Ophir Pass cuts through the San Juan Mountains at nearly 12,000 feet, offering a less technical but equally scenic alternative to Black Bear Pass. The ghost town of Ophir sits partway up the western approach, with crumbling mine structures and equipment scattered across the mountainside. Views stretch across the Telluride valley and into the heart of the San Juans.
Accessible to stock high-clearance vehicles from both sides, though snow closes the pass from roughly November through June. The eastern approach from US-550 is gentler; the western drop into Telluride is steeper with loose rock. Popular with overlanders running the full San Juan loop.
High alpine pass with ghost town ruins
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | 226 West Colorado Avenue, Telluride, Colorado 81435 Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 11789 ft |
| Nearest town | Telluride, Colorado |
| Miles from pavement | 12.3 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Rocky |
| Cell service | None |
| Best season | July-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |