Tucson, AZ
July 6, 2015
A few days before we left Montrose, Imogene Pass was still closed (this time due to trail damage). Ophir Pass was third down on our list so off we went.
From the RV park, the trailhead is about 45 miles...which includes about 18 miles on the Million Dollar Highway.
The trail is rated moderate only because of a narrow, rocky shelf road on the west side of the pass. Otherwise, it is very easy.
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| The sign at the pass says elevation 11,789 feet. |
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| The pass...the snow is thicker than it looks. |
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| Just crossing over the pass and heading down. |
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| The narrow, rocky shelf road...zoomed in. |
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| Looking down on the little town of Ophir in the valley. |
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| These plants were so tall, they were right outside my window. |
Once the shelf road ended, we entered an aspen forest. Queen Anne's Lace grows so thick and tall under these trees.
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| Usually the water flowing off the mountains is so clear, but here it is a golden color. |
Ophir was born in 1875 when gold was discovered. Today, a few original buildings remain and new cabins have been built. It is a Home Rule Municipality governed by a general assembly. 
There is a Post Office and we even passed the UPS truck headed there.
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| HAPPY TRAILS! |
What a difference it will be for you from the cool temperatures of the mountains to the hot temperatures in Tucson.
ReplyDeleteOh yes...I already miss the green and cool.
DeleteAt least you have your photos and memories of this beautiful green oasis to tide you over through some hot Tucson days!
ReplyDeleteThose passes just take my breath away with their beauty!
Sure hope the time passes by quickly here Lisa. I have a feeling I will be taking adventures "down memory lane" for awhile.
DeleteThe passes are spectacular Lisa. I have to remind myself to breath!
Spectacular!! Some of the photos with the mountains look like watercolor paintings. So pretty! What a great day to be surrounded by all these mountains. Great shot of the marmot! Isn't funny that no matter where we go, there is always a UPS truck!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your doctor visits! Hoping for postive results for Joe:)
Joe and I thought the same thing about the watercolor paintings. That's so funny about the UPS truck!
DeleteThank you Pam...hope the week goes by fast!
Thank goodness we have those wonderful memories and beautiful pictures to look at. Good luck with all your doctor appointments. I'll be waiting to hear the results.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandie....
DeleteThose pictures are breathe taking. If you really wanted to live in the middle of nowhere that would definitely be the place to live.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Yes they are Rick and Kathy...and the summer temps couldn't be better!
DeleteOphir and Imogene were our first passes we tackled jeeping. Still one of my favorite days ever!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry Imogene was closed while we were there. But Yankee Boy Basin and Ophir Pass were most enjoyable. I can so relate about "one of my favorite days ever!" Karen...very nice memories indeed!
DeleteWe were up in that area last year (not off road), it is so nice...one day we want to explore more of Colorado...such a nice state.
ReplyDeleteI agree Dave...we haven't spent enough time in Colorado. Sure hope to get some time in the Rocky Mountains next summer!
DeleteJust wow! Thank you for taking us there, it is just a wow! Great captures Gay.
ReplyDelete