Rainbow Route Sign

Historical marker location:

803 East Tomichi Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado

( Marker is at the intersection of Tomichi Avenue (U.S. 50) and Adams Street, on the right when traveling east on Tomichi Avenue.)

The Colorado Mineral Belt, which stretches from the San Juan Mountains in the south to Boulder in the north, is a rich source of gold, silver, copper, lead, and other minerals. The area was first mined by Native Americans, and later by Spanish explorers and prospectors during the Gold Rush. Today, the mining industry is still an important part of Colorado's economy.