Ophir, Colorado

Ophir Colorado
Ophir Colorado

Ophir History

Gold was discovered in 1875 and the town of Ophir was established near these new discoveries. The town never grew to the size of some of its famous neighboring communities, but mining sustained a population in the hundreds for several decades. The mines were closing by 1910 and people started moving away. By the 1950's just a few people still called Ophir home and by 1970 there was just a single remaining resident.

Ophir found a new lease on life with the opening of the nearby Telluride ski resort in 1972. Today the town has over 100 residents.

A Tour of Colorado Mining Towns

A tour of Colorado mining towns

Explore over 100 Colorado mining towns: A tour of Colorado Mining Towns.

Colorado Mining Photos

Placer mines at Cripple Creek, Colorado ca. 1892

More of Colorado's best historic mining photos: Incredible Photos of Colorado Mining Scenes.


Western Mining History is the work of Aaron Walton. About Western Mining History

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