Black Bear Pass & Imogene Pass, CO, Closure Updates
Logan Tepper |
Share this article
Black Bear Pass connects the town of Telluride to U.S Highway 550 via a rough 4×4 road. Photo: Trail4Runner
According to San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office, Black Bear Pass, Colorado, will remain closed for the season due to extensive damage caused by a mudslide earlier this summer. The San Miguel County Sheriff‘s Office shared the update on its social media accounts and explained the reason for the permanent closure of the pass for the rest of the off-road season. Black Bear Pass is a treacherous 4×4 trail that connects the town of Telluride, Colorado, to U.S Highway 550 and is often closed due to varying conditions.
The pass is often temporarily closed by slides and rollovers, but this closure is expected to last for the remainder of the season. The pass was closed for a few days in late July of this season due to a vehicle rollover that did not injure any of the occupants and was cleared relatively quickly. The vehicle may have been properly equipped, but lack of attention can prove detrimental for even the most experienced drivers. Stock vehicles attempting Black Bear Pass should have high clearance, low 4×4 gear range, and off-road tires.
Imogene Pass is closed until further notice due to rockslides and erosion. Photo: San Miguel County Sheriff
Imogene Pass, which connects Telluride directly to the town of Ouray on US 550, is also closed for the foreseeable future, according to the County Sheriff’s Office. Imogene Pass is considered to be as technical but less treacherous than Black Bear Pass and still sees frequent closures due to vehicle rollovers and slides. With monsoon season not quite over and lots of damage on many roads in the county, it is unclear whether this pass will be safely accessible before winter conditions begin.
“Update from San Miguel County Road and Bridge: closure estimated to extend into early September. Imogene Pass has extensive damage to roadway due to Royer Gulch mudslide last night and is closed to traffic from both Telluride and Ouray. Road and Bridge has been notified; unknown time of re-opening. Thank you in advance for your patience.”
— San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office
Last year, a post from the sheriff quickly went viral after choice language was used to describe drivers who ignored the closures and subsequently became stuck. It is important to remember that although the road may be technically passable, it is illegal and dangerous to drive on closed mountain passes. As a deeper discussion about the viability of maintaining these recreational roads emerges, county crews and officials must be given the time, space, and respect needed to keep us recreating safely.
For further information or updates on the road status, visit the website and social media channels of San Miguel County Road and Bridge.
“Some people have it together and know what they’re doing, but some who venture up there are complete ass clowns. We may not be able to reach you if you have an emergency up there, so be prepared to abandon your vehicle, be stranded, or be seriously injured and inconvenienced.” Photo: San Miguel County Sheriff
