Ophir Pass

Ophir Pass is a classic high-alpine mountain route in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, offering a historic and scenic connection between Telluride and the legendary Million Dollar Highway near Silverton and Ouray. Reaching an elevation of approximately 11,789 feet, Ophir Pass was originally developed in the late 1800s as a mining road linking remote mining camps and the small settlement of Ophir to regional supply routes. Today, the pass is a popular 4×4 trail known for its rocky climbs, narrow shelf roads, and sweeping views of alpine basins, waterfalls, and jagged peaks. While generally less technical than some nearby passes, high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles are still required, especially on the Telluride side, where loose rock and exposure demand confident driving. Combining rich mining history, dramatic scenery, and a strategic link between Telluride and one of Colorado’s most famous highways, Ophir Pass remains a favorite route for off-road travelers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers exploring the heart of the San Juan Mountains.