While plenty of people take to the roadways every day, some roads are far more unique than others. While some have terrifying levels of traffic, this mountain pass may be one of the most nerve-racking of all. It’s Ophir Pass in Colorado.
Check out a recent video from the path:
The road is almost hard to see in the video, as it blends in with the hillside. A driver steadily navigates over the slope.
Plenty of people comment about this scary mountain road and wonder if they would be brave enough to navigate it.
Being cautious behind the wheel and knowing how to handle a road like this are essential when visiting Ophir Pass.
The drive, located in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, reaches an elevation of 11,789 feet. According to local tourism organizations, the road connects Ophir and Silverton with Telluride. They say most of the drive is fairly easy. However, on the western part of the trail, there is a rock shelf that can be difficult to navigate.
For most, the drive is well worth it, with scenic views that are full of wildflowers at certain times of the year. But there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, Ophir Pass requires high clearance and four-wheel drive. Some parts of the pass are extremely steep, and a miscalculation can have dire consequences.
Visitors should also check both the weather conditions and the current state of the pass. At more than 11,000 feet, there’s a chance for extreme mountain weather, including high winds and unexpected winter-like conditions throughout much of the year.
If it feels a bit too extreme for you to make the drive, there’s always the option to take your bicycle up the mountain. Just be prepared for the nearly 3,000 feet of elevation change.