After taking a day off to explore around Ridgway and catch up on mundane things like laundry we got back to off-roading. The friendly volunteer at the Ridgway State Park visitor center suggested Ophir Pass to Telluride so of course we accepted the challenge!
Just to get to the trail we had to drive up the Million Dollar Highway through Ouray over Red Mountain and almost to Silverton.
Couldn’t resist a quick stop and hike at Box Canyon Falls just outside of Ouray. A very cool waterfall that cascades down through canyon rocks accessed by a metal boardwalk and stairs that were a bit challenging for this heights phobia traveler!
Nonetheless, this was a nice stop with some incredible scenery and photo opportunities at this park (run by the City of Ouray).
On to Ophir Pass, one of the off road routes into Telluride.
It was a fairly easy climb to almost 12,000’ with photo opportunities at the top of the pass.
Then the challenges began with a steep single lane downhill section including a cliff on one side and drop off on the other.
This was definitely not an area where you want to meet another vehicle!
Fortunately we made friends with two other off roaders at the top and as a caravan of three made our way down the technical section.
After that it was an easy ride down into Ophir and on to Telluride.
With a drive partway up Black Bear pass to the foot of Bridal Veil Falls (no not the one in Yosemite!) we found a great lunch spot where we could enjoy the falls and the view back into Telluride.
Before heading back to Ridgway for the day a stop at Telluride Brewing Company was on the agenda. Just a small brewery with some good beer choices. All in all, this was a good ending to yet another good day on the trails.
Warms my heart to see a former Division Chief “off-roading” to get access to magnificent natural resources!
Always wanted a jeep and now living the dream!