Ophir Pass Trail

Colorado is full of towns that are perfect for year-round outdoor adventure in the state’s four-seasons climate. If you’re looking for the small-town charm and a unique history to pair with that outdoor fun, set your sights on Telluride. You’ll find an array of outdoor activities, including exploring Ophir Pass Trail and other adventures that will keep you busy for hours, or even days at a time.

Getting There

Pack up your hiking gear or start the engines on your off-road vehicles and head eight miles south on Hwy. 145. Turn left (watch for the post office sign) onto a dirt road to head to the town of Ophir and the pass road.

The Trail

The 10-mile “point to point” trail is considered moderately challenging, with an elevation gain of 1,797 feet. Be mindful of the narrow shelf road, where spots are barely wide enough to pass – share the road to avoid backups. Once you reach the pass summit of 12,789 feet, near Highway 550, you can turn around the way you came, or continue down to Red Mountain Pass and loop back to Telluride via Ouray. If you’re four-wheeling, the ATV access point is ¼ mile east of the Town of Ophir, and there is no staging area at this end of the pass. Note that ATV access on the county road between Hwy 145 and Ophir is prohibited by the county, and ATV access through Ophir is prohibited by the town.

Activities

The pass is mostly for OHV/Off-road driving, but it is also a scenic trail between Telluride and Silverton that is frequented by hikers, bikers, bird watchers, and others. Some may even be out giving their pup a little exercise, including off-leash in some areas. The best time to plan your exploration is late June after the snowplows come through, to September.

A Trail to High-Octane Fun

Enjoy an adventure along Ophir Pass Trail, as well as other outdoor activities too that will make your trip to Telluride full of outdoor fun. As you plan your day negotiating Ophir Pass and its scenic route, don’t forget to book a vacation rental with Lodging In Telluride. We offer studio-style units for a solo adventure, all the way up to six-bedroom homes for larger groups wanting to explore together. Fuel up with a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen or stretch out and relax after an exhausting day of fun in a private bedroom.