Overview
Silverton, Colorado, perched at a lung-busting 9,318 feet in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, is a living, breathing relic of the Wild West, where time seems to have stopped dead in its 1880s tracks. This remote mining town, with a hardy population of just 622, once boomed with over 3,000 souls during its silver and gold heyday, fueled by the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in 1882. Today, it's a National Historic Landmark District, drawing over 250,000 visitors yearly, many arriving via the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – a steam-powered journey through rugged, breathtaking canyons. Tucked 50 miles north of Durango and 23 miles south of Ouray along the legendary Million Dollar Highway, Silverton's Victorian streets, scattering of abandoned mines, and towering "thirteener" peaks offer a hauntingly beautiful and authentically gritty escape. It's an offbeat adventurer's dream, blending raw history, stunning isolation, and hardcore alpine splendor.
Top Attractions (Where the Wild West Still Echoes!)
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The main event! A 3.5-hour, 45-mile steam train ride from Durango, weaving through cliffs and forests. Operating since 1882, it's part transport, part time machine.
Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
(5 miles E) A 1-hour underground adventure! Ride a vintage mine train 1/3 mile into Galena Mountain and try your hand at panning for gold afterward.
Silverton Historic District
Stroll Greene Street's Victorian storefronts and Notorious Blair Street's (once a raucous red-light district) saloons. Frozen in time since the 1880s silver boom.
Animas Forks Ghost Town
(12 miles NE) A high-altitude (11,200 feet!) mining relic with 9 preserved buildings. A rugged 4WD adventure to a hauntingly beautiful, windswept site.
Million Dollar Highway (San Juan Skyway)
Take the breathtaking 25-mile scenic drive towards Ouray, featuring hairpin turns, sheer drop-offs, and stunning views of Red Mountain's rust-hued peaks.
Silverton Mountain
(25 miles N) Expert-only, unadulterated, ungroomed skiing and snowboarding on 1,819 acres. Offers 36,000+ vertical feet of backcountry thrills. Not for the faint of heart!
Unique Stories & Facts (Silver, Flu & Cinematic Fame!)
- Silver Crash Survivor: When the silver market crashed in 1893, many Colorado mining towns dried up. Silverton, ever resilient, pivoted to gold mining, peaking at $1 million in gold production by 1898!
- Spanish Flu Devastation: Tragically, in 1918, Silverton lost over 10% of its population (246 people) to the Spanish Flu pandemic, marking one of America's highest mortality rates from the outbreak.
- The Lake Emma Disaster: On June 4, 1978, Lake Emma, high above the Sunnyside Mine, burst its natural dam and flooded the mine workings below, blasting water with enough force to topple a 20-ton locomotive. Miraculously, no one was injured as it was a Sunday.
- Hollywood's Go-To Western Backdrop: The iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the rugged San Juan scenery have starred in numerous Westerns, including "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969), cementing Silverton's cinematic legacy.
Best Travel Seasons (When to Strike Gold in Silverton!)
Spring (Mar-May)
Cool and awakening (30-55°F). Snowmelt reveals trails, and the historic mine tours are less crowded. Some high-country roads may still be closed.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Mild and magnificent (60-75°F). Peak season for the Durango & Silverton train, alpine wildflower blooms, and all outdoor adventures. It's busy, so book lodging and tours early!
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Crisp and stunning (25-60°F). The golden aspens blaze across the San Juans, making for perfect Million Dollar Highway drives and photography. Fewer crowds than summer.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold and snowy (-5-35°F). Deep snow transforms Silverton Mountain into an expert skier's paradise. The train runs a shorter Cascade Canyon route. Very quiet and picturesque.
Popular Activities (Rails, Trails & Mining Tales!)
- Ride the Rails on the Durango & Silverton: Take the breathtaking 7-hour round-trip steam train journey from Durango, or opt for a shorter trip. Open-air gondola cars offer incredible canyon views. (Book at durangotrain.com).
- Explore the Old Hundred Gold Mine: Go 1/3 mile underground on a vintage mine train, learn about historic mining techniques, and try your hand at panning for gold and silver. ($25/adult).
- Hike to Ice Lake Basin: A challenging but rewarding 7-mile round-trip hike (5 miles west of town) leading to stunning turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks.
- Jeep Tours to Ghost Towns: Bounce along rugged 4WD roads with San Juan Backcountry to explore high-altitude ghost towns like Animas Forks and learn about the region's mining history.
- Expert Skiing at Silverton Mountain: For advanced skiers and snowboarders only! Tackle steep, ungroomed, and wild terrain with guided or unguided options, including heli-skiing. (Lift tickets from $99).
- Historic Walk Down Notorious Blair Street: Wander down Silverton's infamous street, once home to over 40 saloons, gambling halls, and brothels. The ghost stories and historic building facades still linger.
Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)
Your Best Gamble is on Striking Gold (Metaphorically!):** Silverton's rugged, remote charm and historic focus mean there are NO casinos within a 30-mile radius. This town is all about high-altitude adventure and Old West history, not slot machines. The closest significant gaming option is the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio, about 75 miles south (near Durango).
Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles - San Juan Surprises!)
Pinkerton Hot Springs
(15 miles S, on Hwy 550) A quirky, man-made rock pile with naturally hot (95°F), mineral-rich water steaming out. A bizarre and colorful roadside photo op, not for soaking.
Honeyville Store & Bear Statue
(15 miles S, near Durango) Famous for its local honey and homemade jams. Outside, a giant carved bear statue holding a honey pot makes for a sweet, quirky photo.
Mayflower Gold Mill (National Historic Landmark)
(5 miles SW) A remarkably preserved 1929 gold rush era ore processing mill. Self-guided or guided tours reveal the gritty vintage machinery and mining history.
Red Mountain Pass Mining Ruins
(10 miles N, on Million Dollar Hwy) Scattered, eerie remnants of historic mining operations and ghost towns like the National Belle Mine cling to the rust-colored slopes. Pull over and ponder!
Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles - Ghosts of the Gold Rush!)
- Grand Imperial Hotel (Silverton):** Built in 1883, this historic hotel is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Guests and staff report ghostly footsteps, disembodied voices, and the apparition of a "lady in white" in the Gold King Dining Room.
- Wyman Hotel (Silverton):** This beautifully restored 1902 inn is said to be haunted by the spirits of miners who once lodged there. Reports include doors slamming shut on their own and shadowy figures flickering in Room 10.
- Animas Forks Ghost Town (12 miles NE):** The isolation and preserved (but decaying) cabins of this high-altitude ghost town are inherently eerie. Locals tell tales of miners lost to avalanches whose spirits still wander the empty buildings, especially at dusk.
- Silverton Cemetery (Silverton):** Like many old mining town cemeteries, Silverton's holds countless stories of hardship and untimely deaths. Some visitors report feeling watched or hearing unexplained sounds among the historic headstones.
Local Events & Festivals (High Country Celebrations!)
- Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run (July 11-13, 2025):** Watch (or be inspired by!) ultra-runners tackling one of the world's most grueling 100-mile races through the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Spectators welcome at aid stations.
- Silverton Jubilee Folk Music Festival (August 2-3, 2025):** Enjoy live music from local and regional folk artists, an arts and crafts fair, and mining heritage demonstrations. A celebration of Silverton's small-town charm.
- Silverton Skijoring (February 15-16, 2025):** A wild and uniquely Western winter event where horses pull skiers down a snow-covered Greene Street at high speeds, navigating jumps and gates. Pure adrenaline!
- Fourth of July Celebration (July 4, 2025):** Silverton's biggest bash! Expect a classic small-town parade, incredible fireworks display against the mountain backdrop, live music, and quirky contests like rhubarb pie eating.
Lodging Options (From Victorian Grandeur to Lakeside Camping)
Luxury-ish: Grand Imperial Hotel
Victorian elegance since 1883! Brass beds, antique furnishings, and maybe even a friendly ghost. (From $180/night).
Mid-Range: The Wyman Hotel
A cozy and beautifully renovated historic inn offering modern comforts with a nod to its 1902 past. (From $120/night).
Budget: Teller House
Simple, historic rooms in an 1896 former boarding house. Basic, but full of character and affordable. (From $85/night).
Camping: Molas Lake Campground
(10 miles S) Stunning lakeside campsites with breathtaking mountain views and access to hiking trails. (From $20/night).
Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights – Mining Town Munchies & Mountain Brews!)
The Pickle Barrel
A Silverton institution! Famous for its elk burgers, homemade pickles, and quirky, old saloon atmosphere right on Greene Street.
Natalia's 1912 Restaurant
Hearty and delicious! Known for its green chile stew, homemade pies, and welcoming, family-run vibe since 1978.
Avalanche Brewing Company
Craft beers brewed on-site, delicious bison sliders, and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere perfect for post-adventure refueling.
The French Bakery (Kendall Mtn Cafe)
Fuel up for a day in the mountains with classic mining camp style breakfasts, fresh pastries, and strong coffee.
Travel Tips
- What to Pack (July 2025): Layers are essential for San Juan Mountain summers (temps 40-75°F)! Sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sun hat, and a good camera. Book train tickets (durangotrain.com) and Jeep tours (sanjuanbackcountry.com) WELL in advance!
- Safety First, Mountaineer!: Altitude sickness is real at 9,318 feet. Acclimatize slowly, hydrate well, and know the symptoms. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains. If exploring old mines, NEVER enter unstable structures.
- Accessibility: Silverton's historic Greene Street is mostly flat and walkable, though some boardwalks are uneven. The Grand Imperial Hotel has some accessible rooms (call 970-387-5654). Mine tours and most trails involve rugged terrain and are not wheelchair accessible.
- 4WD for Ghost Towns: Roads to Animas Forks and other high-altitude ghost towns are rough and often require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Consider a guided Jeep tour if you're not experienced.
Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles (More San Juan Splendor!)
- Animas Forks Ghost Town (12 miles NE):** A must-see high-altitude (11,200 ft) mining camp with several well-preserved buildings. A true adventure via rugged 4WD road.
- Red Mountain Pass (10 miles N on Million Dollar Highway):** A dramatic mountain pass (11,018 ft) offering stunning views of rust-colored peaks and numerous abandoned mine sites to explore (carefully!).
- Molas Lake Park & Campground (10 miles S):** A beautiful alpine lake perfect for fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and camping, with breathtaking views of the surrounding San Juan peaks.
- Ice Lake Basin Trailhead (5 miles W):** Starting point for one of the most spectacular (and strenuous) hikes in the San Juans, leading to vibrant turquoise alpine lakes.
Recommended Duration of Stay
3-4 Days: The Full Silverton Immersion!** This gives you enough time to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, take an underground mine tour, explore a high-altitude ghost town like Animas Forks (weather/road permitting), drive a portion of the Million Dollar Highway, and soak in the historic downtown atmosphere. Perfect for history buffs and mountain adventurers.
Target Travelers
- History Buffs & Old West Aficionados: Victorian architecture, authentic mining history, steam trains, and notorious old saloons make this a dream destination.
- Adventure Seekers & Mountain Mavericks: Extreme skiing at Silverton Mountain, rugged 4WD tours to ghost towns, and challenging alpine hikes offer plenty of thrills.
- Families Looking for Unique Experiences: The scenic train ride, panning for gold at a mine tour, and exploring easy trails around Molas Lake provide fun for all ages.
- Photographers & Nature Lovers: The stunning San Juan Mountain scenery, historic streetscapes, vibrant fall colors, and dramatic alpine landscapes are a visual feast.
- Offbeat Road Trippers: Silverton's remote location, quirky charm, and access to the legendary Million Dollar Highway make it an unforgettable stop.
Destination Joke
Because there's always another vein to complain about, and the saloon stories are gold!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
"Silverton: Mining Gold & Memories in the San Juans!" - Your audio ticket to this historic mountain town!
Your Silverton, CO Dane D Blaze High-Altitude Handbook!
Ready to strike gold in Colorado's most authentic mining town? This ebook is your treasure map to Silverton's best historic haunts, epic train rides, ghost town adventures, Million Dollar Highway secrets, and where to find the heartiest grub after a day at 9,318 feet!
Ebook Coming Soon!What Kind of Silverton Prospector Are You?
Answer these to find your San Juan spirit!
History Buffs & Families will love the train, Adventure Seekers will hit the ghost towns and ski slopes!
Nature Lovers and Hikers will aim for Ice Lake, while History Explorers and Adventure Seekers will delve into the Old Hundred Mine!
Nature Lovers and Photographers will cruise the Million Dollar Highway, while Off-Road Adventurers will tackle the trail to Animas Forks!
You're all about that rugged history, those high-altitude relics, and the adrenaline rush of reaching places few dare to tread. Animas Forks and the surrounding ghost towns are your playground!