Travel Tuesday: Telluride, Colorado

picture credit: Google images

picture credit: Google images

picture credit: Google images

It has been a little while since I have done a travel Tuesday blog and with the holidays in full swing and everyone planning their holiday getaways there is no better time than the present to explore some travel hot spots for your winter break. Every Tuesday from now until the end of the year I will take you away to a winter wonderland that you will be dreaming to visit for years to come.


First stop is Telluride, Colorado.

picture credit: Google images

The Town of Telluride is situated in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains and was once home to nomadic tribes who followed the San Miguel River. The Ute Indians camped here during the summer for years opting to relocate to lower, warmer elevations in the winter months. They would return every spring for centuries to come. The San Juan Mountains were discovered by Spanish explorers in the late 1700’s. In 1858 gold was found in the San Juan Mountains and many a fortune seekers trekked to Telluride in hopes of becoming rich. There was so much gold in the area, in the mid 1870’s mines began to pop up all over the valley with The Sheridan Mine leading the way. In 1878 the mining camp finally became a town and Telluride was its name. The name most likely came from the chemical element Tellurium.

Picture Credit: Google Images

In 1890 the railroad came to Telluride bringing with it many immigrants seeking riches. Telluride soon became a community of 5000 people. With great riches abound many thieves began to scope out the area. In fact, in 1889 Robert Leroy Parker of the Wild Bunch robbed his first bank in the San Miguel Valley. He would later be known as Butch Cassidy.

In 1891 Telluride became home to the world’s first commercial-grade alternating current power plant built by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse. This plant supplied power to the gold mines. In just 20 years Telluride went from a few cabins strewed around to a city full of Victorian mansions. The areas popularity eventually died down after the crash of silver prices, followed by World War 1. Telluride slowly became a ghost town not to be reinvented until the 1970’s when the Telluride Ski Resort opened in 1973. This resort changed the town and brought Telluride back to its once thriving existence.

The scenic splendor of the San Juan Mountains is now home to many five star resorts. Visitors from all over the world now come to Telluride to partake in trout fishing and hiking opportunities in the summer and downhill and cross country skiing in winter. It is one of the world's most beautiful ski resorts and it is home to Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's longest free falling falls. Whether you are a history buff or just an avid skier looking for an adventure, Telluride is a winter wonderland ready to sweep you away.



Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telluride

http://wikitravel.org/en/Telluride