First off, Black Bear only has its reputation because of people that do not know how to drive. Yes, the switchbacks are tight but it is not anything like the books make it seem.
I followed a full size extended cab Chevy down it once and he had no trouble. It is a beautiful road and not to be missed.
Telluride is a quaint town but expensive. The Florodora was a great place to eat but it has changed hands and undergone a big menu change, though it still had a good burger last time I was there. Brad and Rhoda Green live in Telluride.
Brad is always up for some wheeling. If you want someone to run with you for the day give him a shout. He is very knowledgeable about the area.
As Mil said, Imogene is well worth the trip. I feel that one should never take the paved roads if there are options.
Most books (Wells’ included) do a good job of describing the things to see along the way.
As you come down the Ouray side of the pass there is a waterfall to your left.
Before crossing the stream bear left and a road will take you across the old crossing about mid fall. It is a bit tight getting out of the stream but easily do-able for a mod lifted XJ.
Once you exit Imogene, you can head up Yankee boy Basin for a great view of the wild flowers then backtrack into Ouray.
Ouray is a great little town to explore and, depending on how long your trip will be, a good place to put up for the night, The hot springs pool is a great place for a good soak. There is a clothing optional resort up by Ridgeway if you are interested, though traveling with ones sister I could see how you might want to skip it this trip
.
Lower Engineer pass is not difficult, but it is rough. Plan for a bit of jarring if you are going to try to make some time. I would recommend taking Poughkeepsie up to California/Hurricane. Poughkeepsie is a scenic trail
BUT, it is one of the nastier roads in the area.
Though not anything like Holy Cross, problems can happen so be prepaired.
I would put the worst of it on the same level as some of the harder stuff on Chinaman’s (hammer not included).
Once in the California basin cut up Placer and out Picayne for a view of the Democrat mill
and the Treasure Mountain mine.
Once back on 110 take a left and head over into Animas Forks for a good view of that old mining town.
You can catch back up with Engineer at Annimas Forks and head on to Lake City.
Most stores around the Alpine loop sell a small tourist flip open guidebook that gives a mile-by-mile description of things along the loop. Engineer is a good choice traveling from Animas to Lake City with a lot to see.
Lake City has several small cabins for the night, though they stay very full during the season. If planning on a night there book ASAP. Poker Alice’s in Lake City is a great place to eat, very eclectic and great food. If you cannot find lodging there (or don’t want to put up in LC overnight) head out to Gunnison. The first part of 249 out of Lake City is spectacular while running along the river.
From Gunnison it depends on how much time you have to spend getting back home.
If times short Head out of Gunnison towards Crested Butte and take Schofield pass over to Marble. There area couple of beautiful waterfalls
and the Crystal Mill (most photographed place in CO) is there as well.
From Marble head north on 133 to 82. Left gets you to I70; right takes you through Aspen and back to 24.
If you have a few days left when you get to Gunnison, I would recommend heading east out of town to Parlin. Hang a left at Parlin and head up to Pitkin, and check out the Alpine tunnel.
From the tunnel you can head over Hancock pass or, if it’s open (Aug only), Williams Pass
and drop down into St Elmo. I hope the Allie Bell Mine never succumbs to gravity, but I know someday it will.
It will be on your right as you get near St Elmo. Just before you get to 162, you will pass the Iron Chest mine road we did last July.
If you have the time, take a left on 162 through St Elmo
and pick up Tincup Pass. It will take you over to Taylor reservoir. If it is open, Frenchy’s in Tincup used to be a good place to catch a bite. Tincup pass has an optional section called Old Tincup that is fun.
It is like a short Iron chest, only bigger rock.
From Taylor you can cut over Cottonwood pass to Buena Vista and take 24 North to I70, or my preferred route of Italian Creek over to Crested Butte and Schofield pass (see previous description). Italian Creek has a couple of things to see. American Flag Mountain is along that stretch and is worth the side trip.
The trail splits near the top and the high road is rocky and narrow. The low road can get muddy in the rainy season. I personally take the rock over mud.
If you get to St Elmo and time is getting short, take a right on 162. That is the road that will take you by the road to Mt Antero and back towards 24/285. At the Mt Princeton hot springs, bear left and head to the top of Mt Princeton. It is an easy climb and taken by many lesser 4wd’s and hikers so be careful. The Chalet at the top is beautiful, and viewing the sunrise from there is a site to behold.
To stay overnight all they ask is that you leave something (durable good wise) for the next person. It is communal and at over 11k ft, it has no amenities, so pack it in and out. After coming back down Mt Princeton, you can bypass all the traffic on 24/285 north to Buena Vista by taking a left on the paved road (321 I think) into BV the back way. There are several companies that run river rafting trips out of BV if you are so inclined.
Once out of BV you are on your own as far as wheeling goes. I do not know the stuff up towards Denver, though if you want to give dear old sis something to remember, I hear Red Cone is nice this time of year.
If all else fails, take her to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It can be hot this time of year but it is spectacular.
Good luck. Hit me back channel with your timeline and I may be able to be more specific about things.
Colorado, A good place to kick back with friends
or to pick up chicks.
Bones :skull1:
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