Closing Black Bear Pass? (Denver, Telluride: condo, camp, live in)

[otowi]

Originally Posted by Colorado Rambler

Yeah, the Delorme. I've never tried to use it out on the Eastern plains. I can say that the DeLorme/USGS 15' quads works very well from the Front Range west to Naturita and Nucla.

Yeah I've never had a problem with it in the mountains or urban areas.

[happygrrrl]

Originally Posted by otowi

It's always scarier as the passenger because on the way down you're on the cliff side and you have no control.

Yeah, I know, been there, done that.

[Vision67]

The fundamental problem in using a GPS for navigation is that there in no unique path between two points.

Most navis can be set to choose either the shortest route or the fastest route. That shortest route could include a dirt road or a relatively arbitrary route through a neighborhood.

But the fastest route can also change enroute. Google maps employs real time feedback from all current users so it can steer you around a congested route as you travel. However, you might not want to go that way.

I always bring along a paper map. You can still buy a big Rand McNally maps book. It gives me a larger perspective.

[Vision67]

Drivers go up closed Colorado pass, get stuck

The sheriff's office said, as a reminder, the pass remains officially closed despite social media rumors to the contrary.

https://www.9news.com/article/traffi...9-ea10fcfda5c4

"SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, Colo. — People who drove up a closed mountain pass got stuck on a steep cliff this week in southwest Colorado.

The San Miguel Sherriff's Office (SMSO) said drivers are venturing up Black Bear Pass, which is officially closed, and are unable to make it over.

The sheriff's office said Monday that despite the mountain pass being officially closed, a vehicle got stuck below "the stairs," partially off the roadway, with the road completely blocked behind it."

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

They also said: "Some people have it together and know what they're doing, but some who venture up there are complete ass clowns," the tweet continued. "We may not be able to reach you if you have an emergency up there, so be prepared to abandon your vehicle, be stranded, or be seriously injured and inconvenienced."

[waltcolorado]

There is a local radio station in Telluride (Koto) and today there was a discussion on "ass clowns".

An idea was thrown out that the town even needed a special crosswalk just for the ass clowns to use. Conversation turned to speeders on the main drag who apparently are also ass clowns.

The sheriff office post didn't bother to blur out the license plate of the auto that disregarded the road being closed and got dangerously stuck.

[brightdoglover]

I so hope no first responders are injured or "seriously inconvenienced."

[DOUBLE H]

It was only last month on the 14th that a kid from Arizona ran right off U.S. 550 by the Idorado Mine off Red Mountain Pass. Slid down the mountainside about 200 feet and landed on its top. And there were witnesses that saw it happen, one of them was State Trooper Justin Perry. I remember KKCO-11 interviewing him maybe two days later. He said the driver died on impact as it landed on its top. And it was reported the next day of possible drug use regarding the driver and, of course, speeding.

A note to travelers, especially out of state tourists---Think before you get behind the wheel. If you have absolutely NO mountain traveling experience don't go up 550. Last months fatality is bad enough, the Black Bear Road thing IMO is just uncalled for. Because then you are dealing with people who could just care less about what could happen to you.

People with that mindset think they're bullet proof. They're not.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by DOUBLE H

It was only last month on the 14th that a kid from Arizona ran right off U.S. 550 by the Idorado Mine off Red Mountain Pass. Slid down the mountainside about 200 feet and landed on its top. And there were witnesses that saw it happen, one of them was State Trooper Justin Perry. I remember KKCO-11 interviewing him maybe two days later. He said the driver died on impact as it landed on its top. And it was reported the next day of possible drug use regarding the driver and, of course, speeding.

A note to travelers, especially out of state tourists---Think before you get behind the wheel. If you have absolutely NO mountain traveling experience don't go up 550. Last months fatality is bad enough, the Black Bear Road thing IMO is just uncalled for. Because then you are dealing with people who could just care less about what could happen to you.

People with that mindset think they're bullet proof. They're not.

Thank you. Hwy 550 requires the undivided attention of drivers, sobriety, and attention to speed.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by DOUBLE H

It was only last month on the 14th that a kid from Arizona ran right off U.S. 550 . . .Think before you get behind the wheel. If you have absolutely NO mountain traveling experience don't go up 550. . .

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Thank you. Hwy 550 requires the undivided attention of drivers, sobriety, and attention to speed.

I still have nightmares recalling driving on US 550 with rocks and sleet pouring down.