Has anyone run the Black Bear Road that starts at Red Mountain Pass on US 550? Can this trail be negotiated with an extended cab Tundra? I ask this as I've been told there are two switchbacks that cause jeeps to make a 3-point turn. I really want to give this trail a go if it's possible but I will save the embarrassment for another time if the trail is impossible for a 128-inch wheelbase vehicle.

I'd say you're pushing your luck with that wheelbase. It's been a long time since I did that trail, so it's not clear in my memory. Someone else will know better. But I do know an Isuzu Rodeo, Land Cruiser FJ80, and other shorter vehicles that recently did Black Bear. They said it's technically no more difficult than a "6" on the 10 scale. I also overheard them joking about 20-point turns, and you better not be afraid of heights. I don't know how many point-turns they actually had to make. I heard that some people (not on that trip) with long wheelbases may need to back down to the next switchback in one or two places.

did you just use "shorter length" and fj80 in the same sentence?

I was in the Rodeo that did Black Bear recently.

I think you'll be OK in the Tundra, but be prepared to work some of those switchbacks. I had to do a 4 point turn at one point, so you might have one or two more points to make that one.

Also ... have you got an automatic or manual? If it's a manual you'll either need a good emergency brake or a third foot. On some of the switchbacks there's just no way you can get your foot off the brake and onto the gas in time to keep from rolling forward. Putting the ebrake on helps with this, since as you back up and let the clutch out you can release the brake when you feel the engine beginning to pull. Hopefully you've got some kind of hand release Ebrake.

An automatic sure makes it a lot easier! Below is one of the switchbacks, though not the most dramatic by a long shot:

<img src="http://65.102.213.235/sanjuanwheeling/DSC00283-1.JPG" alt=" - " />

Steve - did you go all the way to Telluride in the Rodeo ?? If you did, did you return via Imogene? I have been eyeing the drop into Bridal Veil for years, hiked and biked it many times, but just have never got the cajones to take either my 90 nor 98 Rodeo down those switches into town. My excuse has always been 'too tight for MY truck' <img border="0" alt="[Chicken]" title="" src="graemlins/chicken.gif" /> My 90 was a stick, but my 98 is auto, so maybe I will suck it up and do it finally. From the photo can I assume I dont need to lift my 98 first ?? I know, snows a comin', but maybe .......

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by Mr. Mojo:
<strong>Steve - did you go all the way to Telluride in the Rodeo ?? If you did, did you return via Imogene</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Yup -- we went all the way to Telluride and then came out via Imogene. At least ... I'm hoping I'm remembering right. I was pretty much following some others.

A stock rodeo with an auto wouldn't have any problems on any of the trails I went on in the area. Poughkeepsie had a couple of challenges on it, but all were doable with the right line.

Quit being <img border="0" alt="[Chicken]" title="" src="graemlins/chicken.gif" /> and put that bad-boy rodeo into 4low! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Just kidding, of course. But your Rodeo is definitely capable of any of the roads I was on if you choose to try them.