A South Carolina man caused the temporary closure of one of Colorado’s most iconic off-road trails on Wednesday after attempting to drive a Kia Telluride up Black Bear Road and getting stuck.
Despite warnings from locals, the man continued up the treacherous, one-way trail above Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, where he lost control and wedged the SUV near a switchback.
According to the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle’s unstable position made it too dangerous for others to pass, forcing officials to close Black Bear Pass and Bridal Veil Road until a tow truck could safely remove it.
The vehicle became stuck approximately three or four switchbacks above the falls, near the historic Bridal Veil Falls Powerplant. Officials noted that the driver ignored advice not to take the vehicle up the notorious overlanding trail, which is closed to rental vehicles and typically used by Jeeps and serious off-roaders.
Black Bear Road, aka Black Bear Pass, climbs to an elevation of 12,840 feet and is closed each winter due to hazardous weather. The road reopened Thursday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. after the SUV was successfully towed.
Bridal Veil Trail remains open, but temporary closures impacted access to the popular Via Ferrata climbing route.
