Ophir Needles Area Details

• Download the Ophir Needles Roadless Area map [pdf]

Description:  The Ophir Needles roadless area straddles the San Juan-Uncompahgre National Forest boundary in the spectacular alpine country southwest of Red Mountain Pass. The area is characterized by a series of interconnected alpine basins holding sparkling lakes surrounded by jagged, rocky ridges and peaks. Two popular jeep trails bound the area on north and south, the Black Bear Pass road on the north, and Ophir Pass on the south. The area’s namesake is the rugged Ophir Needles which provide a popular rock-climbing destination near the town of Ophir on the Uncompahgre NF side of the area. 3,815 acres of the roadless area are in the San Juan National Forest.

The area’s rugged nature defies easy trail construction. The primary recreational use on the San Juan side is the steep and lightly-used trail to Columbine Lake. This steep climb takes hikers quickly above timberline and opens up sweeping panoramas of the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. A collection of named an unnamed lakes are scattered throughout the area. The prominent central peak in the area is 13,661-foot Lookout Peak.  The area’s western extent, on the Uncompahgre NF, includes the precipitous ridge due north of the town of Ophir.  The abundance of high lakes, jagged peaks, and remote backcountry results in outstanding opportunities for primitive recreation and solitude. In fact, the Ophir Needles roadless area offers one of the very best opportunities to avoid interaction with other recreational users.

The predominant ecosystem type in the area is alpine tundra. Spruce and fir forests creep up the steep, lower slopes of the area. The peaks are comprised of marine sediments including limestones, sandstones, and shales. Glaciation carved the landscape into the peaks and valleys that we see today.

The area’s steep and precipitous slopes have precluded vehicular use. The current travel management prescription identifies the Columbine Lake Trail as open to motorized use, but terrain precludes actual motorized use and there is no evidence that motorcycles ever travel the route’s steep switchbacks.

Several patented mining claims are located within the area, but there is no substantial physical disturbance associated with those claims. Columbine Lake has a small water impoundment structure associated with it, but primarily appears to a natural lake.  Overall, the Ophir Needles roadless area is primarily affected by the forces of nature and the imprints of humanity are few to nonexistent.