Tourist in Kia Telluride Nearly Plummets Down Black Bear Pass, Resulting in Trail Closure
San Miguel County Sheriff's - Colorado
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Every now and then, someone in an unsuitable vehicle—or even a suitable one—finds themselves stuck on Colorado's hazardous Black Bear Pass, which overlooks Telluride. Ironically, this instance involved a Kia Telluride rather than the typical Toyota 4Runner or Ford Bronco Sport. The trail is currently closed until further notice as the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office seeks assistance to safely tow the crossover away.
Photos shared by the local law enforcement agency depict the Kia precariously positioned on one of the many switchbacks of Black Bear Pass. It’s situated high on the trail, above Bridal Veil Falls, offering a stunning view of the valley below. A tourist from South Carolina was driving and reportedly ignored multiple warnings not to travel up the one-way Black Bear Road.
These images illustrate the immediate environment surrounding the Kia:
San Miguel County Sheriff’s – Colorado via Facebook
In the meantime, this photo from a previous incident on Black Bear Pass captures what lies beneath:
San Miguel County Sheriff’s – Colorado via Facebook
Black Bear Pass begins at an elevation of 11,018 feet, while Telluride is officially located at 8,754 feet above sea level. This significant elevation change is quite treacherous, as one misstep can lead to disastrous consequences. A particularly tragic incident on the trail in recent years resulted in three fatalities when a tour guide and two passengers fell down the mountainside in a Jeep Wrangler.
It's safe to say that this Kia driver is lucky. The situation could have easily escalated, as even a slight shift in weight might have sent the Telluride tumbling down. One can only imagine the driver’s feelings, especially with the vehicle's driver's side positioned directly over the drop.
Interestingly, the sheriff's report did not mention any discomfort from fear.
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