Imogene Pass & Tomboy Ghost Town
Telluride's highest driveable pass, the Tomboy ghost town and the old silver road that connects them, all in one four-hour ride.
From$133.75
Black Bear & Ophir Pass Jeep Tour
The full loop over Ophir Pass, along the Million Dollar Highway and down Black Bear's switchbacks.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Ages
- All ages
- Group
- Up to 30 guests
- High point
- Ophir Pass, 11,789 ft
- Trail rating
- 5 of 5
- Pickup
- Your door in Telluride
About this tour
This is the most technical route we run out of Telluride, and the one guests talk about on the flight home. The Black Bear and Ophir Pass loop leaves downtown Telluride, follows Highway 145 south into the Ophir Valley, climbs over Ophir Pass at 11,789 feet, joins the Million Dollar Highway at the base of Red Mountain Pass, and then descends Black Bear Pass back into Telluride past Bridal Veil Falls.
It is a four-hour loop with short scenic photo stops and a guide who has driven these roads for years. The Black Bear switchbacks are narrow, steep and exposed, which is exactly why you want someone else at the wheel. Not for the faint of heart, and worth every minute.
The route
Stops may shift with weather, road conditions and what your guide sees that day.
- Downtown TelluridePickup at your hotel or rental, then south out of the box canyon on Highway 145.
- Ophir Valley and Ophir PassInto the Ophir Valley and up to the 11,789-foot summit, with the old mining road under the tires.
- Million Dollar HighwayDown to Highway 550 at the base of Red Mountain Pass, one of the most dramatic stretches of road in Colorado.
- Black Bear PassThe long climb to the pass, then the famous switchbacks down toward Telluride.
- Bridal Veil Falls and townThe descent brings Bridal Veil Falls into view before you drop back into Telluride.
What's included
- A guide who knows every switchback
- Open-air Jeep Gladiator with safari top and blankets
- Complimentary front-door pickup and drop-off in Telluride
- Scenic photo stops along the loop
- First-aid and emergency kit in every vehicle
What to bring
- Layers and a windproof jacket
- Closed-toe shoes
- Water and snacks; food is not provided
- A camera for the Bridal Veil Falls overlook
Who it's for
- Adventure seekers who want the most dramatic road in the San Juans
- Photographers chasing the Bridal Veil Falls view from above
- Returning guests who have already ridden Imogene and want more
- Groups of friends traveling together
Not for: This route is not recommended for guests with a fear of heights, or with neck or back injuries. Choose Imogene Pass and Tomboy, Ophir Pass and Alta Lakes, or Alta Ghost Town instead.
Guest reviews
What guests say about riding with us
Highly recommend!
“Absolutely fantastic experience! Our guide, Pace, did an excellent job providing facts about the area and local history. Highly recommend!!”
Great Time!
“We had a great time on the jeep tour, Pace our driver did a great job of driving (felt very safe on the small roads looking over the cliffs), he was very informative about the area, the history of Telluride, also the old mining towns. We will be doing it again when we go back to Telluride”
Perfect!
“The trip was perfect. Steve our guide was very accommodating to our group with young kids. Views were amazing. We will definitely be back for another trip.”
Good to know
Black Bear & Ophir Pass questions
Black Bear Pass is the most technical route we drive, with narrow, steep switchbacks and serious exposure. The tour is a full loop that also crosses Ophir Pass and follows the Million Dollar Highway, so you see three very different mountain roads in four hours.
The driving is dramatic, but your guide handles it every week and guests describe feeling safe on the small roads. If anyone in your group is nervous about heights, Ophir Pass and Alta Lakes is a gentler half-day with the same big views.
About four hours from pickup to drop-off in Telluride, including short photo stops at the pass, on the Million Dollar Highway and above Bridal Veil Falls.
Keep exploring
Other Telluride Jeep tours
Every route leaves from Telluride with front-door pickup. Mix a half-day with a sunset ride, or add a full day from Ouray or Silverton.
Ophir Pass & Alta Lakes
Over Ophir Pass to Alta Lakes and Gold King Basin, with the big views and less aggressive terrain.
From$133.75
Bridal Veil Falls & Social Tunnel
Skip the hike. Ride to Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall and the Social Tunnel overlook on Tomboy Road.
From$90.95
Black Bear & Ophir Pass
From $160.50 per adult