Taking a scenic drive through the Colorado mountains can turn into an adventure—or a disaster—if you’re not prepared. That’s exactly what happened when a South Carolina man attempted to drive a Kia Telluride up the notorious Black Bear Pass. The result? The SUV got stuck, a major trail was shut down, and locals were left shaking their heads.
Let’s cut into what happened, why it matters, and what every off-roading enthusiast should learn from this high-altitude mishap.
Table of Contents
Incident
So, here’s the scene: a driver from South Carolina decided to take his Kia Telluride—yes, the family-friendly SUV, not an off-road rig—up Black Bear Road on a Wednesday. It didn’t take long for things to go sideways, literally.
Somewhere above Bridal Veil Falls, on one of the road’s narrow switchbacks, the Telluride’s wheels slipped off the edge, leaving the car stuck and unstable. The problem? This part of the road is a one-way section with zero room for error. With the car blocking the path and sitting in a dangerous position, San Miguel County officials were forced to shut down Black Bear Pass and Bridal Veil Road until the vehicle could be safely removed.
Closure
From Wednesday until Thursday afternoon, the area was completely off-limits. That meant no access to Bridal Veil Falls Road or Via Ferrata, a popular climbing route in Telluride. Visitors were turned around at the parking lot just before the falls.
The road finally reopened at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, after the SUV was towed out. Local authorities confirmed the area was safe again—but not before making it clear how avoidable the situation was.
Warning
Black Bear Pass isn’t your average mountain drive. It’s considered one of Colorado’s most dangerous off-roading routes. Starting from Red Mountain Pass on Highway 550 and peaking at a dizzying 12,840 feet, the trail offers intense drop-offs, sharp switchbacks, and tight spots that even experienced drivers treat with respect.
Sam Shivers from Titus Adventures summed it up perfectly: “Black Bear Pass is one of the most difficult passes here in Colorado that you can drive a vehicle through.” In fact, his company doesn’t even allow their specialized off-road vehicles on the pass because of how risky it is.
Oversight
The Kia driver? He ignored multiple posted warnings, including signs stating that rental vehicles are not allowed and cautioning drivers about the difficulty of the trail. To be clear, Black Bear Pass is not for standard SUVs, let alone front-wheel-drive or AWD crossovers designed for comfort—not chaos.
This isn’t about shaming one driver—it’s a broader reminder. Preparation is everything in the high country. Locals and outdoor guides stress the importance of keeping all wheels on the trail. Once a vehicle slides off, it not only puts lives at risk but can damage fragile alpine ecosystems and threaten access for everyone else.
Impact
Here’s a breakdown of what was affected during the incident:
| Affected Area | Status During Closure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bear Pass | Closed | Due to unstable vehicle |
| Bridal Veil Road | Closed past parking lot | No access to falls or climbing routes |
| Bridal Veil Falls | Access restricted | Trail remained open on foot |
| Via Ferrata | Inaccessible | Popular climbing route temporarily closed |
Locals were quick to point out the irony: just because your car says “Telluride” on the back doesn’t mean it’s ready for Telluride’s most extreme road.
Reminder
So what should drivers take away from all this? It’s simple: don’t underestimate the mountains.
Before heading into the backcountry, know your vehicle’s limits. Black Bear Pass isn’t the place for trial and error. It’s for seasoned off-roaders with the right gear, knowledge, and respect for the terrain.
Even if a trail is “technically” legal to drive, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for your particular setup. Always check local restrictions, weather conditions, and road status before you go. And when in doubt—turn around. The mountain will still be there tomorrow.
In the end, it’s not just about your safety. It’s about preserving access for everyone and protecting the wild spaces that make Colorado such a unique place to look.
FAQs
Why was Black Bear Pass closed?
A Kia Telluride got stuck, making the road unsafe.
Is Black Bear Pass safe for all vehicles?
No, it’s only suitable for experienced off-road drivers.
Was the vehicle towed?
Yes, it was towed and the pass reopened afterward.
Are rental cars allowed on Black Bear Pass?
No, rental vehicles are not permitted on the pass.
Where did the SUV get stuck?
Above Bridal Veil Falls on a narrow switchback.
