Black Bear & Imogene Pass

[IntrepidXJ]

Sunday, July 27, 2008

I had a few friends from the Salt Lake City area and England/Switzerland roll through Grand Junction on their way to the San Juan Mountains on Saturday. As they passed through town I joined up with them so that we could drive Black Bear Pass and Imogene Pass on Sunday morning. I had been over Imogene Pass a few times before, but had never been able to complete Black Bear Pass because it never seemed to be open when I was there. I finally lucked out this trip since the pass was open and clear. Black Bear Pass is an amazing trail, but certainly not for the weak of heart.

Everyone at the trailhead preparing for the drive ahead.

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Headed up towards Black Bear Pass

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Ryan's and my Jeep at the pass

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Our group at the pass

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Headed down towards Telluride

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Approaching 'the steps' section of the trail. It's a very intimidating section.

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Headed down 'the steps'

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Ingram Falls

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Driving down the switchbacks into Telluride

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View of the first (and most notorious) switchback

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Bridal Veil Falls in the distance

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After making it down into Telluride, we had a quick lunch and then started to climb up Imogene Pass

View of the Black Bear switchbacks from Imogene

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The Social Tunnel

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Looking down on the Red Mountains near Imogene Pass

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Headed back down from Imogene Pass towards Ouray

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Ryan, Rachael & Vince

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A few Jeeps crossing the creek near the end of the trail...

Rachael

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Vince

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Dave

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When we reached Ouray, we headed back over Red Mountain Pass to Silverton for some dinner at camp. Then I parted ways with the group and headed home, since I didn'thave the rest of the week off from work like they did...