Black Bear and Imogene Passes are closed

[GI Grandpa]

https://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/406/Road-Conditions

Black Bear and Imogene Passes are currently closed due to mud slides

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[molevich]

From what I heard, the trail on switchbacks on Black Bear gave out and washed out. I really hope they fix it and don't permanently shut down the trail.

 

[ALT2870]

Based on what the Sheriff's office and Road and Bridge have reported it is the lower part around the power plant. What other sources are you hearing?

https://www.facebook.com/sanmiguelcountysheriff
https://www.facebook.com/smccoroads/

Coming back to the Sheriff's office they have a pin at this location with a picture: https://www.google.com/maps/place/37°55'10.0"N+107°46'01.6"W/@37.9256336,-107.7726132,2306

You can see where it can run. Also someone responded on the Road and Bridge post:

True story… we got an early start and are stuck at the top above Bridal Veil falls. There’s a significant rock and gravel slide that blocks the road. And that’s just the part at the top. Sheriff had told us to turn around.

So sound like it's at and below the power plant since it appears these guys had to go back up the pass and saw the the slide at the above mentioned area.

Based on all that I'd say the pass itself is intact and just the lower section is in bad shape.

 

[Ward]

Further South info. We took a cruise to Bolam Pass yesterday & there was significant erosion from recent rains & mud. Almost no trail traffic though & the area super green from all the precipitation.

 

[molevich]

Based on what the Sheriff's office and Road and Bridge have reported it is the lower part around the power plant. What other sources are you hearing?

https://www.facebook.com/sanmiguelcountysheriff
https://www.facebook.com/smccoroads/

Coming back to the Sheriff's office they have a pin at this location with a picture: https://www.google.com/maps/place/37°55'10.0"N+107°46'01.6"W/@37.9256336,-107.7726132,2306

You can see where it can run. Also someone responded on the Road and Bridge post:



So sound like it's at and below the power plant since it appears these guys had to go back up the pass and saw the the slide at the above mentioned area.

Based on all that I'd say the pass itself is intact and just the lower section is in bad shape.

Buddy I talked to said there is a significant mud slide and blockage couple switchback above Bridal Vail. Knowing how they are not keen on opening trail they might just keep it shutdown until next season.

 

[ALT2870]

Ah, well I guess we'll find out more in the coming days. I wouldn't say they aren't keen to opening it seeing as they little did major maintenance this year to open it after being closed for a year. I doubt this late in the year though they attempt repairs. Probably next year.

 

[molevich]

Ah, well I guess we'll find out more in the coming days. I wouldn't say they aren't keen to opening it seeing as they little did major maintenance this year to open it after being closed for a year. I doubt this late in the year though they attempt repairs. Probably next year.

Only time will tell. I just hope they don't use trail damage if there any above the Bridal Vail as An excuse to shut it down completely. They have to keep Bridal Vail open but I doubt they have any interest doing anything above that. Especially how narrow it is up there even small damage can turn into major repair.

 

[GI Grandpa]

Imogene Pass has been reopened
https://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=465

 

[ALT2870]

Imogene closed again this time supposedly on both sides due to mudslides. We've been getting a ton of rain out here so checks out. Apparently the Telluride side is traversable with a local company saying rental Jeeps are getting over it. Road and Bridge is saying closed till September. At your own risk I suppose.


Other news is that Black Bear will not reopen for the season. Damage according to further reports is pretty bad with vehicles sized boulders reported that fell. (These are the people that had to turn around and do the pass in reverse.) You can read more on here: https://www.facebook.com/smccoroads/


People are getting upset particularly about Imogene and maybe rightfully so. September seems like a very long time frame based on the pictures provided plus missing out on Labor Day.

 

[ALT2870]

https://facebook.com/smccoroads/

Imogene on the San Miguel side is closed for the season. Haven't heard about the Ouray side.

 

[ALT2870]

Didn't think I'd be typing this but Black Bear has been repaired before Imogene and is open already. Imogene is still expected to be repaired by the fall. Ouray County is doing work down to the Telluride side to a closure point. 7/17 estimated opening.

 

[Kajo]

Didn't think I'd be typing this but Black Bear has been repaired before Imogene and is open already. Imogene is still expected to be repaired by the fall. Ouray County is doing work down to the Telluride side to a closure point. 7/17 estimated opening.

Good to hear. I am driving out to Colorado from Maryland in 10 days and plan on hitting the trails in the area July 23 - July 26

 

[ALT2870]

I should clarify 7/17 is when you can go over the summit to Tomboy and then a touch further. Still cannot get to Telluride, that will be in the Fall.

 

[ALT2870]

Ouray County busted out a path down to Tomboy and a further mile to Smuggler Mine where you have to around. Gates opened at summit so enjoy until we hear later.

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