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Ouray Trail Guides

NJRadioGuy

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I went to BB Pass the day after it opened in July last year. To my surprise, I was completely alone on the trail, other than marmots. The only tracks on the trail were from the Cat that had cleared the trail the day before. It was very easy to maneuver, you just have to pay attention. The hype of this trail (just my opinion)is from people who are afraid of heights.

Normally you will meet other people on the trail who will gladly have you join them.
I was actually down Black Bear and across Imogene as a passenger in 2008. That's what ignited my passion for Jeeping, and I've vowed I'd do both those (and all the other Colorado Badge trails) as a driver, but yeah, I'd really like to have a spotter for those first two switchbacks.
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Dusty Dude

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I was actually down Black Bear and across Imogene as a passenger in 2008. That's what ignited my passion for Jeeping, and I've vowed I'd do both those (and all the other Colorado Badge trails) as a driver, but yeah, I'd really like to have a spotter for those first two switchbacks.
I don’t blame you at all. It’s wise to be cautious rather than over confident.
 

NJRadioGuy

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I don’t blame you at all. It’s wise to be cautious rather than over confident.
There's a famous saying in aviation: There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots. And to quote the very first rule in the CROR Rule Book for the railroad I once worked on, "Safety and a willingness to obey the rules are of the first importance in the performance of duty. If in doubt, the safe course must be taken." I have taken both of these to heart for most of my life.
 

GATORB8

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I recommend grabbing the Funtreks hard copy and/or subscribing to TrailsOffRoad. Both are great guides to the passes.
 

NoWorries

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Regarding a guide, having run the trails for years, comments are spot on, nothing super technical in the Ouray area. (But stunning views.) If you are looking for some good info, and have FB, go find https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloradooffroadtrails/

Regarding, round trip and back, that is a great few hours.

I would however suggest not rushing it and take the time to enjoy the scenery.

Oh…and don't forget to pick up a Colorado Parks & Wildlife permit for you Jeeps. Yes, most folks ignore the fee but the $25 bucks is a hell of o lot cheaper than the fine.
 

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NoWorries

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Side note/trip from Ouray. If you have a couple of extra hours,,and happen to be an old western movies fan, take Owl Creek Pass.

The Western class is True Grit w/John Wayne was filmed on parts of Owl Creek as well as the town of Ridgeway.
 

andy29847

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I've been group leader several times for Wheelers that are in the San Juans for the first time. Nobody has ever complained about the trails being too easy. One thing I've seen on Imogene and Black Bear that I do not have to deal with at home is traffic. Another big difference is that you don't have to worry about burying your Jeep in a big mudhole. The obstacles on the trails are not normally go/no-go spots, especially if you have a lifted Jeep with big tires, but there are some spots that help you focus. Personally, I get the same thrill on Black Bear that I got the first time I rode the trail.



 

Zandcwhite

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If you need a spotter on black bear because of the high consequences of driving OFF of the road, so you use a spotter on the highways in the area? Or any mountain 2 lanes due that matter? Freeway overpasses? As far as good in the area, tacos del gnar is fantastic.
 

GATORB8

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