My name is Mike and I'm an overlander based out of Oregon. I explore the thousands of square miles of public lands and national forests in Oregon in my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with my dog Scout. I'm passionate about exploring the backcountry and scouting new and exciting routes. My aim is to capture and share my explorations to inspire folks to venture out and explore the backcountry themselves.
I really enjoy the engagement this channel has provided and hope to see you out on the trail!
Wow that wa frigging epic!!! Loved the long movie format!! Your videos just keep getting better!!! The scenery was absolutely gorgeous!!!!Thank you for sharing!! Can't wait for the next adventure!!!
Did Imogene with a manual Ford 350. Having to play that clutch out making 3 point turns on tight (kiss your ass goodbye) corners was truly death defying.
Such fun. Not usual for us to get rain on the trail this time if year... and its happened twice this summer😮😮. At least no mosquitos and kept.it cool.😅
@@brandonbaldwin6845 yep, he put them in just before the trip. I can’t get over how tough he was. Hoping I can wheel like that when I’m 70. Hope you have a blast on your trip!
@@OverlandScout81 It definitely didn't suck! I'm watching during my lunch break while I drive this keyboard and chair. Thanks for the efforts and time invested to put these vids out for the rest of us to research and enjoy! Adventure on!
Ok, let’s address the white elephant in the room. Can a 2021 JLUR (the hood says “Rubicon”!) with a Mopar 2” lift and 315/70/17c tires do the Rubicon trail? How much damage will it have at the end? Will I be able to drive back home? #tongueincheek
Yes, it’s doable but you’ll likely need to winch a bit and you’ll definitely be scraping the underbelly. We did some of the harder sections but there are easier bypasses at a few spots. I broke a stock rear control arm in half and recommend upgrading your control arms before going as you’ll likely be scraping and bashing on them. One guy in our group was on 33” and he made it. He did need to winch a bit and got hung up a fair amount though. Go slow and steady and pick good lines and you should be ok. It’s an incredible experience and I say go for it!
Cool video. The hype is much more then the actual trail. There’s much much worse in that area of Souther Colorado. Beautiful country. Just takes a little but for many to get use to the heights. We’ll be back in Lake City in a few weeks.
We ran into a few hikers but mountain biking would be fun too. Just don’t fly over the handle bars! I got into mountain biking a few years back and have had my fare share of spills, lol!
A few guys commented they did it in their full size trucks. It’s definitely doable but they all said they wouldn’t do it again. I’d say you need to know your rig and be very confident with it. Good luck if you try it my friend. It’s definitely an amazing experience.
Glad to see you putting out some more videos! I was wondering what happened to you. Looks like some great terrain to explore there. Still a spot open for you in September if you are interested in coming along with us. George.
Hey George! Life throws you curve balls sometime but coming-out better on the other end! Is this your big trip across Idaho? What are the dates in September?
Watching this video my heart was racing , bringing the memories from the last time I drove this pass with my FJ Crusier. Beautiful scenery, fun and cool trail, but definitely is not for the faint of heart. Great video, it seems that you guys had fun!!
For this trail, went down it in a stock Wrangler Rubicon unlimited 4xe. Followed a group of instagram built out vehicles with 40s and jacked up, probably spent more on mods than vehicle. After I saw them go, I knew I had it made, Those jacked up, wide, long, heavy, high center of mass vehicles aren’t your friend on off camber and tight trails like black bear. Just take the right line on the steps, I don’t think I got over 20 deg off camber but had a 25 down angle at one point. Never had more than a 3 pt turn on any of the switchbacks. The instagram beauties took 7 point turns. I might have scraped bottom 3-4 times though.
Wanted to try it over 4th of July weekend, but it was still closed. Some locals said it would open in a couple of weeks. Got to do Engineer and Imogene though, Engineer was pretty sweet. Just means I have to go back next year for Black Bear I guess lol.
Black Bear Pass opened for the 2024 season today, 7/10/24. Please stay the trail and obey any and all laws/rules. The sheriff can and will close it if he deems it too unsafe for public use. The amount of revenue Telluride receives from off road travelers isn’t much in comparison to those wealthy folks that drive on the pavement or fly in.
I've been off-roading with my father (now passed) since I was big enough to be in a front facing car seat. The first thing I drove was his cj 5, so the Allen Jackson song "Drive" hits me hard. I started driving myself on trails when I was 15 and was a trail guide for the Daniel Boone jeep jamboree in the 90s. My father ran that one for 10 years. I have been off-roading all over America and have done a few 10 ratings in my 81, V8 jeep scrambler. I've not been off-roading in years, so coming across this video really brought back memories. I'm glad to see people still enjoying this. I think I did black bear thr last time at age 21, and I'm 51 now. Little deeper ruts these days. Take care all. Also, what's up with jeepers putting ducks on the dash? Lol
Get there during the busy season and it's one hell of a traffic jam. Did it on my motorcycle 2 years ago and fortunately all the jeeps let me pass when able. Otherwise, it would have been hours of sitting still.
