Ophir draws hardcore off-roaders and history buffs to its namesake Ophir Pass, a legendary jeep trail slicing through the San Juan Mountains. Campers park RVs at 8 nearby sites to launch attacks on this rugged terrain. Stay here to chase wildflowers in summer or golden aspens in fall right from your site.
5 parks found
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Ophir clings to a steep mountainside above Highway 145, once a booming silver mining camp in the 1800s. Hikers tackle the Ophir Creek Trail to old mine ruins. Jeepers conquer Ophir Pass to reach the ghost town of Alta. Locals host the Ophir Hill Climb, a dirt bike race that packs the valley each August.
Matterhorn Campground suits budget hunters at $24 per night with basic hookups. South Mineral Campground in San Juan National Forest pulls tent campers and small RVs into old-growth pines. Dispersed sites like Bandera Mine and Cross Mtn East Fork welcome pets and campfires for boondockers who crave solitude. Trout Lake Camp offers reservoir views for anglers who fish dawn to dusk.
Ophir stands out for Ophir Pass, a brutal jeep trail over 11,000-foot summits. Silver mines boomed here in the 1880s, leaving ruins along Ophir Creek. Today, off-roaders and dirt bikers flock to the Ophir Hill Climb race each August. Hikers explore trails to Alta ghost town nearby.
Find RV parks like Matterhorn Campground, South Mineral Campground, Bandera Mine Dispersed Campsite, Cross Mtn East Fork Dispersed Camping, and Trout Lake Camp near Ophir. These spots cluster along Highway 145 and forest roads in the San Juans. Expect basic amenities at developed sites and boondocking at dispersed areas with pet access.
Yes, Bandera Mine Dispersed Campsite and Cross Mtn East Fork Dispersed Camping allow pets. Both sites permit leashed dogs and campfires in designated spots. Check San Juan National Forest rules for South Mineral Campground, which often welcomes pets too. Always pack out waste to keep these areas open.