Mystic Falls

Mystic Falls and the nearby Ames Power Plant are tucked into the rugged San Juan Mountains between Ophir and Telluride, offering a striking blend of natural beauty and industrial history. Mystic Falls cascades down a narrow alpine gorge fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks, making it a scenic stop along Ophir Pass Road and a favorite for hikers, photographers, and 4×4 travelers. Just downstream, the Ames Power Plant—constructed in 1891—was one of the world’s first commercial AC hydroelectric facilities, transmitting power over long distances to support mining operations in the region. Together, the waterfall and powerhouse tell the story of how raw mountain landscapes and early electrical innovation helped shape southwestern Colorado’s mining era.