Question About Imogene Pass and Black Bear Pass

https://jalopnik.com/heres-how-a-ford-bronco-sport-looks-after-rolling-400-f-1847751362

And here we go again…

 

Quoting myself here, but a few months ago I posted this.

That Bronco Sport that rolled down yesterday?? Did exactly this.....

 

I did Imogene from the Telluride side 2 weeks ago in a stock(ish) 4Runner (larger than stock KO2's) with only 2 minor bumps on the undercarriage and both my fault for picking poor lines. I was volunteering for the Imogene Pass Run and stationed at the summit. Fun drive, but nerve wracking at 6am with a few other volunteers along for the ride and my first time. Slow and steady, and it really performed well. Was a real zoo coming back down as they opened the Ouray side a little early so there were runners, gapers, SAR vehicles and volunteers. Damn, that is a beautiful pass.

 

Re: Tippyness and the famous rollover section of BB Pass. Jeep Wranglers have lost it there too. Go too high off camber on that one section and expect to roll no matter what vehicle you are in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxcYOxG0fDY


Off camber is a learning experience. Sometimes you have to take the high section. Sometimes (BB Pass) you have to take the low side. The 4Runner will get real sideways at times.

I off road with a gal name Kayla who loves getting her 4Runner sideways.


One of my goals over this past year was to get more comfortable off camber. I have done so and find it enjoyable now. Previously it felt tippy.

Key is, if you find yourself really tipping like you might roll over, point your front tires downhill and apply the throttle.





I've posted this before, but I found myself in a similar hole as the above G-Wagon. I just simply turned my front tires downhill (right), had my locker on, and drove out of the hole. The owner of the G-Wagon above chose to winch out of that hole.

That hole he fell in is on one of the trails we do monthly. To his left is a high section that he needed to be on. He was tired and not paying attention when he took the wrong side of the trail.

I frequently lead trails rides there, and will sit on the high side of the trail till those following me, see where to drive. I ask those behind me to sit there till the vehicle following them sees the path, and so on.

 

I think you would be fine with that setup. I may ditch my TRD front skid plate plus Shrockworks integration skid plates for RCI. Just had a rock tear a bolt off my heavy Shrockworks skid plates. I like how RCI hides their bolt heads.

I'm still using the stock gas tank skid. It's dented but still works just fine.

 

I did Imogene a few days ago and very glad I had new tires, RCI skid plates, and RCI rock sliders. Smacked the skids several times. Thanks for all the help!

 

After doing the pass, I am now looking for a used TRD Pro Fox suspension from someone who decided to add a lift after 350 miles of ownership.

 

Congratulations on your trip, great pictures; did you think the tires where a necessity to have?

 

I do think tires were necessary. Thank you for the recommendation. It’s some rough terrain. I wish I had aired down.

ARB twin compressor OBA and Morr-Flate are probably in my future.

 

I agree, the biggest difference, Black Bear Pass doesn't take prisoners.

 

Seems there are places I likely entered this game to late in life to explore but, there was a time These days, and with no false pride it's cow trails and the challenges they present that'll have to make do for me. All things considered, I'm okay with that just keep posting those pictures

For clarity. 99% of my travels will be solo which wisely eliminates a lot.

 

To be honest, I’m glad I did Imogene, but once was enough. Ha!

 

Did you do the Engineer Pass & The loop as well?

 

No, we ran out of time.

 

BB Pass claims another one.

https://www.autoblog.com/2021/09/28/colorado-bronco-sport-rollover/

 

I have, and the ghost town at Animas Forks was really cool. There was a large mill there and it's right off the road. Here are some pictures of that area. Very cool area.

Also, Engineers was easier and Imogene, but a little bumpier. Air down for comfort.

 

Find some back from this area, as well.

 

I think 2000 I drove from Silverton to Animas Forks; I drove the Engineers Pass multiple times. I think the picture above was taken from the Engineers Pass. Once you get out of the trail you can drive direction of Montrose and the Black Canyon of The Gunnison, some nice lonely trails, lakes and great fishing.



No people on these beautiful trails, very narrow at some places (like BBP) without the switch-backs, kind a hidden.



Largest body of water in Colorado, Blue Mesa


Great fishing, Kokanee Salmon awesome tasting.