Ophir Pass: UNDERRATED DIFFICULTY - NOT 4WD EASY

[@bruceyyyyy]

I think it both got harder and I took the easier way running it the opposite as shown here. It's been 6(!) years so memory might be fuzzy. There is a foot trail behind that sign at the top that has a nice hike that goes to a lake. Worth the trip! We have a picture somewhere of the wife doing a yoga head stand on top. (:

[@midnitesilverrun8631]

Ophir was so easy a minivan and sedan were doing it behind us last year.i let my girlfriend drive it in my stock trailhawk and didn’t have one issue.its kinda funny listing to you guys try to make it sound hard tho.

[@oxidize99]

Yes. It is a 2WD road that is a bit rough in places, but that can be expected. I've made the trip maybe a dozen times over the years and never needed 4WD.

[@Michael_Tran]

Man..we did this trail and I can honestly say it wasn't what I expected. The view is amazing but its definitely a bit steeper than narrower than anticipated. Nice job Jon!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Michael! We also did cork screw pass (entering from the million dollar highway). That was probably crazier! And also rated a level 2. Not sure if it was updated though.

[@Michael_Tran]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Oh wow...we went through that pass for Alpine Loop...definitely sketchy even for our 4x4s...can't imagine a AWD

[@harib9793]

Completed this pass (this June) on Outback Wilderness and was my 1st time doing any pass or off-roading. The only part made me worried was pointed rock pieces at the top of the pass with me praying for the tires. Driving Outback Wilderness was effortless on this pass. No struggle or issues.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Cool, sounds like you went from East to West. Going from West to East is more difficult because the rutted and loose rocky section is uphill. None of our vehicles are open diff, so it wasn’t too much of a struggle, but our 4th Gen outback had to maintain momentum to avoid bogging down. Good job taking this on for your first trail!

[@harib9793]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring You are correct. Yes, and now thinking going opposite direction uphill on those sharp loose rocks may be challenging. Probably may try it sometime in future but with a group.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@harib9793 I was so surprised by the terrain we came across because, at the time, the Internet said the trail was “easy”. I’m glad it’s updated! Because I don’t want anyone to find themselves in trouble. If you check out my last video, a friend went on an “easy” rated trail here in California and his vehicle became high centered on a Boulder. He was stranded for over half a day in a desert that hits 100-120F in the summer. This desert has a reputation for killing the unprepared. My friend waited until early morning and hiked 6 miles to get cell phone reception so that he could call for help. I’ve found that the trails in Colorado are understated, and the trails in Moab, Utah are overstated. I hope you find the trail videos on my channel useful. Please Keep checking back in after you do the trails I have made a video on.

[@IronmanV5]

Great view! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Mark! 🙏

[@kcdonegan]

I drove Ophir Pass back in 1995 in an Isuzu Trooper! Lol. It was sooo awesome! We made it all the way over and went to Durango. Sayin how I was living in Ophir at the time we came home over the pass too! What a blast! A lot of heart pumpin moments!

[@LouGheeTrebuchetLaunch]

.. I DROVE Ophir Pass 1990 .. DIRT ROAD DRIVE WAS NOT .. ''heart pumpin'' .. TOO EFFING LAZY TO ADD LETTER 'g' TWICE .. GET BACK INTO your ''heart pumpin'' STROLLER .. PANSY

[@pollkeaysranch]

Have you guys and gals done "The TransAm Trail?" It starts in West Virginia, heads west to Idaho & then it circles back to Wisconsin. My brother & I started it last year, then my Jeep broke down in New Mexico. I had it towed back home, we are going to try again next summer(2023).

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

We have not, but I’ll add this trail to my bucket list 😃

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’ve filmed this trail twice and I still don’t know how I want to edit it. However, you did a great job!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I didn’t have much footage of this trail, so I wasn’t even sure if making a video was possible. I took the footage of Ian and I talking about trail difficulty, split it up and interlaced it inbetween the go pro dash footage. I’d I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t be happy with how monotonous the video would be. I’m still not happy with it, but glad I was able to put something together. The next episodes of: Clear lake, Corkscrew pass and the road to Silverton will be much easier to work with. Lots of footage .

[@stevestackpole6817]

Proud to say I rode Ophir Pass solo recently on my KTM 1090R. Dynamite. Also Weston Pass, Hagerman Pass, Cottonwood Pass, Cumberland Pass, Cinnamon Pass, Hurricane Pass and California Pass. It was part of the Colorado Backcountry discovery motorcycle route.

[@scottieray]

I completed Ophir Pass in early October. There were two KTMs out on the trail that day and they were taking a rest at the East end just before the most narrow section. Props to them because that felt a bit sketchy in my Bronco.

[@stevestackpole6817]

@ It weren’t easy!! 😂

[@JDS-Dalton]

Beautiful but sketchy trail! Each of these videos get me more and more hyped up haha

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

This definitely wasn’t harder than Imogene pass, but I went in thinking this trail was supposed to be “EASY”, and that was clearly an understatement, especially compared to all the trails in Utah.

[@no-lodesigns]

Great job capturing Ophir pass! 🤙

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for setting this up! It was such a great time! The cork screw pass adventure was awesome. So many unexpected things.

[@googoo-gjoob]

its been decades, but i did Ophir on an '85 Goldwing. sometimes i think its easier only needing 4" of road surface.

[@anonymous..-]

Easy trail in an AWD vehicle if you travel toward Ouray. 8” clearance minimum recommend. The rock section is annoying but the views are first class. The opposite way will not be fun for you if you’re not up for a challenge in an AWD vehicle; I like challenges, some don’t.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

beautiful trail... excellent skills Jon ❤️

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Mr. GX460!!! By the way, what is your name? I’ve watched many of your videos because I admire how well you speak in front of a camera all in one sitting, but I can’t remember you mentioning your name 😂. You’re a big asset to the GX community! They’re lucky to have you!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thank you Jon... we actually owe a great deal of respect to you. I feel that AWD offroaders must focus on skill and disciple rather than "lift and lockers" so we watch your videos to hone our own techniques. Love AWD vehicles, yet I've never had one 😢. I never really though ofsharing my name 😆... i guess I should? Anyway thanks for your work, there are many if us out there that realize offroading is skill based, not vehcile-based and your work proves that 😀

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD well, Mr. GX460 has a good ring to it. JONDZ is an Alias, but it’s only off by one letter.

[@bseiton]

This was helpful. Taking my first Ophir pass in 9/2024. Thanks

[@oxidize99]

Might see you out there if we decide to head that way. Done it many times. It is a 2WD maintained road locals use all the time. Shortcut between Silverton and Telluride.

[@04JALD]

Great video again Jon. I am making some headway on my rig to get it closer to where I want it. Can't wait that day to come when I will be on the dirt roads. No later then June is my goal. Take care Jon.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Awesome DJ, it’s been a little while! Looking forward to the day we can crack open a beer together.

[@garytotty3971]

I've done this trail about four times, and never had a serious problem. The only real problem I ever saw was a VW sized boulder setting in the middle of the road. I felt it was easier than the old Lime Creek road, and have seen that one done in a Chrysler sedan (had to be a rental car!)

[@durtyflyadventures]

Man I wish we could have made the trip, work stuff. Another awsome video capturing the beauty!!

[@seanwatson3790]

I have a weird way I remember Ophir. I obviously don't like the crazy shelf roads out there even tho they were super beautiful. But given we did black bear the day before and then Ophir the next day, I think I was already beyond shelf roaded out. Difficulty wise it wasn't so bad, though I feel like I remember the middle of that shelf road being more loose than it appeared in your video. Now I don't know if that's true or just ny perspective of someone getting tired of driving along cliff sides for the weekend haha

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Compared to an actual easy 4WD trail, this definitely seemed much more difficult. I know people will use this pass as a short cut, so I wonder if trailsoffroad.com felt compelled to raise their rating as well. I’m sure this trail has led to many vehicles blocking the trail due to underrated difficulty.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Carey’s Subaru with a transcooler hit 244F. Just imagine a vehicle without a transcooler. It would easily hit 270F and go into limp mode.

[@jeffholland5250]

Run your transfer case in low and the transmission will stay cool

[@lolness116]

Awesome 4th gen outback! I'll miss mine when my forester wilderness comes in.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah, it has a bunch of really functional upgrades and I’m surprised by how it performs. She recently installed Louvers on the hood (vents), that keep the CVT even cooler. The locker made such a big difference. Any plans for the Forester wilderness? Ironman coil over lift? Torq locker?

[@lolness116]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring yep, I follow her on Instagram and she has done some awesome things to that car. What amazes me is that it's just the 2.5i engine and CVT...not even the 3.6r with 5EAT! Amazing. Definitely a lift, and a locker would be awesome. Not sure if TORQ makes one for the FW yet though...I've only seen it for the OBW and I think the owner had to modify the locker to fit, but im still not sure. There really isn't many videos of the FW offroad so I haven't even seen its capability without a locker either. Although, I did see your video that compared it to the OBW from Sarah's test hill and was throughly impressed. From what I've gathered, it has better gearing than the OBW? And less transmission stall? 🤷‍♂️ Either way, I'm really excited and look forward to testing the limits of the car!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@lolness116 yes, the Forester wilderness not only has better gearing, but also better compression ratio. Here’s the stats: FW: 16.7:1 crawl ratio, 14:1 compression ratio OBW: 15.5 crawl ratio, 10.6:1 compression ratio The forester wilderness will climb better for sure. Don’t believe the whole turbo works better at elevation. Maybe if a vehicle is revving high and trying to race up pikes peak, but for off-road, gearing is so important. @Dalton who commented here was hoping to join us. We’re planning to meet up next year for some Colorado adventures. I’d love to document how a Forester wilderness performs. Oh, about the 4th Gen outback 3.6R. It actually has one of the lowest crawl ratios out of any Subaru 10.9:1, but Atleast it has an automatic transmission. The 5th Gen 3.6R with CVT (what Bruceyyyyy has now) is geared 12.7:1

[@lolness116]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring thank you for the info! Didn't know that about the 5EAT. Glad to see that the FW might be a good contender off road lol. Subaru seems to be really working on these CVTs since they pretty much stopped with the autos, seems like theyre getting better, but only time will tell. Considering there aren't many vids on the FW off road, I think you'd get a lot of views if you manage to snag someone for a capability video!

[@frankietuned]

Out of all the trails we did, I'd probably skip Ophir, if was to go out there again. Corkscrew pass was a much more enjoyable trail.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

We just used it to get to the other side so we could do clear lake. I highly recommend that trail and the beautiful bodies of water at the top!

[@frankietuned]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring can't wait to see the video of clear lake. Thanks for sharing!

[@GATORADDAM]

Love it. Done it 5 times. 3 from 550, 2 the other way.

[@MOAB-UT]

Can I run this from the Telluride side? Can you please suggest a trail for me. I don't want hard or rental truck damaging. I want HIGHLY scenic. A little off-road is fine. I drove H*lls Revenge in Moab in a UTV but I am still a newbie. Thought maybe blackbear from Ouray, then turn around at the top? Not sure. Imogene looks too hard. I have been to Telluride once to ski- loved the area but did not get offroad. Can rentals even go off-road out there? Probably rent from the airport. Or is there a paved road that is very scenic with overlooks too?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

If you start from the telluride side, it’s easier. This trail isn’t overly technical, and if you have 4WD with low range you’ll be fine. BUT….. if you come across head on traffic it can be a big problem in some spots.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks. How is black bear up to the summit- or is that Imogene that has that parking lot summit area? Any other trails you recommend around there- or even roads. The whole area is gorgeous. Have you made it out to MOAB yet? If not- do it. I've been 6 times. This is one of my favorite trails. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYqvkpiNd6uAsKMsi=ZMIEDJ8kmkGV9nXI

[@7nash974]

Love taking Ophir Pass.................can take highway out of Ophir around to Million Dollar Highway if don't want to take the Pass

[@brettsummer5070]

How long did it take to cool the trans temp on average on your rigs? We’re coming east to west, the rig is a ram 1500 (4 low BUT we have a overland rack and heavy bumpers as well as a roof rack and 2 dirtbikes) we ended up getting the trans hot in Moab (my fault I tried goosing it in 4 hi when I should have been in low for 1 section) this is the first trip since then and I’ve been worried about the time crunch

[@shanefultz5333]

Curious about this trail. Never driven a mountain pass. Wanted to check it out sometime between June 5-15 this year with my 2018 v8 grand Cherokee trailhawk. Thoughts?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

A 2018 Jeep GrandCherokee trail hawk is quite capable and should have no problem with this trail, but in June there might be snow, which could make trail quite sketchy.

[@velocity800]

hi , do you know where she got the huge mountain decal on her Subaru? thanks

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I’d ask her, but she’s in the middle of the Rebelle Rally

[@michaelangelos5117]

Since you made this video I don't have to go drive it. I'll just sit in my Jeep and watch the video.

[@robh6854]

Another good 1 bud..👍🏾

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks man! Such an awesome trip!

[@chkwgn460]

Cool video. We had the pleasure of doing this in our Grand Cherokee the snow. It made it pretty exciting. I have video on here if anyone is interested. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@bradenb]

Nice to see Rob representing Team Blue Taco 🌮

[@101MWOD]

Jondz, are you in "normal" mode the whole time for the tough section or swtich over to sand?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The section wasn’t hard for the Hondas, but this definitely not a level 2 easy trail, that would imply that 2WD in 4HI would be sufficient. So, to answer your question, (and awesome question btw) I was in normal mode. Sand mode will keep the revs high which will heat up the transmission faster. So I’d say it’s super important to stay in normal mode on a prolonged climb. For a technical obstacle, sand mode should be engaged. For steep and loose terrain like mud and ice, traction control should be disengaged.

[@Michael-ud5og]

Like you said.. don't be overdramatic .. one wheel drive is all you need!

[@unknown-cf9rd]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4ibkoN-bM-VibM There is a 5th get RAV4 and a crosstrek that completed this trail.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

At 2:00 you can see they went down the harder sections our Subaru had to climb up. Our Subaru’s CVT hit 249F, which is a damaging temperature.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

We started in Imogene Pass and went UP the more technical Ouray side. We exited Telluride and had to drive UP Ophir Pass to get back to the alpine loop. It was the only way that made sense.

[@KTMcaptain]

Jeep BOH rates Ophir Pass as a 3-4 difficulty.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Good to know! I find Jeep Badge of Honor a little wonky. They rate Fins N Things a level 3 and Ophir a level 3. Trust me, you’d be scared 💩 less on Fins. So much off camber and scary obstacles 😂. I guess in a Jeep it wouldn’t be as dramatic, but neither would imogene pass, which Jeep BOH rates a level 4-6.

[@KTMcaptain]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring yeah, and all the local trails are 6-9 rated. Crazy how fins n things is rated the same though considering it needs so much gearing.

[@OverlandPriority]

The Jeep BOH trail started 1994 and since then the trail diff rating hasn’t been change. The vehicles and after market support has change so much and drivers skills too..

[@SomeoneElseonHere]

Any ideas if the newer 2023 pilots (specifically the trailsport) can do this?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It would do it easily. The Hondas with the ZF 9 speed and Honda 10 speed would make easy work of this trail.

[@SomeoneElseonHere]

@JonDZ_Adventuring Awesome. It's great to hear that the 23 Pilots could do this trail easily. Another question, I noticed in your vid that you stopped to cool off the trans. Im assuming the 10 speed would have the same issue or in your opinion, built better to take overheating?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@SomeoneElseonHere at 4:20 I say that my Passport’s transmission is at 215F. Which is still in the safe zone. 240F is when the rubber seals of the transmission and the transmission fluid start breaking down. The Subaru has upgraded cooling and was at 244F, so we pulled over to let the vehicles cool down. On a recent Colorado trip, we went up with a 2023 Pilot with 32” tires (1” taller than stock). They don’t come with transmission coolers, and it ran just slightly warmer than my Passport which is on 33” tires now (2.5” taller than stock).

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@SomeoneElseonHere so to answer your question, they seem pretty similar. My passport has the optional (and really tiny) OEM transmission cooler. I put a fan in front of it, which helps with the cooling a little bit, but it’s not ideal. I would imagine that a 2023 Pilot with an added transmission cooler would do better. Not sure why HONDA didnt include one from the factory, but impressive it stays pretty cool without any kind of extra cooling.

[@USfoolsgold]

The hardest part of that trail is trying to hike away from others to piss as a smoker.

[@azbacnikorange]

How do you know your transmission temperature?

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

Nothing would piss me off more than coming across your massive group going the wrong way through ophir.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

If you were in my shoes, nothing would piss you off more than this stupid comment. I’m glad I’m not you 😂

[@kurtloptien185]

You're both lame. Cool down.

[@guessmyhandle]

I’m confused. Pretty sure I didn’t touch the 4wd in the xj.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Which side did you start on? Don’t be confused, trails offroad has it rated a level 3 moderate 4WD trail now. Up from a level 2 easy.

[@chadleatherby3309]

That's cause you're in an XJ

[@guessmyhandle]

@@chadleatherby3309 LuLz We won't get into the shock absorber that lost its nut on the way up. "Oh, that's what that sound was..."

[@Cycle9568]

That Subie needs a manual swap!

[@ilikerealmaplesyrup]

I did this in 2000 camry with 380000 miles on it

[@papatravels61]

A station wagon

[@chadleatherby3309]

Not easy in a Suburu

[@RUBICON-zu6wl]

Hum... Seemed easy to me when I did that trail!🤷

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Even the more technical side of a moderate 4WD trail is easy in a Rubicon. Trails offroad updated their rating.

[@RUBICON-zu6wl]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring but I did it in my wife's grand cherokee, 2 wheel drive!🤷

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@RUBICON-zu6wl what Gen GC? And which way we’re you traveling? If you’re going from east to west, anything will het through the trail. www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/404-ophir-pass

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@RUBICON-zu6wl if you tell people this is an easy trail and then have people get stuck going west to east, that can be very problematic. Check this video out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sISypmiwfL1masU

[@RUBICON-zu6wl]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring it was a 2004 grand cherokee, daily driven, no mods.. And yes I went from Telluride east on this trail.. I watched your posted video with the subaru, seemed to me some people shouldn't drive off roads trails! Thanx for your time and video!💙happy trails ! 👣

[@MarcWarren-xy4cq]

This is the EASIEST trail in Colorado. I can’t believe you thought it was hard. Maybe you need a real off road vehicle and NOT a Subaru!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

What in the world were you watching? When did I say it was hard? This trail was rated EASY by www.trailsoffroad.com/US/colorado/trails/404-ophir-pass , and then after our trip they gave it a "MODERATE" difficulty. You don't have to be so dramatic Marky, a trail like the "Alpine Loop" will be much easier than this. I don't drive a Subaru btw.

[@britanyponder4412]

I did this in a 4 Runner and it was super easy... maybe you don't have the right car for it🤷🏼‍♀️

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

This trail is now rated “moderate” by trailsoffroad. If you travel from west to east like we did, this is not an easy trail. Read the other comments, it’s a breeze from east to west. It’s not about what your drive and your subjective opinion, it’s about the objective rating.

[@gzahnd]

Try it on a motorcycle…

[@Bananahammock88]

I could do all of Ophir in 2wd. That is not a hard trail.