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9.6 miles
Distance
1,838 ft
Climb
-3,892 ft
Descent
02:29:37
Avg time
-2,054 ft
Altitude change
9,024 ft
Altitude min
12,837 ft
Altitude max
11,078 ft
Altitude start
9,022 ft
Altitude end
-4%
Grade
-80.9%
Grade max
58.4%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
830 ft
Distance flat
02:29:37
Avg time
Black Bear Road Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Gravel Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
- Dirtbike/Moto
- ATV/ORV/OHV
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Riding AreaTelluride
, Colorado -
Ref Number#648
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Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity40 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 55 in E-Biking
- 5 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
- 95 in Dirtbiking
- 5 in ATVing/Offroading
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypeDirt/Gravel Road
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Bike TypeAM, XC, Gravel
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Climb DifficultyBlack Diamond
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Physical RatingHard
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike AllowedYes up to Class 1
This OHV route offers a very technical trail that is not for inexperienced drivers or riders. While most of the road is moderate in difficulty. the mile-long stretch of steep switchbacks on the Telluride side above Bridal Veil Falls is rated as difficult. A high clearance, short wheel base, four wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended for this section of the road. The road starts from State Highway 550 at Red Mountain Pass (signed as Forest Road #823) and climbs quickly to Black Bear Pass at 3.2 miles. There is ample room for parking at the Pass where there are views into Ingram Basin. The road then descends into Ingram Basin, past Ingram Lake and the Black Bear Mine. At approx. 5.6 miles the road begins descending the "Steps" which are comprised of a series of steep, technical rock steps. From this point down to the Bridal Veil Powerplant (approx 1 mile), the road is one-way only. Once down the "Steps", the road continues past Ingram Falls, making extremely tight, narrow switchbacks until it reaches the Bridal Veil Falls Powerplant. Driving, riding, or walking down this section of the road is not only a thrill; it also offers spectacular views of the Telluride Valley, Ingram Fall, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Local Trail Association
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trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 0 rides
All
- 2 rides
- Last: Sep 24, 2025
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Black Bear Road Trail Reports
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Directions to black-bear-road trailhead
(37.896820, -107.713390)
Videos
2 more »
28:53 |
42 |
Oct 27, 2025 , Telluride
7:11 |
327 |
Jun 14, 2022 , Telluride
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Nearby Trails
- Red Mountain Number 3 Trail 4,475 ft
- Chattanooga 4 miles
- Blue Lake Trail 5 miles
- Silver Lake Trail 5 miles
- Bridal Veil Basin 5 miles
- By todd
Trailforks & contributors - #196843 - 3,344 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Black Bear Road
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Where is Black Bear Road located?
Black Bear Road is located in Telluride, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Telluride trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 37.89682, -107.71339.
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What is the elevation gain for Black Bear Road?
Black Bear Road has 1,838 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 3,892 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 9,024 ft to 12,837 ft.
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Is Black Bear Road a point to point trail?
Black Bear Road is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is dirt/gravel road.
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How long is Black Bear Road?
Black Bear Road is 9.6 miles long. The trail type is dirt/gravel road.
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