Things to do and see in Silverthorne, Colorado

Silverthorne is a popular stop for people heading in all directions in the Rocky Mountains. There’s no real walkable, downtown, but there is plenty of commercialization, as well as natural and manmade things to do.

Dining, lodging, and shopping can be found almost anywhere in town. During summer, whitewater rafting trips depart daily down the class III Blue River. Blue River is also a gold medal trout river making it a spectacular place to fly fish.

In winter, people flock to town, due to the number of close ski resorts. From Silverthorne, you can be at seven ski areas within an hours drive: Arapahoe Basin, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Loveland, and Vail. You could probably throw in Ski Cooper as well, it’s just over an hour, depending on how you drive.

History

Before the all-year-round Summit County became a popular go-to place for vacationers in Colorado, it used to be a miner’s town back in the gold rush era. The town was named after Judge Marshall Silverthorne who was an influential person in Breckenridge during those days. He was the first person who came to town as its prospector and officially formalized the territory of the city (including the Blue River) in 1881.

Judge Silverthorne was optimistic about his patent claim, but he found out that even though the land had gold, it’s not abundant enough to build an entire industry on. Eventually, he just handed out the land to his children, and he died in 1887.

The town didn’t really catch up until it was bought by Clayton Hill and developed the property. It was only then when people started coming in to build houses and stores. Because of its location, Silverthorne became a camp for the workers of the Dillon, and it eventually was laid out along Interstate 70.

Now, Silverthorne is one of the three robust towns in Colorado that sits close to major ski areas as well as the Rocky Mountains. The town is filled with different family-friendly adventures that you can enjoy throughout the year.

Main Attractions

Since Silverthorne is just one of the towns vacationers pass through when they go to popular ski areas, they don’t really take the time to breathe the city in. However, this unique Colorado town has a lot to offer.

Recently, Silverthorne has created the Fourth Street Crossing project, a pedestrian-friendly downtown area where people can shop, drink, and appreciate the town’s historical sites. This new district will appeal to those who are vacationing around the city and will entice you to stay.

Here are a couple of main attractions you should check out while staying at Silverthorne, Co.

Outlets at Silverthorne – Affordable place to pick up designer gear for less.

Silverthorne Performing Arts Center – home to the Lake Dillon Theatre Company, featuring year-round performances

Recreation

Camping:

To the north of US 9 are numerous campgrounds. Blue River Campground is shortly after town. Further up before Kremmling is the Green Mountain Reservoir. It’s ideal camping if you’re looking for water recreation.
Lake Dillon has many sites surrounding the reservoir.

Fishing:

Blue River runs from Breckenridge to the Green Mountain Reservoir. Fishing is permitted anywhere that’s not private property. Watch for signs. It’s mostly artificial lure and fly fishing only.
Lake Dillon and the Green Mountain Reservoir are nearby lake fishing permitting boats.

Accommodations

Booking.com

Top 4 Cool Hotels in Silverthorne – Those looking for the ultimate in Rocky Mountain convenience will dig Silverthorne’s central location. Year round recreation and first rate amenities are at your finger tips in nearly every direction, and it’s well less than 1.5 hours…

Dining

Because of Summit County’s large size, and the fact that everyone almost always passes through Silverthorne at one point, the town boasts a variety of dining options. You can find fast food options, fast casual, fine dining, and everything in between.

Bars and Restaurants:

Historic Mint Steakhouse – Generations of Summit County locals have been wetting their whistles at this iconic saloon.
Sunshine Cafe – soul food offerings like their popular stick-to-your-ribs breakfast and coffee
Carniciera La Perla – debatably the best dining at Silverthorne; located at a grocery store along Blue River Parkway
Cultivate – boutique eatery serving locally sourced food