Sunset-Over-Anvil-Mountain
Sunset Over Anvil Mountain
Near Ophir, CO
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE TO CHALLENGING
I would rate the difficulty of this trail 3 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most difficult). The location of the shot is directly from the road (Ophir Pass). However, getting to the location required driving up to the summit of the Ophir Pass. You can get to the summit by driving east from the small community of Ophir or west by driving US HW 550 (Million Dollar Highway). Either direction requires a 4x4 vehicle. The drive from US 550 is much easier as the road is a well-maintained forest road.
The Ophir Pass is a single-lane dirt/rocky/shale road that is not for the faint of heart!!! It is non-technical and does not have rocks or boulders to climb over - however, it just has some places with deadly drop-offs and challenging inclines. If you have a good 4x4 vehicle with good 4x4 driving skills, the road to the summit from the west is not overly taxing. However, even with a 4x4 vehicle - if you are not an experienced off-road driver, this location may not be for you.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
11,780 Ft. Elevation
Downloads
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the location of the shot
From Ridgway - drive on US HWY 550 (Million Dollar Highway) south for 28 miles until you come to a turnoff on your right with a sign that reads "National Forest Access - Ophir Pass" (Forest Road 670 which turns into 630). From the turnoff of US HWY 550, travel up the Ophir Pass for 4.1 miles.
The location of the shot is directly on the road facing east.
Photography Tips
This specific spot attracted me because of the red or pink glow on the Anvil Mountain late in the afternoon. However, there are many other great places to photograph on the Ophir Pass late in the afternoon. Spend some time on the pass (both the east and west sides of the summit), and you will be amazed by the beautiful scenes in the fall.
Taken in the late afternoon on the East side of the Ophir Pass summit
Taken just a few min before sunset from the Ophir Pass summit
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 60 mm
Exposure – 2 sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 30th
Time – 5:46 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Each afternoon (about an hour before the stated sunset) in the fall, the peak of Anvil Mountain from this spot will glow red or pink. It can make for a nice image if the clouds don’t block the sun.
This image was taken at 5:46 pm on a day with the stated sunset was 6:57 pm)
Best Time of Year
This location is nice to photograph any time of year you can reach this spot (closed in the winter).
Lens(es) Needed
The above image was taken at 60mm.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
No permits are required at this location.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of your shot is east around 80°.
Equipment Needed
No special equipment is needed.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
This location is way off the beaten path, and you will likely not see too many other people there.
Weather
This location is over 11,500 in elevation, which can get colder than most other locations around Ridgway or Telluride.
Cell Service
I use Verizon, and there was NO cell service for most of the drive up the Ophir Pass.
Area Guides and Workshops
None