinely the technical limit for a Cybertruck's wheelbase and width. Plan to inspect on foot before committing, and have a turnaround plan if the rig won't fit.
Highlights
- •12,840-ft summit between Ouray and Telluride
- •Bridal Veil Falls — Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall (365 ft)
- •The historic Bridal Veil power plant perched above the falls
- •Ingram Basin alpine bowl and Ingram Falls views
- •One-way (descending only) on the switchback section — strictly enforced
- •Iconic finish dropping straight into downtown Telluride
Access & Permits
No permit required, but the switchback section is one-way (Red Mountain Pass → Telluride only) and closed to vehicles over a certain wheelbase by signage. Forest Service road, typically open mid-July through September.
Terrestrial Armor Recommended
The Tesla Cybertruck Terrestrial Armor kit is strongly recommended for this trail. This includes underbody skid plates and protection for critical components. Stock trucks can attempt with extreme caution and experienced spotters.