The Black Bear Road is one of the most challenging and dangerous 4WD roads in Colorado. It runs from the top of Red Mountain Pass on Highway 550 south of Ouray, over the Ouray group into Telluride. Half of the Telluride side is one way only-down. 15 switchbacks await weary drivers below the one-way section, seen here. The Black Bear road has killed drivers and their vehicles. One's experience should be extensive before attempting the entire road. Whe accessed from Red Mountain Pass, the road grants great access to climbing peaks of the Ouray Group in the San Juan Mountains. Some of the road must me hiked to gain access to the Telluride-Ophir group of mountains.

35mm slide photo and scan by Aaron Johnson