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About the OPUS

A hand-built refuge above treeline, surrounded by wildflower basins and high trails.

The Hut

Built by hand, run on sunshine

In summer the OPUS sits just below Ophir Pass at 11,765 feet, ringed by wildflower meadows and a web of high-alpine trails that start right at the door. Days are warm, nights are cool, and the views go on for ranges.

The OPUS Hut is an eco-friendly lodge, hand-crafted with a strong European influence — think of the alpine refugios and rifugios of the Dolomites, transplanted to the San Juans. It sits on Ophir Pass between Telluride and Silverton, entirely off the grid: solar panels power the lights, roof collection supplies the water, and a wood stove keeps the common room warm.

We sleep 20 guests in 5 rooms, and we run the place more like a mountain home than a hotel. Our hut keepers cook every meal, pour drinks from the bar (the OPUS is a licensed tavern in the state of Colorado), and generally make sure the fire stays lit. Evenings happen at the long table; mornings start with coffee and a very good view.

The OPUS Hut above a summer meadow at 11,765 feet

The Building

Timber, stone, and a lot of hand labor. Built to European hut traditions, powered by Colorado sunshine.

Sunlight across the common room and long table

The Common Room

A wood stove, a long dinner table, maps on the wall, and no screens. This is where the trip actually happens.

Amenities

Off-grid, not roughing it

We try to provide most things so that you can pack light. Here's what's waiting for you at 11,765 feet.

Cedar benches and stove in the wood-fired sauna

Wood-Fired Sauna

Steam and cleanse after a day out. Bring a headlamp for the walk back — the stars are part of the amenity.

Bunk room with ladder to the queen bunk

Real Beds, Real Bedding

Memory-foam mattresses in every room, with sheets, comforters, duvets, and pillows all provided. Clean liners and pillowcases washed after every use. Leave the sleeping bag at home.

Washroom and changing area

Water & Washrooms

Indoor composting toilets and running water for brushing your teeth or a quick face splash. Filtered drinking water on tap — bring a bottle to fill for the hut and the trail.

The wood stove burning beside the bar area

The Bar

Beer, wine, and cocktails for purchase, plus a-la-carte snacks. Because the OPUS is a licensed tavern in Colorado, personal alcohol isn't permitted at the hut. Tea and coffee are complimentary with breakfast.

Guest sink and shared fridge

Guest Fridge

A small shared fridge for snacks or lunch that needs to stay cold. It's shared with up to 20 people, so don't plan on a lot of space.

The hut under a starry night sky

No WiFi — On Purpose

We skip guest WiFi so you can actually be here. There is a guest iPad with iMessage and email for letting folks at home know you arrived safely, and an emergency satellite phone for real emergencies.