At the foot of Ophir pass is the town of Old Ophir. Some summer homes have recently been constructed there. A large number of mines were located on the mountainsides above Old Ophir. Virtually all remains have been wiped out by the weather and avalanches which abound in this area.

Beyond Old Ophir at the intersection of Colorado 145 is the site of the town of Ophir. This was the location of the legendary Ophir Loop on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. The state highway has been improved over the years since the demise of the RGS, and only the remains of one building, The Oilton Club bar and restaurant is still evident at the site of Ophir. Take some time at this location to look down from the highway at the remains of the big curving Ophir trestle Bridge # 45-A. A right turn (north) will lead to Telluride and Ridgway on Colorado 145. Turning south will lead to Trout Lake and Lizard Head Pass.

See the Ophir section of The Narrow Gauge Circle for addtional history and photos.

I've chosen to represent Ophir and points South with a hidden reverse loop. This will allow me to simulate prototype operations on rest of the RGS beyond Vance Junction. There are 2 tracks so that trains can be staged during operating sessions.

2D Layout Plan - Montrose