Ophir Pass Colorado: Scenic Drive + Day Trip Itinerary (Silverton to Telluride)
Driving Ophir Pass gives you access to one of the most insane fall color views I’ve ever seen in Colorado.
Ophir Pass Colorado is one of the most scenic mountain drives in the San Juan Mountains, especially in the fall. My jaw dropped as I took in the blanket of golden Aspens covering the hillsides above the town of Ophir.
Driving Ophir Pass requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and some off-roading experience. Still, if you’re up for the challenge, it makes for an unforgettable scenic drive between Silverton and Telluride.
➡️ Looking for epic mountain views without a 4WD vehicle? Try climbing an easier Colorado 14er.
What this guide includes:
This Ophir Pass itinerary follows the route from Silverton to Telluride with the best scenic stops along the way.
- Exact route with map
- Best stops and overlooks
- Driving difficulty expectations
➡️ Find more adventures in my Colorado outdoor guide.
Ophir Pass Colorado Overview (Driving Info + Tips)
In this guide, I’ll be giving directions to drive Ophir Pass from the Silverton side to the town of Ophir. The access to Ophir Pass is right off the famous Million Dollar Highway.
Distance and Time
The total driving distance for this Ophir Pass scenic drive is about 45 miles. Google says 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive this whole itinerary, but driving Ophir Pass and all the stops adds time. Give yourself about 45 minutes just to descend the steeper, more technical west side of the Pass.
Completing all of these stops, plus riding the free gondola and having dinner in Telluride, took up the whole day. Take your time. This itinerary is very manageable, so no need to rush at every photo op. That being said, you won’t want to get too late a start to the day if you’re going to make it to every stop.
➡️ Try another 1-day itinerary at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. You don’t need a week to have an awesome adventure.
Our truck camper parked at the summit of Ophir Pass
Vehicle and Experience Requirements
You need high clearance, 4WD, and a low-speed transfer case to descend the west side of the Pass. Don’t be fooled by the east side, which is essentially a decently maintained dirt road.
As soon as you start descending the west side, you’ll need the proper vehicle. Driving Ophir Pass is considered moderate compared to other Colorado mountain passes, but it still requires caution.
You should have experience with driving steep, narrow, technical terrain. It’s a serious mountain pass — there aren’t any guardrails.
My husband and I drove our Toyota Tundra with our truck camper mounted in the bed. Our truck camper is quite tall compared to most, but we made it up and over without much issue. We saw other truck campers and, of course, many Jeeps on the Pass.
➡️ If you want something more extreme, try diving to the Maze in Canyonlands National Park. This parrt of the park features some of the roughest off-road driving I’ve ever done.
Best Time to Drive Ophir Pass
My husband and I completed this Ophir Pass itinerary in early October when the Aspen trees were at their peak. The autumn colors absolutely pop off in this area, and I would highly recommend planning your scenic drive in the fall.
As always, keep an eye on the weather before you ascend Ophir Pass. Rain, snow, and wind can make driving a high mountain pass treacherous. Be safe!
➡️ Planning a trip to Colorado in summer? Check out backpacking Four Pass Loop for stunning wildflowers.
Descending west side of Ophir Pass
Ophir Pass Map + Route Overview
Use this map to follow the exact Ophir Pass route from Silverton to Telluride, including all scenic stops and overlooks.
Ophir Pass Day Trip Itinerary (Silverton to Telluride Route)
My Ophir Pass day trip itinerary starts in Silverton, Colorado. There is a wide range of accommodations in Silverton. You can find hotels, Airbnb rentals, campgrounds, and more.
The itinerary ends in Telluride. There, you can find more hotels, etc., or campsites just outside of Telluride to stay the night.
Stop 1: Molas Pass Cabin (Iconic Photo Spot)
The Molas Pass Cabin is set perfectly atop a hill, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. Golden Aspen trees glow behind it during the fall.
This is a must-stop for photographers. Quintessential Colorado fall colors, mountains, and a mining cabin. What could be better?
The Molas Pass Cabin is a quick pull-off, so it’s an easy start to the day. You can drive or walk all the way down to the cabin to get a closer look. For me, the best views were from the opposite hillside.
Funnily enough, I had driven this road several times before, but never noticed the cabin. You can see it from the main road if you know where to look.
Stop 2: Start the Ophir Pass Drive from Silverton Side
Right off the Million Dollar Highway is the access to Ophir Pass. The east side of the Pass is pretty mellow compared to the west side.
Before you reach the top of the pass, you’ll see the road split off to the right. The split leads to the Columbine Lake trailhead. I’ve backpacked to this lake before, and it is stunning. You won’t have time to hike it on today’s adventure, but keep it in mind for the future.
Stop 3: Top of Ophir Pass + Crystal Lake Hike
There is a short hiking trail that you can access from the summit of Ophir Pass. The Crystal Lake hike offers an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs.
Although this hike is short (only 0.5 miles round trip), it is steep, and you hike on slightly loose talus. The terrain reminded me of hiking 14ers in Colorado. I wore my hiking boots and brought my trekking poles.
The lake at the top is well worth the effort, as well as the views of the town of Ophir. Parking at the top of the Pass is extremely limited, but there was only one other car parked, and we saw only one group the whole time.
The trail had a couple of small icy sections. I’d recommend you attempt this hike only if you’re comfortable with mountain terrain. Wearing hiking boots instead of trail runners was the move.
Stop 4: Descend the West Side (More Technical Section)
Many people consider this the most challenging part of driving Ophir Pass. The west side of was busy. Jeeps and other vehicles were ascending the pass as we drove down. There was some sort of mountain biking race going on, so bikers were everywhere.
We had to pull over in very tight spots to let others pass us and vice versa. You definitely need to be comfortable with narrow sections of rocky road and a drop-off on one side. The rocks were loose in sections, and I felt the truck slide a bit.
Whoever the driver is needs to pay attention and focus on the obstacles ahead.
Stop 5: Town of Ophir, Colorado
Reaching the town of Ophir marks the end of the Ophir Pass drive. Ophir is a tiny, historic mountain town founded in 1881. In the bible, the region of Ophir is known for its gold and other precious stones. Indeed, gold and silver were discovered near the town of Ophir in 1875, which sparked a mining boom.
By 1910, the mines were no longer profitable, and the population declined. Today, the town boasts a population of under 200 residents. You won’t find any services in Ophir, but it is cool to drive through after completing the Pass.
Stop 6: Trout Lake + Hidden Overlook
After completing Ophir Pass, head south on Highway 145 to get to Trout Lake. On the way, look for a pull-off with a small hill on the right side of the road. You can see Matterhorn Mill from the top of the hill. I tried to figure out a way to drive up to the Mill, but it looked like private property. You can learn more about the Matterhorn Mill from The Telluride Times.
Trout Lake features show-stopping vistas from the parking lot. In autumn, yellow Aspens line the shore, and snow-dusted mountains tower beyond. It was one of the most brilliant lakes I had ever seen.
My husband and I took the time to drive around the lake on a dirt road, but you’re not missing much if you choose to skip the drive and start heading towards Telluride.
Find some additional viewpoints on the Google Map linked above. If you have extra time, be sure to stop and take in your surroundings.
Matterhorn Mill overlook
End Your Day in Telluride After Driving Ophir Pass
After gawking at the views at Trout Lake, drive about 30 minutes to Telluride. As far as mountain towns go, Telluride is up there with the best. You’ll find plenty of shopping, restaurants, and relaxed mountain vibes.
Ride the Free Telluride Gondola
Riding the gondola is one of the best things to do after driving Ophir Pass. Eat dinner before or after riding the free gondola to Mountain Village. Time it with the sunset to watch the Aspens pop off once again. There are restaurants in Mountain Village if you want to dine up there as well.
The free gondola offers gorgeous views all year, but I think it’s especially beautiful in the fall. Dogs are allowed in the gondola, and you don’t need to make any reservations. Please note that the gondola does close around mid-late October and opens again for ski season in late November every year.
Best Time to Drive Ophir Pass for Fall Colors
Fall colors in Colorado peak at different times every year. Generally, though, late September to early October is your best bet for planning a fall colors trip. The higher the elevation, the earlier the colors will peak.
Be aware of snow in the forecast, as that may hinder your Ophir Pass road driving plans. It is not uncommon for high alpine regions to receive snow in September.
Tips for Driving Ophir Pass Safely
- Start the itinerary early
- Check weather
- Bring water/snacks
- No cell service
- Let someone know your plan
- Take the rougher driving slowly
Ophir Pass FAQ
Still planning your trip? Here are answers to common questions about driving Ophir Pass.
Can a stock SUV drive Ophir Pass?
A stock SUV with high clearance, 4WD, and a low-speed transfer case can usually handle Ophir Pass in dry conditions. Many drivers complete the pass in vehicles such as a Toyota 4Runner or a Jeep Wrangler. However, low-clearance vehicles are not recommended, especially for the rocky descent on the west side.
Is Ophir Pass open year-round?
No, Ophir Pass is typically only open in summer and early fall. Snow closes the pass in winter, and it usually reopens once conditions allow. Often, sometime in late spring or early summer depending on snowfall.
Is there cell service on Ophir Pass?
No, there is little to no cell service on Ophir Pass. Download maps ahead of time and let someone know your plans before driving the pass.
When do fall colors peak at Ophir Pass?
Fall colors at Ophir Pass typically peak from late September to early October. Timing varies each year depending on weather, but higher elevations change color first, followed by lower valleys near Telluride.
Is Ophir Pass scary to drive?
Driving Ophir Pass can feel intimidating, especially on the west side. The road becomes narrow with loose rocks and steep drop-offs, and there are no guardrails. If you’re comfortable driving mountain passes and take it slow, it’s manageable. It’s not a good choice for beginners with no off-road experience.
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Final Thoughts: Is Driving Ophir Pass Worth It?
Driving Ophir Pass Colorado should certainly be on your bucket list. The fall colors in the San Juans are simply magical. There is a lot of history in this area, and it’s fun to uncover.
Take your time on Ophir Pass and the hike to Crystal Lake. This itinerary isn’t meant to be completed in a rush.
