Black Bear Road, Mountain pass in San Juan Mountains, Colorado, United States.
Black Bear Road is a mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains that winds through steep terrain and climbs to 12,844 feet (3,913 m). The route crosses narrow switchbacks and exposed sections as it connects two mining towns across the high ridge.
The road developed in the 1800s as a mining connection between two settlements during Colorado's gold rush era. Workers used this route to move ore and supplies across the mountains between the two communities.
C.W. McCall released a spoken-word song and album titled Black Bear Road in 1975, bringing national attention to this mountain passage.
The drive requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle due to steep grades and rocky surfaces. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable conditions, as snow and ice can make passage dangerous or impossible.
The descent crosses narrow switchbacks directly above a waterfall that drops down a sheer cliff face. This exposed positioning gives drivers an unforgettable view of the cascading water far below as they navigate the tightest curves.
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