Black Bear Pass Closed Indefinitely After SUV Stranded, Beartooth Highway Closing Friday Due to Snowstorm

Black Bear Pass in San Miguel County, Colorado, remains closed indefinitely after a South Carolina driver ignored local advice and got his Kia Telluride stuck, dangerously teetering on the edge of a switchback just past Bridal Veil Falls. The vehicle is unstable and unsafe for other traffic, necessitating a full closure until it can be towed, though the timing for the tow is currently unknown. Bridal Veil Road up to the Falls is also closed, restricting access to the Via Ferrata, while Bridal Veil Trail remains open. Black Bear Pass is a challenging route recommended only for four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles, making the incident a cautionary tale against using standard passenger cars on the road. Meanwhile, the Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212) is set to close at noon on Friday due to forecasts of snow, high winds, and blizzard conditions, with reopening decisions to be made after the storm based on road assessments. Travelers in the region are advised to monitor road conditions and prepare for winter driving challenges.