Imogene Pass & Tomboy Ghost Town
Telluride's highest driveable pass, the Tomboy ghost town and the old silver road that connects them, all in one four-hour ride.
From$133.75
Ophir Pass & Alta Lakes Jeep Tour
Over Ophir Pass to Alta Lakes and Gold King Basin, with big views and a gentler ride.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Ages
- All ages
- Group
- Up to 30 guests
- High point
- 11,789 ft
- Trail rating
- 2 of 5
- Pickup
- Your door in Telluride
About this tour
Ophir Pass and Alta Lakes is the half-day tour for guests who want the high-country views without the most aggressive terrain. From Telluride we follow Highway 145 south, turn up the Ophir Valley, climb to the 11,789-foot summit of Ophir Pass, then drop into the Alta Lakes basin and the Gold King Basin before heading home.
The road is rough in places but far less exposed than Black Bear, which makes it a good fit for families, grandparents and anyone who wants a relaxed four hours in the mountains. Alta Lakes sits in an old mining basin with the ghost town of Alta nearby, and the water is that impossible turquoise you see in Colorado postcards.
The route
Stops may shift with weather, road conditions and what your guide sees that day.
- Pickup in TellurideFront-door pickup anywhere in town, or at the gondola base for Mountain Village guests.
- Highway 145 to Ophir ValleySouth past the turn to Ophir, then up the valley on the old mining road.
- Ophir Pass summitThe 11,789-foot summit, with a long view back toward Telluride and the San Juans.
- Alta LakesTurquoise alpine lakes in a high basin, with the remains of the Alta mining camp nearby.
- Gold King BasinA final climb into the basin above Alta before the ride back to town.
What's included
- Local guide and driver
- Open-air Jeep Gladiator with safari top and blankets
- Complimentary front-door pickup and drop-off in Telluride
- Photo stops at the pass, Alta Lakes and Gold King Basin
- First-aid and emergency kit in every vehicle
What to bring
- Layers and a light jacket
- Closed-toe shoes
- Water and snacks
- A camera for Alta Lakes
Who it's for
- Families with young children
- Grandparents and guests who prefer a gentler ride
- Guests who want a half-day of views without Black Bear's exposure
- Photographers who want alpine lakes and mine ruins in one trip
Guest reviews
What guests say about riding with us
Highly recommend!
“Absolutely fantastic experience! Our guide, Pace, did an excellent job providing facts about the area and local history. Highly recommend!!”
Great Time!
“We had a great time on the jeep tour, Pace our driver did a great job of driving (felt very safe on the small roads looking over the cliffs), he was very informative about the area, the history of Telluride, also the old mining towns. We will be doing it again when we go back to Telluride”
Perfect!
“The trip was perfect. Steve our guide was very accommodating to our group with young kids. Views were amazing. We will definitely be back for another trip.”
Good to know
Ophir Pass & Alta Lakes questions
Yes. Ophir Pass and Alta Lakes is our gentler half-day option, with less aggressive terrain and fewer exposed shelf sections than the Black Bear and Ophir loop. It still reaches the 11,789-foot summit of Ophir Pass.
The tour stops at Alta Lakes for photos and a look at the old mining camp. Swimming is not part of the tour; the water is cold snowmelt even in midsummer.
About four hours from pickup to drop-off in Telluride, including stops at Ophir Pass, Alta Lakes and Gold King Basin.
Keep exploring
Other Telluride Jeep tours
Every route leaves from Telluride with front-door pickup. Mix a half-day with a sunset ride, or add a full day from Ouray or Silverton.
Black Bear & Ophir Pass
The full loop: over Ophir Pass, along the Million Dollar Highway and down the Black Bear switchbacks above Bridal Veil Falls.
From$160.50
Alta Ghost Town
Our gentlest Jeep tour, into the Alta Lakes basin and the old mining town, without any shelf roads.
From$90.95
Ophir Pass & Alta Lakes
From $133.75 per adult