Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado, Telluride is rooted in the ancient legacy of the Ute tribe, who named the land “The Valley of Hanging Waterfalls.” Founded in 1880 during a mining boom sparked by early explorers and prospectors, the town grew with the arrival of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and pioneering innovations like the Ames Hydroelectric Power Plant. Set within a dramatic box canyon, Telluride today blends rich history with culture, arts, outdoor adventure, and world-class festivals amid breathtaking alpine scenery.