So – what is a “butte?” According to dictionary.com a “butte” is an isolated hill or mountain rising abruptly above the surrounding land.
I’m glad you continue the journey with me into Crested Butte, Colorado as we briefly explored the area in late September 2018, just before the snow season began.
There are practically unlimited photos of Crested Butte. One of the websites with a significant display of images is http://bit.ly/2qJs3aL.
History of Crested Butte. The Town of Crested Butte, fondly referred to as ‘The Gateway to the Elk Mountains’, sits at an elevation of 8,885 feet and is located 28 miles north of the City of Gunnison in the County of Gunnison. Crested Butte and the surrounding area was originally home to the Ute Indians. http://bit.ly/2RTySlt
In 1873, geologist Ferdinand V. Hayden was on an expedition surveying the Elk Mountains. From the top of what is today known as Teocalli Mountain, Hayden referred to present day Crested Butte Mountain and Gothic Mountain as the “crested buttes”, which became the Town’s namesake.
With the days of coal mining long since passed, Crested Butte and the surrounding area is now a year-round vacation destination. Known as “the wildflower capital of Colorado.”
Crested Butte is not only a heritage tourism site, but a playground for people of all ages and interests, with endless opportunities ranging from snow sports to wildflower viewing, river running to rock climbing, hiking to biking, and festivals and events. (This information and more history is located at http://bit.ly/2RTySlt.
Here is a little dash ride along the main route into Crested Butte, State Road 135. https://youtu.be/Gby5jlsCxz4
Blessings along the way!
Ron
The final leg of our destination in Colorado is now close. We saw the Aspen trees in their yellow glory while at Pikes Peak and now we’re seeing more of their beauty traveling within an hour from Crested Butte.
My next few posts will discover this beautiful, quaint town nestled among the gigantic Rocky Mountains.
I thought I would give you a little windshield tour with my dash cam as we travel toward Crested Butte. I’m glad you are coming along.
Traveling U.S. Highway 50 from Canon City to Gunnison presents a another picturesque opportunity.
Following our little respite from the travel we continued on and were surprised by a wonderful little town called Salida. 
We decided to travel to the historic section and were greeted by some wildlife grazing around residences and businesses.
I enjoyed the quaintness of the town and the older structures. I wanted to research Salida a little further and discovered the town has the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area – considered one of the United State’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River. (Wikipedia)
It was one of many mining towns in the region as gold, silver, copper and iron.
In May 1880, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad bypassed an existing settlement just to the south, in Cleora, and arrived in the town.
Have you ever wondered as you look at a cactus,
According to Wikipedia, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a 
While stopping for fuel I head a train whistle and all of a sudden it was just behind the gas station. I barely arrived in time to get a couple of photos and a short video clip. It was neat seeing the train with it’s open cars and the fancy looking ones as well. I’m sure you’ll enjoy taking a trip on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad if you travel through Canon City.
I wondered why the sculptures are placed around – particularly dinos? As I researched a little further, I noticed the Colorado area is known for dinosaur fossils.
“The Coolest Store in the Universe” caught my attention as we passed by. I would have liked stopping to check out the store but we didn’t. Now, I wish we had. It’s named for mountain wookies and you can gather more information at their website: 
