The Mining Camps of the San Juans: San Juan History & Geology Getaway

Join The Crested Butte Museum for a five-day journey throughout the San Juans for a tour exploring historic and geologic sites with historian Duane Vandenbusche and Geologist Steve Jenkins.

Learn about mining, the landscapes, and more on this educational tour that visits Silverton, Telluride, Ouray, Durango, and many sites in between.

This tour includes transportation, all accommodations, all tour and activity fees, a field note booklet, and select meals throughout the trip. All proceeds help support the Crested Butte Museum.

Overview:
5 Days, 4 Nights: Registration is currently open! Register before April 5th, 2024 & save $300!

Highlights:
● A visit to Pioneer Point high above the famous Black Canyon, where the first Bureau of Reclamation project in history took place, with the building of the Gunnison Tunnel.
● Gondola ride with John Stevens, COO of Telluride Mountain Resort, to hear all about the history of Telluride and a beautiful overlooking view of the town.
● A guided private tour at the Ames Power Plant, where the use of alternating current electricity took place, not regularly open to the public.
● Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s scenic steam train with iconic Animas River Canyon views along the highline.
● Explore Ferdinand Hayden’s Geological Survey of the 1870’s and the impact that it had on Colorado, railroads, and effectively mining in the San Juans.
● Optional hike on Ophir Pass, a scenic trek boasting beautiful views and a significant connection to mining history.