  The Ophiuchus molecular cloud complex has produced in Lynds 1688 the richest
known embedded cluster within ~300 pc of the Sun. Unfortunately, distance
estimates to the Oph complex vary by nearly ~40% (~120-165 pc). Here I
calculate a new independent distance estimate of 135 +- 8 pc to this benchmark
star-forming region based on Hipparcos trigonometric parallaxes to stars
illuminating reflection nebulosity in close proximity to Lynds 1688. Combining
this value with recent distance estimates from reddening studies suggests a
consensus distance of 139 +- 6 pc (4% error), situating it within ~11 pc of the
centroid of the ~5 Myr old Upper Sco OB subgroup of Sco OB2 (145 pc). The
velocity vectors for Oph and Upper Sco are statistically indistinguishable
within ~1 km/s in each vector component. Both Oph and Upper Sco have negligible
motion (<1 km/s) in the Galactic vertical direction with respect to the Local
Standard of Rest, which is inconsistent with the young stellar groups having
formed via the high velocity cloud impact scenario.
