Ophir, Colorado Real Estate
Ophir is a tiny, dramatic historic town in San Miguel County, tucked among soaring peaks just a short drive south of Telluride along Highway 145. Ringed by the jagged Ophir Needles and surrounded by some of the most striking terrain in the San Juans, it offers a rare combination: genuine remoteness and big-mountain scenery within close reach of Telluride and the ski resort. Its small size and spectacular setting make it one of the region's most distinctive — and tightly held — micro-markets.
Ophir, CO active listings as of May 31, 2026 · Mountain Rose Realty IDX (Telluride / REcolorado MLS feed)
Ophir's small, distinctive market
As of May 31, 2026, there were about 8 active listings in Ophir with a median list price near $1,500,000, an average of roughly $542 per square foot, and asking prices from about $695,000 to $1,895,000, according to the Mountain Rose Realty IDX feed from the Telluride/REcolorado MLS. Ophir is a true micro-market — tiny inventory, tightly held, and defined by its extraordinary setting rather than by volume. Prices sit well below Telluride proper while still reflecting the premium of a dramatic, close-to-town mountain location. Because so few properties trade here, buyers drawn to Ophir generally work with a broker to track the rare listing rather than expecting steady selection.
What makes Ophir special
Ophir's appeal is its setting and its scale. The town sits in a high mountain pocket beneath the Ophir Needles and surrounding 13,000-foot peaks, with terrain and scenery that rival anything in the region. It is small, quiet, and historic, with a close-knit character very different from the resort towns. For buyers who want to feel genuinely in the mountains — surrounded by dramatic terrain, close to backcountry, yet only a short drive from Telluride's lifts and town — Ophir offers something few places can. The trade-off is the scarcity of inventory and the realities of a small, high-country community.
Ophir and the Telluride region
Ophir is roughly 20 minutes south of Telluride along Highway 145, making it one of the closest of the outlying communities to the ski resort and town. It offers a more remote, dramatic, and affordable setting than Telluride itself while keeping the resort within easy reach. For the lifestyle side, see our Ophir community guide; for nearby options, compare Rico further down the highway; and for the resort market, see Telluride real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does real estate cost in Ophir, CO?
- As of May 31, 2026, the median list price in Ophir was about $1,500,000 across roughly 8 active listings, per the Mountain Rose Realty IDX feed, averaging near $542 per square foot. Prices ranged from about $695,000 to $1,895,000. It sits well below Telluride proper while reflecting a dramatic, close-to-town location.
- Where is Ophir, Colorado?
- Ophir is a tiny historic town in San Miguel County, about 20 minutes south of Telluride along Highway 145, tucked beneath the jagged Ophir Needles and surrounding high peaks. It is one of the closest outlying communities to the ski resort. The setting is among the most dramatic in the region.
- Is Ophir a good place to buy near Telluride?
- For buyers who want dramatic big-mountain scenery and genuine remoteness within a short drive of Telluride, Ophir is distinctive and more affordable than town. The trade-off is a very small, tightly held inventory. Buyers typically track the rare listing with a broker.
- How far is Ophir from Telluride?
- Ophir is roughly 20 minutes south of Telluride along Highway 145, making it one of the closest outlying communities to the resort and town. It offers a more remote and dramatic setting while keeping Telluride within easy reach. The proximity is part of its appeal.
- Why are there so few homes for sale in Ophir?
- Ophir is a true micro-market — a tiny town with a small, tightly held inventory defined by its setting rather than volume, so only a handful of properties are typically listed. Buyers drawn to Ophir usually work with a broker to track the rare listing. Steady selection should not be expected.