Best trails in Ophir, Colorado

Ophir Pass is a convenient and scenic way to get from Silverton to Telluride. Seasonal wildflowers grow thick at higher elevations. Unlicensed vehicles are allowed on Ophir Pass Road east of the town of Ophir; however, you cannot ride through town. Watch for signs. High Point 11,789 ft., Best time to go Late June-Sept. Located in San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. For current conditions call Norwood Ranger District (970) 327-4261. Applies to one section of narrow, rocky shelf road on the west side of Ophir Pass. Everything else is easy. Passing an oncoming vehicle along the narrow shelf road west of Ophir Pass can be a little scary for a novice driver. Show more

NOTE: As of August 02, 2020, users have reported that the trail is not maintained after about 3.5 miles in.Show more

Note: Updated trail closure information can be viewed on the San Juan National Forest page here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recarea/?recid=42984&actid=50 Following the Ice Fire in fall of 2020, the Ice Lakes Basin Trail was closed. The Ice Fire area closure includes the lower Ice Lakes Trail, the lower Clear Lake Road, and the South Mineral Road (NFSR 585) from a new gate just past Goldenhorn camping area to where it crosses Clear Creek past South Mineral Campground. The updated closure (Forest Order SJ-2020-10) applies to ALL public entry, including hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers, skiers, and all motorized use including snowmobiles. This is a beautiful trail with awesome views all the way up. Very difficult if you aren’t used to the elevation, as there is so much climbing. Waterfalls, creeks, colors galore, and the most insanely colored lake you will ever seen! Ice Lakes trail has two common destinations, lower and upper. The upper basin is surrounded by awesome peaks. Vermillion, Fuller, Pilot Knob and Golden Horn are climbed from this basin. Amazing blue/green lakes, late season wildflowers, moderately strenuous hike to creek falls and waterfalls too. Show more

From Telluride: Travel 3 miles west on State Hwy 145. Turn left at the first highway intersection, continuing south on State Hwy 145 for approximately 10 miles to the top of Lizard Head Pass. The Lizard Head Trailhead is located on the west side of State Highway 145. Continue driving past the restroom for approximately 1,000 feet, then turn right onto a spur road that ends at the Lizard Head Trailhead parking area. Follow the Lizard Head Trail #505 for approximately 3.5 miles to an intersection with the Wilson Meadows Trail.Show more

Note: This trail is currently still CLOSED as of December 20, 2020 due to damage from the Ice Fire. Please check the park page for updates here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42984&actid=50 This is a beautiful trail with awesome views all the way up. Very difficult if you aren’t used to the elevation, as there is so much climbing. Waterfalls, creeks, colors galore, and the most insanely colored lake you will ever seen! Show more

The trail starts just to the east of the town of Ophir and climbs up to the top of Swamp Canyon. You have the option to climb U.S. Grant Peak, South Lookout Peak, or continue over the pass to Island Lake and Ice Lakes Basin. Beautiful views from the top.Show more