Silverton is one of the more secluded mountain towns that you can visit, isolated deep in the San Juans. Downtown is full of shops, boutiques, restaurants and places to stay.
It can be a semi ghost town during the winter weekdays, but then gets more lively when Silverton Mountain opens on the weekends. Summer is busier with so many awesome things to do around town, like the 4×4 Alpine Loop, which connects to Ouray and Lake City.
Situated in San Juan County at 9,318 feet of elevation, Silverton had a population of 637 in 2010. It’s both the largest town and county seat in this secluded county of Colorado.
History

The town was legally established in 1874, and was made to be a mining town where people could rest after a hard day’s work. Silverton was incorporated on November 15, 1885. Originally, this tiny town in the San Juan Mountains only had one hundred people. Nowadays, the number is in the low thousands.
This was not an easy town to live in at the turn of the century, and a lot of the historical records available in town prove that point. Southwest Colorado is notorious for snowy winters and mining life was prone to mishap. Things did get much easier by the 20th century.
Main Attractions

Durango and Silverton Train – Departs daily from Durango, then makes a 2+ hour stop in Silverton, before returning to Durango. It’s one of the most famous narrow gauge railroads in Colorado.
Kendall Mountain Recreation Area – Year round recreation, with skiing, ice skating and cross country skiing in the winter.
Silverton Mountain Ski Area – Where the serious thrill-seekers go for skiing and snowboarding. It’s the steepest ski area Colorado and also gets some of the most snow.
Recreation
Nowadays, Silverton is known for its natural beauty and friendly locals. If you want a taste of the great outdoors, Silverton has it in all directions. There are forests, hot springs, lakes and rivers nearby. Exciting 4×4 trails are common, with many leading to ghost towns to explore. Jeep rentals are available in the area, as well as ATVs.
Camping:
- There are a lot of camping opportunities in the national forests surrounding Silverton. There are free, dispersed campsites around the 4×4 Alpine Loop.
- Read about the camping near Silverton.
Fishing:
- The Animas River flows through town providing fast access to great trout fishing right in town.
Accommodations
Hotels:
- Grand Imperial Hotel – historic
- Read about the best hotels in Silverton.
Special Events
May – Iron Horse Bicycle Classic – Historic bike race from Durango to Silverton, racing the Durango and Silverton train.
Activities near Silverton
ATV/Jeep Rentals:
Cross Country Skiing:
Federal Lands:
- Little Molas Lake (7mi)
- Potato Lake (17mi)
- Rio Grande National Forest
- San Juan National Forest
- Uncompahgre National Forest
Ghost Towns:
- Animas Forks (12mi)
Hot Springs:
- Orvis Hot Springs (32mi)
- Ouray Hot Springs Pool (23mi)
- Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa (39mi)
Ice Skating:
Landmarks:
Mine Tours:
- One Hundred Gold Mine (6mi)
Public Parks:
- Molas Lake (5mi)
Railroads:
Scenic Drives:
- Alpine Loop 4×4
- Cinnamon Pass (14mi)
- Coal Bank Pass (14mi)
- Engineer Pass (16mi)
- Million Dollar Highway
- Molas Pass (10mi)
- Ophir Pass 4×4 (9mi)
- Red Mountain Pass (10mi)
- San Juan Skyway
- Stony Pass (10mi)
Ski Areas:
Towns:
- Durango (48mi)
- Hermosa (37mi)
- Lake City (37mi – summer only)
- Needleton (only a flag stop on D&SRR for backpackers)
- Ouray (23mi)
- Ridgway (34mi)
Transportation:
Latest in Silverton

Take on Winter on the Western Slope!
The Colorado Western Slope boasts a gorgeous winter wonderland filled with challenging and exciting activities for…

The Highest Elevated Towns in Colorado
Whether you’re looking to beat the summer heat of Colorado’s urban front range, or are just…

All Aboard these Top 9 Train Rides in Colorado
From utility to tourist attraction, Colorado’s railroad system has seen its share of twists and turns…

Wilderness Waterfalls around Durango
Durango isn’t known for its waterfalls but that doesn’t mean you won’t find some impressive ones…

Camping near Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway
Say Silverton to most Colorado locals and they picture an extreme mountain town known for its…
Camping near Silverton and the Million Dollar HighwayRead More

10 Authentic Old West Towns in Colorado
In the 1800s, Colorado quickly became the hub of activity after gold was discovered. Those looking…

Colorado Spots Where Movies Were Filmed
Why do movie directors continue to return to Colorado to film? Quite simply the incredible scenery…

Top 14 Cool & Unusual Hotels in Silverton
As a former silver mining camp, Silverton is a historic town that’s filled with a lively…

Handsome Historic Districts of Colorado
Take a peek into Colorado’s past with a visit to one of these historic districts. Each…

Winter Fun in Southwestern Colorado
{Fire on the mountain at Telluride Fire Festival. Photo: Matt Brooks} Celebrate winter, Colorado style! Embrace…

Colorado’s 6 City Run Small Town Ski Areas
These smaller Colorado ski areas are seldom spoke of outside their local mountain towns. They’re tiny…

Autumn Cruising on Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway
Colorado is easily one of the most driver pleasing states in the nation, with breathtaking views…
Autumn Cruising on Colorado’s Million Dollar HighwayRead More

Power to the Powderhounds: Backcountry Skiing in the San Juan Mountains
[Launching into the San Juan Mountain backcountry with San Juan Untracked.] It’s safe to say that…
Power to the Powderhounds: Backcountry Skiing in the San Juan MountainsRead More