WSC Extended Studies Offers Summer Trips Exploring Colorado’s History and Geology
Dec. 23, 2009 -- This summer, Western State College of Colorado (WSC) Extended Studies will offer two trips in June that explore Colorado’s historic mining camps and other sites in the Clear Creek region and throughout the San Juan Mountain region.
Participants need not be history buffs to enjoy these trips. Tour guides Duane Vandenbusche and Bruce Bartleson are sure to make the tours as entertaining as they are educational. Having taught history at Western since 1962, Vandenbusche has a knack for telling stories about Colorado’s rich heritage. Bartleson is a professor emeritus and taught geology at Western for 33 years. He is a renowned expert in the geology of the Western Slope and shares little-known facts about the unique geologic formations that shape Colorado’s landscape.
The Clear Creek Mining Camp tour will be held from June 14 to 18 and led by Vandenbusche. Participants will travel through the towns of Leadville, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Estes Park and Cripple Creek. Among the stops are the National Mining Museum, Vail Ski Museum, Gilpin History Museum, Central City Opera House and historic hotels, in addition to travel on the Georgetown Loop Railroad and Amtrak.
The cost is $925 and includes all travel (leaving from Gunnison), entrance fees, tours, train tickets and lodging. Space is limited and a $200 deposit is required to register.
Held from June 21 to 25, the San Juan Mining Camps tour takes participants through some of Colorado’s most storied mining regions. Vandenbusche and Bartleson will lead travelers through Red Mountain, Owl Creek, Slumgullion, and Ophir Passes to the towns of Lake City, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Durango. This tour includes a ride on the famous Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a tour of the Bachelor-Syracuse mine, visits to mining museums, and stays at some of the most famous historic hotels in Colorado. Travelers also will be treated to a melodrama at the Diamond Circle Theatre in Durango and a visit to the Box Canyon in Ouray.
The cost is $850 and includes all travel (leaving from Gunnison), lodging, ticket on the Durango-Silverton Railroad, melodrama, and all tours and museums. Space is limited and a $200 deposit is required to register.
The tours are eligible for college credit.
Contact WSC Extended Studies at (970) 943-2885 or go online at www.western.edu/extendedstudies to register. Register early – these trips fill up quickly!
