File this story under “most frightening and embarrassing moment.”
You may already know that Black Bear Pass near Telluride, Colorado, has a fearsome reputation. This harrowing route consists of narrow one-way switchbacks, loose rocks, and steep drop-offs.
This week the road’s reputation was reinforced when a white Kia Telluride driven by a visitor from South Carolina climbed the pass despite local warnings. The Kia became stuck with its wheels hanging off the side of a switchback. San Miguel County officials were forced to close Black Bear Pass and parts of Bridal Veil Road until crews could secure and remove the vehicle.
Local officials said the vehicle was “unstable” and unsafe to drive around. The closure lasted more than a day while deputies coordinated the recovery. According to the latest updates, the SUV was successfully towed, and the road was reopened after crews cleared the scene.
Take note
Mountain passes like Black Bear are often one-lane, rocky, and intended for high-clearance, experienced off-road vehicles and drivers. Despite the TV advertisements, many mountain roads are not adventure playgrounds for street-trim SUVs.
When a vehicle gets stuck in a precarious spot, it can strand travelers, block emergency access, and lead to long delays or even dangerous recoveries.
That’s exactly what happened here. One driver’s choice to ignore local advice cascaded into a public-safety situation and an expensive, risky recovery operation.
Practical tips for adventurous RVers
Plan your route with vehicle suitability in mind. Narrow, rocky, or one-way mountain roads can be hazardous for larger rigs or vehicles without adequate clearance and traction. Check official road status and local sheriff or forest service posts before you go. (For example, San Miguel County used social posts and media updates to keep the public informed about this Black Bear Pass closure.)
Drive defensively and respect local advice. Locals and rangers often know a road’s real conditions better than a quick internet photo. If residents or signage warn you off a route, treat that as authoritative.
Use lower gears to control speed. Avoid riding the brakes to reduce the chance of brake fading or failure. Know how and when to downshift to use engine braking on long descents. Here are common best practices recommended by national park services.
If you see a blocked pass, turn back early and choose a safe alternate. Don’t try to squeeze or skirt around a stuck vehicle. Doing so can make the situation worse and put you at risk of falling rock or losing control on a ledge. Contact local law enforcement or road authorities so they have an accurate count of vehicles affected and can prioritize response.
Closure?
If you come upon a road blockage or closure, stay calm and find a safe place to stop well before the blocked section. Monitor official channels (county sheriff, forest service, or state DOT) for updates rather than relying only on social media rumors.
If you’re part of an RV club or travel group, share accurate info with others and assist those who may be slower to react. If you’re unsure about a side road or scenic spur, assume it may be unsuitable for your rig until proven otherwise.
Have you driven on a “frightening” route? Tell us about it using the comments below.
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I have led a Land Cruiser group and driven the Colorado mountain passes in this area many times. We drove several of the passes, including Ophir, Imogene, Engineer, Cinnamon, and the Big Daddy of them all, Black Bear. The article implies that the Kia was traveling “up” the pass. Black Bear is a one-way pass, down! There are certain times it is opened up in the reverse (up) direction, but those are limited and controlled. Black Bear and the other passes mentioned should only be attempted by the most skilled drivers, using the most capable equipment.
I’m not sure about my skill level, but I completed Ophir Pass in 2018 in a Jeep Wrangler. I stopped at the local BLM office and inquired about the mountain pass route to Silverton, and he recommended Ophir for my vehicle. All the bouncing on rocks is great manipulation for your spine and neck. 🙂 Took a while at maybe 5 to 6 mph top speed, but not scary unless you don’t like drop-offs from great heights. Forget the name of the other pass I returned on, but I did pass old mines and ruins and a pit toilet with a wait line for its use in the middle of nowhere. Led me out to the Million Dollar Highway, which was a beautiful ride.
And now the suv owner will expect compensation from insurance company for his stupidity
It’s worse than just the obvious when you reflect on how many lives he consciously put at risk to recover and remove a vehicle that should never have been there. Sadly, things like this are why public land access is getting more and more restricted. In time, a permit to take the trail will be a requirement assuming they close it down entirely to recreational travel. I hope they fined him with more than just a tow bill.
I strongly suggest that that “idiot” driver be charged for cost of recovery. Stupidity has to have a LARGE cost. That may keep the next couple of yahoos from trying it!
If stupidity was a crime,we couldn’t build enough prisons.
I’ve never seen this in one of those SUV commercials where you find a SUV parked on the tip top of a mountain. Where is the truth in advertising? I guess some people believe what they see on TV and internet.
Was from SC, advisory are just suggestions.