Black Bear Pass Closed After Vehicle Stuck on One-Way Road Threatens Safety

Black Bear Pass in southern Colorado has been closed indefinitely after a man from South Carolina drove a Kia Telluride the wrong way up the one-way road and got the vehicle stuck near Bridal Veil Falls. Despite warnings from locals not to take the route, the driver persisted, causing the SUV to become unstable with its wheels off the side of the road at about three to four switchbacks past the falls. Authorities have deemed it unsafe for other vehicles to pass around the stranded SUV, necessitating a tow, though no timeline for removal has been provided. The closure extends beyond the Bridal Veil Falls parking lot, blocking access to the popular Via Ferrata climbing route, while the Bridal Veil Trail remains open. The town of Telluride prohibits rental vehicles on Black Bear Pass, highlighting the risks of inappropriate vehicle use on this challenging roadway. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to local safety advisories on treacherous mountain roads.