Ophir

The mine cart railroad grade.

An old mine shaft.

Old truck below Ophir.

Farm below Ophir.

Ophir is named after the land of Ophir in where King Solomon's mines were located. Ophir started in 1870 and was a typical mining town with several gambling halls and saloons.  Much ore was pulled from the mines not too far above the town.  In 1880, the main mines ran dry.  A couple small mines stayed open until 1918.

A few people still live in Ophir.  It is worth the visit to drive up the old main street and see the dozens of old buildings, including the very tastefully built homes and the old stone post office.

It's quite a site to hike a little ways above the town and see the mining area.  The railroad grades run along the mountainside.  Several mine entrances are visible.  If you look through the tailings, you can find several chunks of pyrite.

To find Ophir take the paved road, a 3.5 mile branch off State Highway 73, 4 1/2 miles east of State Highway 36.

3 stars.