Things to Do in Silverton, Colorado

Tucked into a high alpine valley at 9,318 feet, Silverton is one of Colorado's last true mountain towns — a National Historic Landmark District ringed by the rugged San Juan Mountains, where nearly 90% of the surrounding land is public and open to explore. From world-class jeep trails and expert skiing to gold-mine tours and a legendary steam railroad, there's far more to do here than a single visit can hold. Staying at Silverton Summit Retreat puts you minutes from historic downtown and within easy reach of every adventure below, whether you're here for a summer of high-country hiking or a winter chasing deep powder.

Outdoor Adventure in the San Juan Mountains

Summer in Silverton is built for getting outside. The area is the gateway to the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway, a 65-mile network of high-clearance four-wheel-drive roads that climbs over 12,000-foot Engineer and Cinnamon passes, past the Animas Forks ghost town and some of the most dramatic scenery in the Rockies. If you'd rather leave the driving to an expert, guided jeep and off-road tours are one of the best ways to reach the old mining camps and alpine basins — a highlight for first-time visitors. San Juan Backcountry and Mild to Wild both run trips right out of the area, and OHV/ATV rentals are available in town.

Hikers have their pick of trailheads. The famous Ice Lakes Trail — roughly seven miles round-trip with 2,400 feet of gain — leads to a stunning turquoise alpine lake and is one of the most photographed hikes in Colorado. Ambitious trekkers can tackle nearby fourteeners like Handies Peak. For water lovers, the Upper Animas River delivers some of the most challenging Class II–V whitewater rafting in the state, launching right from Silverton. Round it out with fly fishing at Molas Lake, horseback riding with local outfitters, and primitive camping at South Mineral Creek or Molas Lake Park.

Mountain Biking at Baker's Park

One of Silverton's most exciting new draws is Baker's Park, a purpose-built trail system taking shape on the public BLM lands right at the edge of town. A landmark project from the Silverton Singletrack Society (in partnership with IMBA and local and federal agencies), it will eventually offer roughly 30 miles of multi-use, natural-surface singletrack for every ability level. The first 7-mile intermediate loop opened in fall 2024 and is free and open to all — mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers alike, with Class 1 e-bikes welcome. Expect manageable climbs, flowing descents, and sweeping views of Silverton and the surrounding San Juan peaks, with more miles being built through 2026. It's just minutes from Silverton Summit Retreat, so you can roll out for a morning ride or an evening walk straight from your basecamp.

Silverton also sits in the heart of one of the country's great mountain-biking regions. The peaks and mesas of Southwest Colorado draw riders from around the world, anchored by nearby Durango and Purgatory Resort just down U.S. 550. It's a scene so storied that Durango hosted the very first UCI Mountain Bike World Championships back in 1990 — and was chosen to bring the world's best riders back for the 2030 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships at Purgatory. Basing your trip in Silverton puts you right in the middle of it all.

Winter Sports & Snow Adventures

When the snow flies, Silverton becomes a serious playground. Silverton Mountain is unlike any other ski area in North America — a single lift accessing thousands of acres of steep, ungroomed, expert-only terrain, with guided, unguided, and heli-skiing options for advanced riders chasing untracked powder. For families and beginners, the town-run Kendall Mountain Recreation Area offers gentle beginner trails, tubing, and an outdoor ice rink right at the edge of downtown.

Silverton is also one of Colorado's premier snowmobiling destinations. Some of the deepest, most reliable snow in the state blankets a vast network of groomed trails and wide-open backcountry, drawing sledders from across Colorado. Guided snowmobile tours and rentals are available right in town for every experience level, from first-timers to seasoned backcountry riders — an easy, exhilarating way to explore the high country in winter. For skiers and riders who want untracked powder without the hike, snowcat skiing with Silverton Powdercats ferries small groups to thousands of acres of guided backcountry terrain. Beyond the lifts and trails, the San Juans are a backcountry-skiing haven, and world-famous ice climbing at the Ouray Ice Park is a scenic drive away over the Million Dollar Highway.

Mining History & Museums

Silverton's silver- and gold-mining roots are everywhere, and a few attractions bring that history to life. The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour takes you 1,600 feet inside Galena Mountain aboard a vintage mine train, with gold panning afterward — a favorite for all ages. Two miles from town, the Mayflower Gold Mill is a National Historic Landmark where you can walk through the original ore-processing machinery on a self-guided tour. Downtown, the San Juan County Historical Society Museum, housed in the old three-story county jail, tells the story of the mining era and the town's rowdy Blair Street heyday. For a short, rewarding walk, hike up to the Christ of the Mines Shrine, a 16-foot statue on Anvil Mountain with sweeping views over the valley.

Ride the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

No visit is complete without the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a coal-fired steam train that has run this spectacular route since 1882. The line winds 45 miles alongside the Animas River through wilderness you can't reach any other way, arriving right in downtown Silverton from roughly May through October. Many visitors ride up from Durango for the day, but staying in town lets you watch the train roll in and explore Silverton long after the day-trippers have headed back down the canyon.

Explore Historic Downtown Silverton

Silverton's compact downtown is made for wandering. Greene Street's brick storefronts and the notorious Blair Street — once lined with saloons and dance halls — are packed with local shops, galleries, and outfitters, anchored by the landmark Grand Imperial Hotel. When it's time to refuel, grab wood-fired pizza and a pint at Golden Block Brewery, or tacos and craft beer at Avalanche Brewing Company. Stop by the Silverton Visitor Center on Greene Street for trail conditions and local tips before you head out.

Scenic Drives: The Million Dollar Highway & Beyond

Some of the best sightseeing here happens from behind the wheel. The Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) climbs north from Silverton over 11,000-foot Red Mountain Pass to Ouray — a jaw-dropping stretch of the San Juan Skyway famous for its sheer drop-offs and old mining relics. Continue the loop through Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride for a full day of alpine scenery, or point east on the Alpine Loop toward Lake City. Ouray, the "Switzerland of America," and the college town of Durango both make excellent day trips.

Your Basecamp for a Silverton Adventure

Whatever draws you to the San Juans — powder days, jeep trails, mine tours, or simply the quiet of a genuine mountain town — Silverton Summit Retreat is the perfect home base. Our luxury four-bedroom home sleeps up to 10 just minutes from downtown, with room for the whole group to gather after a full day outside. Check availability and book your stay and start planning your Silverton adventure.