Ophir isn’t quite a ghost town anymore, though it nearly vanished after its 1880s mining heyday. Founded during Colorado’s silver rush and named after the biblical land of gold, its population plummeted to just two residents by 1997. Today, about 180 people call it home, living in neighborhoods deliberately separated by avalanche paths. John Wayne’s connection and a successful campaign to save the post office showcase the resilient spirit that kept Ophir alive.
Key Takeaways
- Founded during the 1875 gold rush, Ophir was a thriving mining town in the Sneffels-Red Mountain-Telluride district.
- Population declined dramatically after mining busts, with only two registered residents remaining by 1997.
- Avalanche paths split the town into distinct neighborhoods, creating natural divisions and safety hazards.
- Despite near-abandonment, the community rallied to save their post office through grassroots activism.
- John Wayne’s connection to East Ophir helped transform the town’s reputation and attract visitors.
The Gold Rush Origins and Biblical Namesake
When gold was first discovered at Howard’s Fork in 1875, it sparked the creation of what would become Ophir, a mining town nestled in the upper reaches of the San Miguel drainage basin in Colorado.
As prospectors poured into the region, this discovery quickly became part of the larger Sneffels-Red Mountain-Telluride mining district, an area that would eventually produce millions of troy ounces of gold. This district was particularly notable for its extraordinary yield of 6.8 million ounces of gold through 1959, along with substantial silver, lead, and copper deposits.
You’ll appreciate the biblical significance behind the town’s name – Ophir was named after the legendary Arabian city renowned for its exceptional gold wealth in ancient times. Like many other mining boom towns, Ophir was one of several settlements that adopted this biblical reference to attract investors with the promise of extraordinary wealth.
The miners, with dreams of striking it rich during the Colorado gold rush, chose this aspirational name hoping their claims would mirror the legendary abundance of the biblical Ophir.
Life in a Town Split by Avalanche Paths
Living in Ophir means accepting nature as both neighbor and occasional dictator.
You’ll learn to recognize the freight-train roar of snow cascading down steep chutes at 200 mph, splitting the valley into isolated segments. When avalanches close the three-mile road, you’ll leave your vehicle on the safe side and navigate home on foot, skis, or snowshoes.
Avalanche preparedness becomes second nature in one of North America’s most threatened inhabited valleys.
Buildings stand forbidden in slide paths, creating empty swaths between neighborhoods where winter’s power reigns unchallenged. Isolation challenges emerge when the entire town gets cut off for days, but locals adapt, planning daily life around these natural interruptions. Residents navigate complex zoning restrictions that have prohibited new construction in moderate hazard zones since 2008.
The snow-choked valley’s unique geography requires respect, with mountain walls funneling unstable snow directly toward the community, reshaping how freedom is defined in this dramatic landscape. The half-mile wide avalanche path permanently divides East and West Ophir, creating a town physically split by nature’s force.
From Boom to Nearly Abandoned: Population Decline
Founded in 1881 during Colorado’s silver rush, Ophir experienced the classic mining town trajectory—a meteoric rise followed by a precipitous fall.
During its mining prosperity, Ophir boasted modern amenities like electric lights (1904) and telephone service (1908), supporting up to 500 residents.
Frontier innovation transformed Ophir from remote mining camp to electrified mountain community within a generation.
The decline unfolded in four distinct phases:
- Initial Warning Signs – Post office closure in 1918 signaled the first institutional loss.
- Steady Erosion – Mining operations weakened, causing population to dwindle steadily.
- Near Extinction – By 1997, only two registered residents remained.
- Modern Rebirth – Population stability returned with 197 residents by 2020. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 9,695 feet and is surrounded by dramatic 13,000-foot peaks. Located in San Miguel County, Ophir encompasses just 0.235 square miles of Colorado’s mountainous terrain.
You’ll now find about 180 humans and 51 dogs calling Ophir home—a reflection of freedom-seekers who’ve transformed this nearly-abandoned outpost into an outdoor enthusiast’s haven.
John Wayne’s Connection to East Ophir
Wayne’s legacy in the area extends beyond mere ownership. His connection transformed Ophir’s reputation, attracting film buffs and history enthusiasts to this nearly abandoned settlement.
When you visit today, you’ll find locals still recounting stories of Wayne’s involvement through the 1990s when only two residents remained. The cowboy persona he embodied on screen found a fitting real-life parallel in the rugged mountain town—a place where Hollywood glamour briefly intersected with Colorado’s wild mining heritage. His 1969 film True Grit showcased the breathtaking landscapes of southwestern Colorado that surrounded the Ophir region. Visitors can explore the iconic Ouray County Courthouse that served as a prominent filming location for this Academy Award-winning western.
How Community Action Saved the Post Office
When the U.S. Postal Service threatened to close Ophir’s historic post office, residents weren’t about to let their beloved landmark disappear.
This modest wooden structure—established in 1875 and reputedly one of America’s smallest manned post offices—sparked remarkable community engagement. Unlike New Zealand’s Ophir Post Office, which has operated continuously since 1863, this American counterpart faced an uncertain future.
The postal advocacy campaign included:
- A grassroots letter-writing effort with 90% resident participation
- Handwritten appeals ranging from brief notes to passionate multi-page declarations
- Compelling arguments about the facility’s dual role as mail center and social hub
- Emphasis on the hardships closure would impose on this geographically isolated town
Their unified voice preserved not just mail service but a piece of living history.
The small building, with its 200 PO boxes and single mailperson, continues to stand as a representation of what determined citizens can accomplish together.
Historical photographs by Homer Reid captured the Rio Grande Southern Railroad passing through the Ophir Loop in 1947, documenting the town’s transportation heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Children Attend School During Avalanche Season?
Despite avalanche safety concerns, you’ll send your children on specially equipped buses with trained drivers. Winter transportation adapts with alternate routes, and when conditions worsen, they’ll switch to remote learning until mountain passes clear.
What Industries Sustain Ophir’s Economy Today Besides Tourism?
You’ll find Ophir sustained by mining heritage, professional remote workers, small-scale agriculture, construction trades, and local entrepreneurship focused on sustainable practices that honor the town’s independent mountain spirit.
Are There Any Remaining Original Mining Structures Still Standing?
You’ll find the twenty-stamp mill with Stetefeldt furnace components still standing, preserved as historical landmarks. The post office, mercantile building, and that curious ten-door house remain as original structures awaiting your exploration.
What Is the Annual Snowfall Average in Ophir?
You’ll experience around 137-154 inches of annual snowfall in this mountainous haven. Snowfall patterns extend from September through May, offering winter activities beneath dramatic peaks while you roam the untamed wilderness.
How Do Emergency Services Reach Ophir During Winter Isolations?
When winter’s icy grip tightens, emergency planning becomes essential as services reach you through specialized vehicles, snowmobiles, or even helicopter evacuations. Winter logistics may require rescuers to battle treacherous conditions for your freedom.
References
- https://www.coloradolifemagazine.com/blog/post/mountain-town-ophir
- https://arc.lib.montana.edu/snow-science/objects/issw-1998-428-430.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophir
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvnB5KmZtu4
- https://www.aspentimes.com/news/castle-creek-ghost-ophir/
- http://coloradosghosttowns.com/Ophir Colorado.html
- https://www.ghosttowns.com/states/co/ophir.html
- https://www.aspentimes.com/news/local/willoughby-all-that-glitters-is-not-necessarily-telluride-ophir-or-spar/
- https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/OF-02-13.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_mining_in_Colorado
