Ophir Pass

Tucson Lazydays
Tucson, AZ
July 6, 2015

We are no longer in beautiful, green, cool Montrose. After two days of traveling, we have relocated in Tucson. Next week will be busy with appointments and not much to blog about. But, I haven't quite finished posting from our last stop...soooo...





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. 

The sign at the pass says elevation 11,789 feet. 

The pass...the snow is thicker than it looks.

Just crossing over the pass and heading down.

The narrow, rocky shelf road...zoomed in.

We had to pull over and wait for the jeep in the picture above.

Looking down on the little town of Ophir in the valley.

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. 

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.

HAPPY TRAILS!