Ophir Pass is a convenient and scenic way to get from Silverton to Telluride. This is about an injury or accident Add Your Recommended Routes. My Garmin read 2.45 miles, and 2,740' of gain. The approach reminds me a lot of Antero if you’ve ever done that one. To Columbine lake : 7.6 miles approx. 8.4 km Pass by the parking area and sign for the OPUS Hut. 2 … An alternate trail from Ophir Pass to Columbine Lake Trail. Before reaching the lake, you could leave trail and hike to the summit of Bridal Peak. Follow the an unnamed dead-end road east. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. This section of the road to the trailhead is a little rougher than the one from the north, but passenger cars carefully driven can likely make either approach successfully. 3.7 mi . Silverton, CO Difficult. • Turning south will lead to Trout Lake and Lizard Head Pass. • 2,489 ft. Ophir Pass Road #630. From Ophir Pass ; Lookout Peak – 13,661. 700 feet above the Alpino Vino restaurant, go left on the the Nellie Mine road dropping into upper Bear creek and the Wasatch trail. The trailhead is located on a 4WD dirt road just off the Million Dollar Highway . Many adventurous alpine single track hike/ Please explain. When the snow starts to fly, Telluride transforms into a winter wonderland. Columbine Lake Trailhead to the OPUS : 5.4 miles. The area is excellent for camping, mountain biking, and hiking. Columbine Lake via Oscars Pass is a 14.3 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ophir, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Ophir Pass Road Road on Crystal Lake , Middle Fork Mineral Creek , Mineral Creek , and Howard Fork in Uncompahgre National Forest , San Juan National Forest Get Here Columbine Lake Trail #509 is a 3.21 mile one way hike with 2,489 feet accumulated elevation gain. The trailhead can also be accessed from the west, over Ophir Pass, however you would need a high clearance 4×4 from this side. To get to the trailhead, begin up the Ophir Pass road. Columbine Lake Maggie Casey North of Silverton near the origins of Ophir Pass Road there is a pullout—a minor horiziontal extention of an otherwise precipitous road—not a parking lot. It’s a very very steep trail and lot of loose rock. Ophir is not the worst drive by a long shot. 671.82 m Down, 13.9 mi Getting to the Columbine Lakes Trailhead is relatively easy. Whether you prefer to hike, snowshoe, or Nordic ski, exploring Telluride’s trails is the perfect way to enjoy a day off the slopes. Poor pupster was not happy. 671.74 m Up The trail is steeper than anything I'd done in California, with lots of loose rock the first half of the descent. save. The summit provides access to the Columbine Lakes area, north and south Lookout Peaks, Crystal Lake, and views of Lizard Head, The Ophir Needles, and three fourteeners: Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak and El Diente. I'm from southern California, and took this trail as part of a 'hut to hut' trek. Seasonal wildflowers grow thick at higher elevations. report. There are two single track descent options on the east side of Ophir Pass to Hwy 550. Take some time at this location to look down from the highway at the remains of the big curving Ophir trestle Bridge # 45-A. Columbine Lake Maggie Casey North of Silverton near the origins of Ophir Pass Road there is a pullout—a minor horiziontal extention of an otherwise precipitous road—not a parking lot. Columbine Lake near Ophir, CO. 22 comments. My legs were trashed at the end. It's called Columbine Lake Trail. Whether you prefer to hike, snowshoe, or Nordic ski, exploring Telluride’s trails is the perfect way to enjoy a day off the slopes. From Durango, head north on 550 for approximately 52 miles, then turn left on Forest Rd 679. The turn for the road to the trailhead is just below the parking for OPUS Hut. Archived. View 11 homes for sale in Ophir, CO at a median listing price of $209,000. From the Ophir Pass summit visitors can get to the Columbine Lake, Crystal Lake, and North and South Lookout Peaks. Immediately after crossing Mineral creek turn right on a dirt road heading north. We started off a little late around 830 and got to the top of the ridge next to Lewis Lake then back to the car by 1240. You leave the old road/trail shortly after going over the pass, and follow a use trail down to the basin and make a cross country trek towards Lewis Lake. Ophir Pass (el. A quarter-mile to the right of the trail, maybe 100 feet from the lake was my home for the evening. 98% Upvoted. 3.1 mi away. This popular blue-purple Western wildflower flourishes everywhere … The … Getting to the Columbine Lakes Trailhead is relatively easy. 461. Ophir Pass and the Ice Lake Basin peaks (right of center) to the south Ridge west to 13ers “T 12,” “Oscars Peak,” San Joaquin Ridge, and Silver Mountain above Ophir Unfortunately our view of crazy-blue Columbine Lake from the summit was mostly glare, but we made up for that in the afternoon. • From this route, you would not need a high clearance 4×4 vehicle to access the trailhead. 3,232' Down It's a … The site is on the right. Take the Million Dollar Highway (US-550) to Forest Road 679 (Ophir Pass 4WD Road). • An alternate trail from Ophir Pass to Columbine Lake Trail. The trail consists of many steep switchbacks, and then eases out into the basin below Columbine Lake. 10.0 mi . Alta Lakes has great camping and picnicking in a beautiful mountain setting. 2,204' Down • The trail consists of many steep switchbacks, and then eases out into the basin below Columbine Lake. After turning onto the highway the road splits. 740.72 m Down, 14.3 mi 11,114’), officially known as Forest Service Road #630, is one of the easiest of the high alpine trails in the San Juan mountains, but still can provide trouble to the inexperienced or when bad weather is present, particularly on the western/Ophir downhill side. Columbine/Ruby Lakes Parking. Difficult. See pricing and listing details of Ophir real estate for sale. Posted by 2 years ago. This alternative route to Lake Columbine bypasses the steep switchbacks on the Columbine Lake Trail #509. To reach the pass climb about 25-ft. to the top of the hillside running along the lake’s north shore and walk northwest, paralleling the lake. Water is fairly scarce, but it is there. The mosquitoes get zero stars. 1746.17 m Up Difficult. Stay to the right at the fork and follow FR #820 as it crosses the creek and climbs steeply up the side of the mountain where the Columbine trail begins 1 mile from the highway. Columbine Lake near Ophir, CO. Close. Columbine Lake via Oscars Pass is a 8.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ophir, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Doable in a rav 4. Elevation Gain: 2060’ After summiting San Miguel Peak I still had some energy and I could make Ophir Pass be on the way home, so I decided to head over and hike Lookout Peak. Just make sure you aren’t in anyone’s way. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. 7. Additional options: walk to Pass 13,058' (Blue-Line Route) or climb Peak 13,300', staying on the Black-Line Route. Camping at Columbine Lake. Columbine Lake is displayed on the Ophir USGS quad topo map. ... Columbine Lake Trail #509. 664.87 m Down, 4.2 mi 2,204' Up 3.2 mi . • Park on the right side of the road in a pullout with room enough for two vehicles, 4.0 miles from US 550. The track makes its first sharp hairpin to the right three miles from the highway. 3.7 mi . • Take the Million Dollar Highway (US-550) to Forest Road 679 (Ophir Pass 4WD Road). Also yes park on the side of the road. Access # 1 : (Ophir Pass Road) Approximately 57 miles north of Durango on Hwy 550, turn off on Ophir Pass Road. You can park along the road near the trailhead. 3.3 mi 5.4 km #1 Columbine Lake Trail #509. Add Your Recommended Routes. View 11 homes for sale in Ophir, CO at a median listing price of $209,000. There are several spots to choose from. Doable in a rav 4. The trip west is a rather gradual grade and there is room almost everywhere for two vehicles to pass. However, the drive into Porphyry Basin requires 4WD and some nerve. • ... Ophir pass is a really cool drive that doesnt require an extreme 4wd vehicle. Trails in Ophir Pass - 2. This fact alone says more about the unique, private experience offered by Columbine Lake. Box 439 Bayfield, CO 81122 ... Bolam Pass - Open California - Open Clear Lake - Open to Waterfall Cinnamon Pass - Open Corkscrew Pass - Open, ... Ophir Pass - Open Owl Creek Pass - Open . Land Manager: USFS - San Juan National Forest Office, 5.0 mi We took a guided tour from Telluride over Ophir and back by Black Bear Pass. Picayune - Open Placer - Open Poughkeepsie - Open Located 41 miles north of Durango Colorado. 461. Anyone who is interested in visiting Columbine Lake can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. Cumulative elevation gain is 1,200 feet less than the standard trail. I was bonking pretty bad, but hubby was having a blast. 2.9 mi away. Dogs are also able to use this trail. There's a great hiking trail nearby. The trailhead is located on a 4WD dirt road just off the Million Dollar Highway . Columbine Lake near Ophir, CO. 22 comments. It was right about 5 hours to Columbine Lake from my truck, but I was in no hurry either. 342.44 m Down, 5.2 mi Pass by the parking area and sign for the OPUS Hut. Overview. This alternative route to Lake Columbine bypasses the steep switchbacks on the. 7. There is no established trail from the lake to the obvious pass, located on the ridge to the northwest of the lake, but route finding is fairly easy across the open country. 1,814 ft. Ice Lake Basin. Bridal Peak on the left, south face West face of Bridal Peak from Lewis Lake in Bridal Veil Basin Getting There Directions to Columbine Lake Trailhead: Drive 4.4 miles south of Red Mountain Pass on Route 550 (16 miles south of … Dogs are also able to use this trail. It took me just over 2 hours from my truck to the top of Oscars Pass. Three fourteeners—Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak, and El Diente—are visible from the top. Ophir Pass (el. 5,729' Up 98% Upvoted. Take the Gondola to the top of San Sophia station and climb to the Alpino Vino restaurant saddle. Views from Columbine Lake on the peak's north side View south toward Ice Lakes Basin from Lookout Peak View west from Lookout Peak toward San Joaquin Ridge and Silver Mountain B Access and Camping Ouray or Silverton make excellent access points … share. This trail is generally above the treeline, so the views are much better than the trail up … 2,430' Down Difficult. 10.0 mi . A quarter-mile to the right of the trail, maybe 100 feet from the lake was my home for the evening. From Ophir Pass ; Lookout Peak – 13,661. Columbine Ranger District 367 Pearl Street P.O. 2,431' Up On the way down to the bridge, you'll pass two possible campsites. • Park on the right side of the road in a pullout with room enough for two vehicles, 4.0 miles from US 550. Recommended Routes in Ophir Pass - 1 Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Elevation Gain: 2060’ After summiting San Miguel Peak I still had some energy and I could make Ophir Pass be on the way home, so I decided to head over and hike Lookout Peak. Columbine Lake Trail #509 is a 3.21 mile one way hike with 2,489 feet accumulated elevation gain. RT Length: 4.03 miles. Hikers can park along the road and walk to the trailhead. 2,489 ft. Ophir Pass Road #630. But our driver, Kevin, from Telluride Outside, was great. 342.62 m Up Word of advice: if you plan on hiking this peak drive in from the 550 side, not the Ophir City side. If you’re planning on staying overnight, there’s plenty of places to sleep. Word of advice: if you plan on hiking this peak drive in from the 550 side, not the Ophir City side. Enjoy high country fishing at the private access Alpine Lake, hike to the colorful and vivid sky-blue Columbine Lake, or snowmobile and ski to world renown Ophir Pass between Silverton and Telluride. Hikers will immediately start the trail with a series of switchbacks that open up and end at the tree line. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and Holy moly. 5.4 miles per my Garmin. Add Your Trails. There was a nice rocky area that had been made as a tent site. Why Hike Columbine Lake and Pass Getting to Columbine Lake involves a steep climb and the trail to the pass some route finding skills but it is well worth the effort. Before reaching the lake, you could leave trail and hike to the summit of Bridal Peak. 985.12 m Up 1,814 ft. Ice Lake Basin. 1,124' Up Then another 10-15 minutes and I was on top of Columbine Pass. Bridal Peak on the left, south face West face of Bridal Peak from Lewis Lake in Bridal Veil Basin Getting There Directions to Columbine Lake Trailhead: Drive 4.4 miles south of Red Mountain Pass on Route 550 (16 miles south of … Ophir Pass Road Road on Crystal Lake , Middle Fork Mineral Creek , Mineral Creek , and Howard Fork in Uncompahgre National Forest , San Juan National Forest Get Here Coming from the east, off of Route 550, you would not need a high clearance 4x4 vehicle to access the trailhead. hide. • save. 22.4 km The views are stunning on this route. The trail begins 0.7 miles north of the Ophir Pass Road and bears west to the lake. Views from Columbine Lake on the peak's north side View south toward Ice Lakes Basin from Lookout Peak View west from Lookout Peak toward San Joaquin Ridge and Silver Mountain B Access and Camping Ouray or Silverton make excellent access points … The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from July until October. The road originally was a means of connecting the Old Ophir mining town to the rest of Colorado. Archived. Something else? 2,181' Down There are some scary places where the loose shale rock makes you feel that you will slide off the mountain. 8.0 km Trail. Option: climb Peak 13,300. share. Located 40 miles north of Durango Colorado. Wildflowers are out in full force! This trail. In Mill Creek Basin, take the standard trail or the high route to the lake. When you turn onto this road, it will drop down and cross Mineral Creek … 985.02 m Down, 5.2 mi A short hike cross country from this pass brings you down to the lake. I wouldn't go any farther in a large RV. 1663.16 m Down. The Ophir Pass road from Highway 550 on the east side of Ophir Pass is a well maintained low grade 4wd road, safe parking is available just off Highway 550. report. The other route is via the Ophir Pass road which is almost 3/4 of a … Ophir Pass and the Ice Lake Basin peaks (right of center) to the south Ridge west to 13ers “T 12,” “Oscars Peak,” San Joaquin Ridge, and Silver Mountain above Ophir Unfortunately our view of crazy-blue Columbine Lake from the summit was mostly glare, but we made up for that in the afternoon. Silverton, CO 9 2.3 mi 3.7 km #2 Ruby Drainage Traverse Trail. The trail winds through forested land in the Middle Mineral Creek area until it reaches the tree line and continues to the rocky summit at 11,789 feet. We got caught in a lightening/hail storm. Overall good HARD hike. For this day's hike, I hiked from Telluride to the Opus Hut on the Eastern side of Ophir Pass. 3.0 mi away. Super steep up to Oscars Pass, then down the other side into Bridal Veil basin. 3,232' Up The road originally was a means of connecting the Old Ophir mining town to the rest of Colorado. This alternative route to Lake Columbine bypasses the steep switchbacks on the Columbine Lake Trail #509. Near Silverton, Colorado. The rest of the trail, over the pass to the lake, is flat and easy. The trailhead is off Forest Service Road 820, and there is limited parking at the trailhead. Highly recommend! Columbine Lake near Ophir, CO. Close. Spam? Water is fairly scarce, but it is there. • Picayune - Open Placer - Open Poughkeepsie - Open RT Length: 4.03 miles. When you start hearing the running water, you only have about 10 more minutes to the lake. From here you can just about see the top of Ophir Pass which is 0.2 mile west. 11,114’), officially known as Forest Service Road #630, is one of the easiest of the high alpine trails in the San Juan mountains, but still can provide trouble to the inexperienced or when bad weather is present, particularly on the western/Ophir downhill side. • 3.3 mi 5.4 km #1 Columbine Lake Trail #509. 3.1 mi away. (Telluride to Columbine Lake) Experience the high country above Telluride, in true European fashion. When the snow starts to fly, Telluride transforms into a winter wonderland. Columbine Lake is displayed on the Ophir USGS quad topo map. The track makes its first sharp hairpin to the right three miles from the highway. hide. The trail begins 0.7 miles north of the Ophir Pass Road and bears west to the lake. Camping at Columbine Lake. 8.3 km Bring bug spray. Combine Lake Trail is a 6.3-mile trail to a beautiful alpine lake in the San Juan National Forest. Crystal Lake at Ophir Pass is a 0.9 mile round trip lasso loop hike with 320 feet accumulated elevation gain. See pricing and listing details of Ophir real estate for sale. NOT OKAY! Posted by 2 years ago. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Columbine Lake are 37.8617964, -107.7683789 and the approximate elevation is 12,690 feet (3,868 meters) above sea level. Ophir, CO quantity Add to cart SKU: CO-800241 Categories: 7.5 Minute Maps , Colorado Tags: Bridal Veil Basin , Clear Lake , Colorado Trail , Columbine Lake , Hope Lake Trail , Ice Lake , San Juan National Forest , San Miguel Peak , South Mineral Campground , Uncompahgre National Forest , West Lime Creek Trial , … Trails in Ophir Pass - 2. ... Ophir pass is a really cool drive that doesnt require an extreme 4wd vehicle. Anyone who is interested in visiting Columbine Lake can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. It’s a lot of loose rock and trail was an old road. 6.7 km The other option is to continue east on that same single track around to the Columbine lake trail and then descend to highway 550. Description: This custom topographic map is the same scale (1:24,000) and coverage as an equivalent USGS 7.5 Minute quadrangle, but features all new and updated roads, trails, recreation sites … Essence: A seldom traveled route to Columbine Lake--walk in solitude.Start hiking at 12,360 feet. There are a lot of people off roading up there. 665.05 m Up Camp in designated spots. There's a place to turn around 'if needed' once you cross the bridge. Then about another half hour to get to Lewis Lake and just about 4 miles. Located 41 miles north of Durango Colorado. I’m giving it a 4 overall only because of the mosquitoes constantly buzzing in my ear. Following an old mule trail at treeline traversing east from the hut, you can drop down Ruby creek just east of the hut back to the Ophir Pass road. A right turn (north) will lead to Telluride and Ridgway on Colorado 145. Off road four wheeling is a way of life in this area. Create Recommended Route or I only went down, and only took the portion from Oscar's Pass to the bottom, but it was TOUGH. Get there soon to see them. Access # 1 : (Ophir Pass Road) Approximately 57 miles north of Durango on Hwy 550, turn off on Ophir Pass Road. I hiked to Columbine Lake by going over Oscars pass from the Ophir side. If you’re planning on staying overnight, there’s plenty of places to sleep. Option: climb Peak 13,300. Box 439 Bayfield, CO 81122 ... Bolam Pass - Open California - Open Clear Lake - Open to Waterfall Cinnamon Pass - Open Corkscrew Pass - Open, ... Ophir Pass - Open Owl Creek Pass - Open . Silverton, CO 9 2.3 mi 3.7 km #2 Ruby Drainage Traverse Trail. Even with poles I was sliding all over the place. The summit provides access to the Columbine Lakes area, north and south Lookout Peaks, Crystal Lake, and views of Lizard Head, The Ophir Needles, and three fourteeners: Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak and El Diente. Difficult. 2.9 mi away. A good mix of steep and then mellow hiking. Crystal Lake at Ophir Pass is a 0.9 mile round trip lasso loop hike with 320 feet accumulated elevation gain. This fact alone says more about the unique, private experience offered by Columbine Lake. Beautiful scenery. Ophir images: Check out Tripadvisor members' 58 candid pictures and videos of landmarks, hotels, and attractions in Ophir. Many adventurous alpine single track hike/ The views we're beautiful but I think there are more enjoyable trails in the area with equally good views. 741.11 m Up Colorado hikers must be a different breed because this trail was something else. 2 … It's .2 mile to the bridge, then another .2 mile up the Ophir Pass road to a turnoff to the right for the trailhead road - FR820. The Ophir Pass Road is marked with a brown sign with writing on either side of the sign. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Columbine Lake are 37.8617964, -107.7683789 and the approximate elevation is 12,690 feet (3,868 meters) above sea level. level 1. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. 23.0 km Lupine on Sneffels Highline Trail. From the pass, Columbine Lakes incredible blue color can be seen. Description: This custom topographic map is the same scale (1:24,000) and coverage as an equivalent USGS 7.5 Minute quadrangle, but features all new and updated roads, trails, recreation sites … Columbine Ranger District 367 Pearl Street P.O. In Mill Creek Basin, take the standard trail or the high route to the lake. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from July until October. Bears west to the Columbine Lake, is flat and easy walk to the summit of Bridal Peak to it! Trail # 509 the Basin below Columbine Lake trailhead to the bridge, would... Faint trail that ascends to Columbine Lake trail brown sign with writing either... 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