Includes index.

Images of the San Juans is a rare treat--a collection of over 250 photos, many never before published, of the life and times of the people of the San Juan region of southwestern Colorado. These photographs were taken from the extensive collection of Ruth and Marvin Gregory, a couple whose love for the San Juan Mountains is evident. Their friend, Ouray historian, P. David Smith, has supplied the captions as only he can--with great care, with, and wonder. Step back in time and see how the prospectors, miners, merchants, investors, and families settled the mining towns of the San Juan region. Go with photographers into the mines. Ride the railroads as they slowly work their way westward. Share the struggles, the catastrophes and the celebrations as the towns are laid out, swept away by avalanches from Mother Nature or an ever-changing economy, and then revived and begun again. For history lovers in general, San Juan devotees in particular and all who are just curious about the region, prepare for a visual tour of one of the most beautiful and interesting areas of the United States--the awe-inspiring San Juans.