Ophir Colorado

Ophir, Colorado is a small, historic mining town located in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado at around 9,695 feet. It’s known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor recreational activities, and rich mining history. The town itself is quite small, with a population of only about 184 people, but it’s a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Activities

Some of the most popular activities in Ophir include hiking, camping, and fishing. There are also several nearby ghost towns that are fun to explore, and the nearby town of Silverton offers a great selection of shops and restaurants.

Ophir Pass (4Wheeling)

9.8-mile point-to-point trail near Ophir is considered a moderately challenging route. Overall, it takes just over 5 hours to complete.

Janes Run Trail (Hiking)

3.0-mile loop trail near Ophir is considered a moderately challenging route. Overall it takes an average of 2 h 44 min to complete.

Alta Lakes Campground (Camping)

This campground is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing, hiking, and camping all near the Alta ghost towns. There are only 20 designated campsites that are first come first serve.

Alta Ghost Town (Explore)

Alta was a small town between Telluride and Ophir that sits at 11,800 feet. It was founded after gold was discovered in the area and only a few hundred people lived here at one time. Now its referred to as Alta Ghost Town.

This is an easily accessible adventure and requires a short drive from Telluride, quick 2 miles on some tough dirt roads, and a final short hike to see the remaining buildings.

San Juan Mountains (Explore)

The San Juans span over 10,000 square miles and includes several national forests and wilderness areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

They are known for their rugged beauty and diverse landscapes. The range includes everything from alpine tundra and high-altitude lakes to deep canyons and towering peaks. The highest peak in the range is Uncompahgre Peak at 14,321 ft.

Overall, Ophir is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a little bit of history, a lot of natural beauty, and a chance to get away from it all. It’s a great place to take a hike, catch a fish, and relax. Stop by and check out the beauty this place has to offer.

If you are interested in the Ghost towns, check our the Carson & Old Carson Ghost Towns