Ophir

Ophir is the name of the pass from Silverton where the Rio Grande Southern Railroad came up from Durango to the west side of the San Juan’s . The name comes from King Solomon’s mines but the trail was established first by the local Indians then Otto Mears came in and built a road and then a railway.  The really challenging part of this trail is the traverse across the scree field on a narrow shelf road.  We have traveled this trail at least twice before and always in rain.  Today it was sunny so it made a big difference to us.  We actually got to enjoy the scenery.

This was a very short day for off-roading.  We arrived in Telluride way before lunch, so we shopped, ate a picnic lunch and then took a long walk along the river.  It felt good to get out and stretch our legs. Tonight the whole group got together for dinner at the True Grit restaurant in Ridgway.  It was a very enjoyable evening.