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Both tour groups visited the east end of the Telluride Valley with its famous switchback road.The first group visited the Bridal Veil Falls Power Plant (right) in the morning.The second group visited the Meldrum Tunnel (left) in the afternoon.
The first stop on the way to the power plant was the Idarado Mining Company Office on the grounds of the Idarado Mill.The Idarado is owned by the Newmont Mining Corporation.
The Idarado closed its mines in 1978.It had been one of Colorado’s major mineral producers.
Our tour leader, Larry Fiske (yellow vest), provided a safety briefing for the group.
The jeeps traveled up the switchback road.The upper portions of the road were still blocked by winter snow and avalanche debris.
The trail to the power plant is open to hikers so that they can reach the upper basins which contain the Telluride water supply and other mining ruins.
The power plant is not usually open to the public. A sturdy stairway attached to the cliff face provides access for Newmont personnel.
The view of the Telluride Valley from the top of the stairway is superb.
Photos courtesy of Mike Kaas and Susan Canty CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY 2 OF 10
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