Silverton, Colorado
Explore This Small Mining Town Just 50 Miles North Of Durango
The town of Silverton, Colorado is located just under 50 miles north of Durango. It’s a true mining town tucked away in the San Juan Mountains that still holds all of the charm (and more) that it did when it got it’s start in the 1800s. Silverton, CO is packed with things to do if you know where to look.
Top Things To Do In Silverton
Silverton is a popular day trip destination, but it is a town packed full of things to do. From outdoor adventures to historic downtown and gold mines – there is something for everyone. Silverton may be a small mountain town, but it’s not lacking in things to keep you busy!
Top Things To Do In Silverton
Where To Stay In Silverton
Looking for a place to stay in Silverton? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended mountain adventure, you’ll find a mix of cabins, charming hotels, and scenic spots to rest and recharge. No matter your travel style, there’s a perfect place waiting for you in this historic Colorado town.
Where To Stay In Silverton
Durango To Silverton
Getting from Durango to Silverton is half the fun – seriously. Whether you’re cruising the jaw-dropping Million Dollar Highway or hopping on the historic Durango & Silverton train, the journey is packed with views you won’t forget. There’s no wrong way to do it, and we’ve got all the details to help you pick the way that’s right for you.
Durango To Silverton
Summer Activities
During the warmer months every year, visitors can take the Durango Train up to Silverton for a day of outdoor exploration. You can do just about anything you can think of, including hiking, biking, camping, wildlife viewing, rafting, paddle boarding and more. One of the best parts of visiting in the summer is the opportunity to explore old mines. Places like the Old Hundred Gold Mine let you experience life underground, complete with mining demonstrations and an opportunity to pan for gold.
Winter Activities
Like all of Southwest Colorado, Silverton is known for it’s harsh, snowy winters. Visitors who brave the cold can take advantage of incredible backcountry skiing. There aren’t any lifts or lodges, but making the trek is worth it. You can also ice fish, ice climb sled, snowmobile and more. Silverton is the perfect place to take a day trip to from Durango any time of year, but especially during winter months when the snow is falling and activities are in full swing.
Silverton Skijoring
If you’re in town in February, don’t miss Silverton Skijoring, a thrilling and fast-paced event where skiers are pulled by horses through a course filled with jumps, turns, and obstacles. This exciting winter tradition is free, open to the public, and offers a unique blend of rodeo energy and alpine action you won’t find anywhere else.
Silverton Skijoring
Silverton History
In 1860, prospectors began to explore the Ute Territory of the mountains and found both gold and silver in what we now know as the “Baker’s Park” area. After the Civil War, miners returned and established Silverton as a legal town in 1874. The town attracted miners to its various mining camps for many years. Silverton was intended to be a respite from the harsh lifestyle of a minor and as a result, held many saloons and a red light district, Notorious Blair Street.
Silverton & The Train
A large part of the growth of Silverton in the late 1800s was the discovery of the town by the train. Known at the time as the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, the Durango Train successfully connected Silverton’s mines with other mines around San Juan County. Today, the Narrow Gauge Railroad still runs from Durango to Silverton.
Durango Train
Silverton Today
Silverton ceased to be an active mining town in the 1990s as the demand for gold and silver decreased. While there is still gold and silver left, much of what makes Silverton attractive today is the abundance of outdoor recreational activities. In total, the town of Silverton is only around 0.8 square miles according to the US Census Bureau. It’s may be a small mountain town but it is also a site for many adventures.
On your next trip to Durango, take a day trip up to Silverton, CO. This quaint mountain town holds true to it’s past and offers plenty of fun events and activities for visitors of all ages. It’s a true wild-west experience for everyone who visits.