TeraFlex was invited to the pre-run on Black Bear Road ahead of the 2017 Jeep Jamboree in Ouray, Colorado. The jamboree was held September 14-16, 2017. Ouray, which is in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, sits at 7,800-ft elevation and is the gateway to the 30th Ouray 2017. About 15–20 people participated in the pre-run.
We also stuck around for several days of driving during the jamboree itself traversing several mountain trails including Yankee Boy Basin Road and Corkscrew Gulch as well as climbing “The Wall” along Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail. Snow was present above 12,000 feet.
Black Bear Road
Black Bear Road, officially known as Forest Service Road 648, is a 9.2-mile Jeep trail that begins between Ouray and Silverton at 11,018 feet above sea level and climbs as high as 12,840 feet as it crosses Black Bear Pass. From there, the road transitions into a series of switchbacks as it descends into the city of Telluride. Although Black Bear Pass is rated as difficult, the trail offers many spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains including Bridal Veil Falls — the highest waterfall in Colorado.
First Official Day
All vehicles must pass tech inspection before venturing out on the trail. More than 20 Jeep Wrangler models took to the trails each day during the 2017 Jeep Jamboree in Ouray.
Yankee Boy Basin Road
On the first official day of the Jeep Jamboree, we traveled the 18.8-mile Yankee Boy Basin Road outside of Ouray. Though Yankee Boy Basin Road is considered a moderately difficult trail, four-wheel-drive is mandatory in many sections. Certain portions of the trail require more than average ground clearance, while a shorter wheelbase for a better breakover angle is advised. This trail climbs as high as 12,400 feet.
TeraFlex’s Doug Henderson built a miniature snowman on top of the hood of his Tank Green 2-door JK Wrangler Willys Wheeler. Despite the warm engine compartment, the TeraFlex suspension, and placement on a plastic hood insert, the snowman held on for a considerable distance along the trail impressing other Jeepers.
Corkscrew Gulch
Corkscrew Gulch is a moderate 6.9-mile trail outside of Silverton near Lake Como that winds through old mining country. Today, the trail is frequented by logging trucks. Despite its moderate rating, the downhill trail requires lots of ground clearance to avoid being high-centered. Hurricane Pass peaks at 12,713 feet.
Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail
The 7.9-mile Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail is one of the most challenging trails in the area and requires lots of ground clearance. Poughkeepsie also features the infamous “Wall,” which will test even the most modified Jeeps. With Doug Henderson behind the wheel of his Tank Green 2-door JK Wrangler Willys Wheeler sporting TeraFlex’s 2.5” lift and 35" tires easily tackled the Wall. Only two other Jeeps attempted the climb including a four-door JK Wrangler Unlimited and a CJ-7. However, both models took a different — and easier — line over the Wall.
Each trail provided its own spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains including wildlife, old mine shafts, and more. The 30th Ouray 2017 is just one of more than two-and-a-half dozen Jeep Jamboree events held each year.
