Silverton, Colorado, set 9,302 feet above sea level in the beautiful San Juan Mountains along the Animas River, is a tourist destination at the end of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad line.
It was once a bustling mining town. Today, Silverton is popular with those looking to explore Old West history or use it as a gateway to outdoor adventures.
Silverton is a small mountain town situated at an altitude of 9,318 feet above sea level. If you’re just arriving from a lower altitude, drink plenty of water, and hold off on alcohol and strenuous activity for a couple of days until your body has adjusted. Then get ready for fun in Silverton!
How to Get to Silverton from Durango?
The easiest way to visit Silverton, CO, from Durango is to take a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, with daily diesel and steam train options (until winter, when the train doesn’t go all the way to Silverton).
- On the train, you can enjoy dramatic views without worrying about navigating the highway.
- You can also visit by driving north on Highway 550, dubbed the San Juan Skyway, from Durango.
- If you’re adventurous, continue on to the section called the Million Dollar Highway, a scenic and windy 23-mile mountain road, which connects Silverton to Ouray, offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.
- If you’re flying into the area, you can use airports in Durango or Montrose and rent a car for the scenic drive to Silverton.
- If you’re renting a car from the airport in Durango or Montrose, consider your plans. If you’re going to explore rugged, mountainous country, you may want to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. If not, any passenger vehicle will do.
Where Can I Stay Around Silverton?
If you plan to be in Silverton for longer than a day trip, you have many lodging choices. You could stay at a historic hotel in the middle of town, or find a cozy cabin or bed-and-breakfast.
Silverton is very walkable, so if you’re staying downtown, you can stroll the streets to visit the restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques along the way.
With a population of just over 700 people, Silverton has limited shopping and amenities. While in summer you’ll find a wealth of restaurants and gift shops, some close during the quieter winter months. Some store fronts are even used to display art during winter.
What Can I Do in Silverton?
Mountain Biking and Hiking
Those who enjoy hiking and mountain biking will find plenty to love about Silverton. There are numerous trails with dramatic views that can be accessed in and near the old mining town, including some that were originally built as mining roads.
The eight-mile round-trip Ice Lake Trail is a popular hike, with stunning views of the high alpine lake, waterfalls, and surrounding peaks.
Bear Creek National Recreational Trail is another highly rated option, which includes stops at old mining sites.
Silverton is one of the access points to the Weeminuche Wilderness, almost 500,000 acres of rugged terrain that is home to three of Colorado’s “14ers,” mountain peaks that rise above 14,000 feet.
The wilderness includes 31 trailheads and about 500 miles of maintained trails, including portions of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.
The San Juan Mountains also offer amazing single-track trails for mountain biking, with routes suitable for all skill levels.
Water Activities
The Animas River runs along the edge of Silverton, and sections of it offer demanding commercial whitewater runs, suitable for experienced rafters and kayakers. Visitors can take a guided rafting or kayaking tour to experience the thrill of navigating the river’s rapids.
The area’s many high alpine lakes and streams provide ample opportunities for fishing and exploration. One place to visit is Molas Lake, just outside of town.
While you’re immersing yourself in nature, you can also enjoy hiking, and biking.
Winter Activities
Visiting Silverton in winter is an opportunity to share this scenic area with fewer visitors. You’ll have to drive as the train doesn’t go all the way to Silverton in the colder months.
Snowmobilers, snow bikers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and others can take advantage of the 104 miles of groomed trails maintained by the nonprofit Silverton Snowmobile Club.
Skiing opportunities abound, from Silverton Mountain, a world-class ski resort with steep terrain and deep powder suitable for expert skiers, to Kendall Mountain, which offers more gentle slopes perfect for families and beginners.
If you want to go farther afield, the famed Purgatory Ski Area is 22 miles south of Silverton on Highway 550.
Intermediate to advanced skiers can enjoy backcountry skiing, but being avalanche aware is essential. Silverton Avalanche School offers courses in town.
Ice climbing is another popular winter activity, with several routes available in the area, including the famous Stairway to Heaven. Local businesses also offer guided snowmobile tours and snowcat skiing opportunities.
Food and Drink
As a tourist town, Silverton offers visitors plenty of restaurants, whether you’re just there for a couple of hours before the train heads back to Durango or staying for a vacation.
If you’re on the train, it’s wise to decide where you’re going to eat in advance and head there first, as restaurants get crowded once both trains are in town.
Silverton restaurants offer a wide variety of delicious options, including classic Old West chow, Mexican or Italian fare, pizza, burgers, and much more. Specialty shops tempt visitors with sweet treats like fudge, funnel cakes, and ice cream.
Events and Festivals
Visitors can plan their trips to coincide with a range of special events and festivals in Silverton. There are plenty of things to do in Silverton, CO!
- The Silverton Farmers Market is held every Friday from June through September from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the corners of 14th and Greene Street.
- Silverton Summer Sounds at Memorial Park offers free concerts ranging from national touring bands to local musicians, with food trucks, dancing, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Concerts are held on the second Friday of the month from June through September.
- First Friday Art Walks are held on the evening of the first Friday of the month from June through September. Enjoy art, music, pop-up exhibits, art demos and more throughout downtown.
- The Fourth of July celebration is a highlight of the summer season, with a fun run, pancake breakfast, parade, Ducky Derby, fireworks, and live music.
- The Silverton Skijoring event over Presidents Day weekend is a unique and thrilling winter spectacle, with horses pulling skiers at high speeds.
When is the Best Time to Visit Silverton?
Generally, the best time to visit Silverton is from June to October, with warm weather and long days perfect for outdoor adventures. There are lots of special activities going on during those months, too, to help make your visit more fun.
Of course, if you’re into cold-weather activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, ice skating, sledding, or even snowcat skiing adventures, plan to visit Silverton in winter.
Kendall Mountain Ski Area has plenty to offer right in town, including beginner runs, tree lines, a half pipe, sledding, tubing, and an ice skating rink. It is open Friday through Sunday starting in mid-December.
Cross-country skiers can enjoy groomed trails that can take them as far as the ghost towns of Howardsville and Eureka.
Hardcore skiers will want to explore the backcountry options at Silverton Mountain Ski Area. Visit on Presidents Day weekend to watch the spectacle of skijoring, in which a horse and rider pull a skier along a course.
You can enjoy the groomed trails near Silverton for winter fat tire biking. Silverton even has an annual fat tire bike race weekend.
No matter when you visit Silverton, be prepared for variable weather, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. The town’s high elevation and remote location make it essential to plan ahead and check the weather forecast before visiting or heading out on an adventure.
What’s the History & Culture of Silverton?
- Before miners discovered the riches buried in the mountains near what is now Silverton, Ute tribes used these lands as their hunting grounds.
- Spanish explorers ventured into this area in the 1700s, and later Americans like Kit Carson passed through, sharing tales of a wealth of gold and silver that could be mined.
- In 1858 – 59, the Colorado Gold Rush brought thousands to Colorado’s Front Range in the hopes of making a quick fortune.
- The first log cabin built in what was to become Silverton was constructed in 1874.
- However, due to the difficulty in reaching Silverton and the challenges in getting ore out, Silverton didn’t boom until the Denver & Rio Grande Railway established Durango in 1880, and the train tracks were extended to Silverton.
- The first train arrived in July of 1882, making it possible for mining to be profitable. From 1882 to 1918, more than $65 million worth of ore was produced in the San Juan mining district.
- In 1929, the Mayflower Gold Mill was built in Silverton, allowing gold ore to be processed. Today, you can visit the mill, which is operated by the San Juan County Historical Society.
- Another place to while away a few hours to learn about the mining history of Silverton is the Mining Heritage Center and 1902 County Jail Museum. The collections fill two three-story buildings, including the rather intimidating jail cells. You can visit the Mayflower Gold Mill and the museum daily from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.
Just strolling the streets of Silverton immerses visitors in the town’s history. If you ignore the cars parked along the street, you can imagine that you are in the wild west. Many buildings in the historic district of this old mining town have plaques explaining their original uses. To dive deeper, book a guided walking tour.
Go beyond Silverton to explore the many ghost towns and mining camps in the area, and learn about the region’s mining heritage. Silverton is the perfect base camp for exploring historic southwest Colorado.
Safety and Precautions
Silverton is situated above 9,000 feet, so it’s essential that visitors are aware of the potential for altitude sickness. If arriving in town from a lower elevation, take some time to adjust to the altitude, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol until you’ve acclimated.
The town has limited medical facilities, and so be prepared to handle the basics. You may have to go to Durango for urgent care. If you’re planning on outdoor adventures, bring a first aid kit, paper maps, and your hiking safety essentials.
In the backcountry, expect wildlife encounters, and take necessary precautions. Bear spray, for example, might be a good idea to take hiking. Follow bear precautions if you’re staying in town, too, like avoiding leaving food outside and securing your trash in bear-proof containers.
You can enjoy a great visit to Silverton, especially if you keep in mind that the area’s rugged terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather make it essential to plan ahead and stay informed.
Environmental Awareness
The three national forests and BLM land that surround Silverton offer a unique and fragile ecosystem. Visitors should respect the area’s fragile environment and wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve and protect the natural environment.
Plan Your Trip to Silverton, Colorado
No matter how you arrive in Silverton, on the train or on the Million Dollar Highway, adventures await!
Whether you’re enjoying a short visit between train rides or staying for vacation, this one-time mining town nestled in the San Juan Mountains will charm you. The Silverton area has much to offer the visitor, from fine dining and historic lodging to high country hiking opportunities and four-wheel drive roads.
Adventurers can experience the best of the San Juan Mountains, from hiking and mountain biking to skiing and ice climbing. If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Silverton, Colorado, is a rewarding destination for your next vacation.
