Omayra Acevedo, Minturn, Colorado. It’s confession time again. The nerd in me absolutely loves the smell of a library, the ambience of a bookstore and the process I go through when I’m learning about something or somewhere new. The click of my camera shutter going off, the sound of my fingertips hitting the keyboard, the gentle whisper of my own voice reading through the information, and the random spurts of wow’s and ah’s. I can’t help it. It all excites me! It feeds my spirit with energy and I feel like I am home.

During one of my many travels, I found myself driving on U.S. 24, through the town of Minturn. I had only heard of the town once from Matt, who I have given the title of my dearest companion. Minturn was incorporated in 1904 and named after the Vice President of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, Robert Bowne Minturn, Jr. Just mere minutes away from Vail and Beaver Creek resorts, the town offers great alternatives to typical lodging. It’s quaint, and though it doesn’t offer high-end dining, one can still find a place to hang one’s hat and enjoy a meal in the Rockies after a long day of hiking, fly-fishing, mountain biking or winter sports. Non-resort skiing is also an option with backcountry and cross-country skiing easily accessible in the area. 

So, remember how I mentioned in one of my recent columns that the small things fascinate me? Well, here’s one. In 2015, the public restrooms in Minturn were deemed the Best Public Restrooms in America. No, I’m not joking. I didn’t get a chance to see it with my own two eyes, but I hear that the restrooms are adorned by two pieces of ‘functional art.’ I guess I’ll have to go back and see for myself. 

U.S. 24 runs through town and is part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. The way I describe it is that it is the gateway to Redcliff, Battle Mountain, Tennessee Pass, White River National Forest and Holy Cross Wilderness. Which could very well be the topics of my upcoming columns. 

I never tire of learning, writing or exploring. Which is why I can find myself easily inspired by the smallest of things. Especially, hidden gems in our Rocky Mountains. On the confluence of the Eagle River and Gore Creek, you can find the charming and historic mountain town of Minturn, Colorado. 

(Originally published in the November 26, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)