Ophir Pass & Alta Lakes
Over Ophir Pass to Alta Lakes and Gold King Basin, with the big views and less aggressive terrain.
From$133.75
Ophir Pass Jeep Tour in Telluride
Our only two-hour tour that summits a high mountain pass, at 11,789 feet.
- Duration
- 2 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 is our only two-hour tour that summits a high mountain pass. We travel south from Telluride on the scenic San Juan Skyway, Highway 145, into the Ophir Valley, then climb the old mining road to the 11,789-foot summit before turning back for town.
Two hours is enough time to leave Main Street behind, climb above the tree line and stand at the pass with the San Juans laid out on both sides. It is a good first taste of Telluride's high country if you are in town for just a night or two.
The route
Stops may shift with weather, road conditions and what your guide sees that day.
- Pickup in TellurideFront-door pickup in town.
- Highway 145South along the San Juan Skyway into the Ophir Valley.
- Ophir Pass summitUp the mining road to 11,789 feet.
- Overlook and returnA photo stop at the pass, then back to Telluride.
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 stop at the pass
- First-aid and emergency kit in every vehicle
What to bring
- Layers; the pass is cooler than town
- Closed-toe shoes
- Water and a camera
Who it's for
- Guests with a half-day to spare
- Families with kids
- First-time visitors who want a pass summit without a long tour
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 questions
About two hours from pickup to drop-off in Telluride, including the climb to the 11,789-foot summit and a photo stop at the pass.
The road is rough and narrow in places but much less exposed than Black Bear Pass. It is rated 2 on our difficulty scale, which makes it a comfortable choice for families.
Yes. Two-hour tours fit easily around a lunch reservation or an afternoon gondola ride. Call us for the departure times closest to your plans.
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.
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Ophir Pass
From $90.95 per adult