Is Ophir Pass open?
US 550 ↔ Ophir / SR 145 · 11,789′ · Moderate 4WD. Typically open June 5 to October 20.
A historic wagon toll road and the easiest pass between the Million Dollar Highway and the Telluride side. The west side descends a narrow talus shelf where uphill traffic has the right of way — passing spots are limited. Great first pass for newer 4WD drivers.
Highlights
- Sweeping views of the Ophir Needles and Lizard Head
- The tiny town of Ophir at the western foot
- Usually among the first high passes to melt out
History & lore
- Built as a wagon toll road in 1881 to connect the Ophir mines to the San Miguel valley.
- Just below the west side, the Rio Grande Southern's Ophir Loop once spiraled over a dramatic timber trestle.
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