Colorado Ave., Telluride

Telluride

The old mining town of Telluride is situated in one of Colorado's most dramatic and scenic mountainous areas. Nestled in a beautiful box canyon and surrounded by the thirteen-thousand foot San Juan Mountains, Telluride is also a National Historic Landmark. The surrounding mountains are honeycombed with miles of old mine tunnels connecting mines such as the Sheridan, Union, Smuggler, Liberty Bell, Black Bear, Pandora, and Tomboy that produced silver, gold, copper, zinc, and lead in the late nineteenth century. While the silver crash of 1893 ruined many mountain towns, Telluride's mining district had gold and other metals to support the town. In 1889 the legendary Butch Cassidy was a member of the McCarty Gang that robbed Telluride's San Miguel Valley Bank.

Telluride is noted for its blend of western and Victorian architectures, reflected by historic buildings along Telluride's primary thoroughfare, West Colorado Avenue (Main). Many of these buildings are of 1880s vintage, including the New Sheridan Opera House (1895) and the town's Courthouse (1885). Today these buildings house shops and stylish restaurants.

The 1970s brought the ski industry to Telluride. A free gondola ride connects Telluride with the Mountain Village, a nearby resort developed to complement and expand Telluride's world renowned ski facilities. In addition to skiing in the winter, the recreational opportunities here abound in the other seasons. Visitors enjoy walking along the San Miguel River Trail, hiking to the 365 foot high Bridal Veil Falls, and exploring numerous other trails. Biking down the many mining roads is also a popular activity.

Telluride has become a major festival town. It hosts several nationally recognized music and film events such as the Bluegrass Festival in June, the Chamber Music Festival in August, and the Telluride Film Festival in September.

Location:

South West Colorado 76 miles northeast of Cortez on CO 145 (spur road)

Located on the San Miguel River in beautiful box canyon, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre National Forest

Elevation:

8,792 feet

The average high temperature in July is 78 degrees (F), dropping into the 40's at night.  The average high temperature in January is 38 degrees, dropping into single digits at night.  

Population:

Approximately 2,200 

Tourism, including skiing and outdoor recreation

Telluride Central Reservations:  (888)605-2578

Telluride Tourism Board:  http://www.visittelluride.com/

Map:

Telluride, CO