Ghost Towns of the Rockies

Telluride Mines (Pandora Area)

Ghost town in San Miguel County, Colorado · San Juan Mountains district

Founded
1878
Peak Population
~1,200
Elevation
8,975 ft
Primary Industry
gold
County
San Miguel
Coordinates
37.9283, -107.7850
View on Interactive Map Directions (Google Maps)

History

The mining operations above Telluride, including the Smuggler-Union, Tomboy, Liberty Bell, and Pandora mills. These mines produced millions in gold and silver ore.

Visiting Telluride Mines (Pandora Area)

What remains: Mill ruins near Telluride.

Access: East end of Telluride box canyon.

Photos

Image of the generator inside the Power Station atop Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, CO. My understanding is that this is the second-oldest operating el
Image of the generator inside the Power Station atop Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, CO. My understanding is tha — G-Rye (CC BY-SA 2.5)
L.L. NUNN HOUSE; AN ELECTRICAL GENIUS WHO SUPPLIED HIGH-VOLTAGE ALTERNATING CURRENT TO THE MINES TO REPLACE COAL AND WOOD; HE CONVINCED GEORGE WEST
L.L. NUNN HOUSE; AN ELECTRICAL GENIUS WHO SUPPLIED HIGH-VOLTAGE ALTERNATING CURRENT TO THE MINES TO REPLACE C — JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD (CC BY-SA 3.0)
View of the shafthouse and aerial tramway of the Alta Mine near Alta (San Miguel County), Colorado. Silver Mountain is in the distance.
View of the shafthouse and aerial tramway of the Alta Mine near Alta (San Miguel County), Colorado. Silver Mou — Walker Art Studio (Public domain)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Telluride Mines (Pandora Area)?

Telluride Mines (Pandora Area) is located in San Miguel County, Colorado, in the San Juan Mountains area at an elevation of 8,975 ft, coordinates 37.9283, -107.7850.

Can you visit Telluride Mines (Pandora Area) today?

East end of Telluride box canyon.

What remains at Telluride Mines (Pandora Area)?

Mill ruins near Telluride.

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