Silverton

How to Get There

From Durango (48 mi): Head north on Main Ave toward E 11th St. Continue straight to stay on Main Ave. Main Ave turns left and becomes E 14th St. Turn right onto US-550 N/N Main Ave. Continue straight onto State Hwy 110. Turn left onto W 12th St.

From Ouray (23 mi): Head south on US-550 S/3rd St/Main St toward 3rd St/Main St. Slight left onto Co Rd 2. Turn left onto Greene St. Turn left onto W 12th St.

Overview

Silverton is a former silver mining camp, most of which is now included in a federally designated National Historic Landmark District, the Silverton Historic District.

Silverton is linked to Durango by the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark. Silverton no longer has active mining, but subsists by tourism, maintenance of US 550 (which links Montrose with Durango via Silverton), mine pollution remediation, and retirees.

Charles Baker's group of prospectors found traces of placer gold in the San Juan Mountains in 1860 at Eureka, Colorado. The prospectors were forced out by the Ute Tribe in 1861, who had been awarded the area in a US treaty. The prospectors returned in 1871, when lode gold was found in the Little Giant vein at Arrastre Gulch. The miners were allowed to stay after the Brunot Treaty of 13 September 1873. In exchange for giving up four million acres (6,200 sq mi; 16,000 km2), the Southern Ute Indian Reservation received $25,000 per year (or about $534,000 per year today, adjusted for inflation).

In August 1873, George Howard and R. J. McNutt discovered the Sunnyside silver vein along Hurricane Peak. Gold was then discovered in 1882. The Sunnyside Mine was shut down after the 1929 stock market crash, but was acquired by Standard Metals Corp. in 1959, and reopened, finding gold in 1973 with the Little Mary vein. Half of Colorado's gold production in the 1970s came from the Sunnyside. Disaster occurred on 4 June 1978, when the water from Lake Emma collapsed a mine shaft (when miners weren't present), and then traveled quickly through the tunnels, finally shooting out of a portal along Cement Creek with a force that toppled a 20-ton locomotive. The mine reopened after two years, but was acquired by Echo Bay Mines in 1986, which operated the mine for another five years. The nearby Gold King mine breached and spilled into Cement Creek, causing the 2015 Gold King Mine waste water spill.

Things to Do

Explore a Historic Mining Town in the San Juan Mountains

Silverton is a National Historic Landmark District located high in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Originally founded during the Colorado mining boom, the town retains its Old West character with historic buildings, mountain scenery, museums, and outdoor recreation opportunities that attract visitors throughout the year.

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

One of Colorado's most famous attractions, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes passengers through spectacular mountain canyons, along the Animas River, and deep into the San Juan Mountains. The historic steam-powered train provides a memorable journey and a unique look at the region's mining heritage.

Discover Alpine Scenic Drives and Jeep Adventures

Silverton is a gateway to many of Colorado's most scenic mountain roads, including the legendary Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Visitors can explore historic mining districts, ghost towns, high mountain passes, alpine lakes, and breathtaking views by four-wheel-drive vehicle or guided tour.

Visit Historic Downtown Silverton

Downtown Silverton features well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, restaurants, shops, museums, and historic sites. Visitors can learn about the area's mining history while strolling along Greene Street and enjoying the authentic atmosphere of this mountain community.

Explore Ghost Towns and Mining History

The mountains surrounding Silverton are dotted with abandoned mines, historic structures, and ghost towns such as Animas Forks. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Colorado's early miners and settlers during the late nineteenth century.

Enjoy Outdoor Recreation Year-Round

From hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping in summer to snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, and winter photography, Silverton provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The surrounding San Juan Mountains are known for their rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, and dramatic alpine landscapes.

Top Trails

Ice Lakes Trail

Length: Approximately 8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous

One of Colorado's most famous hikes, Ice Lakes Trail climbs through forests, waterfalls, and wildflower-filled meadows before reaching brilliant turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by towering mountain peaks. The scenery is among the most spectacular in the state.

Highland Mary Lakes Trail

Length: Approximately 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

This beautiful alpine trail leads to a collection of pristine mountain lakes nestled among rolling tundra and rugged peaks. Wildflowers, wildlife viewing, and expansive mountain vistas make this one of the area's most popular hikes.

Colorado Trail to Molas Pass Overlook

Length: Approximately 3 to 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

Accessible from nearby Molas Pass, this section of the Colorado Trail offers stunning views of the Weminuche Wilderness, alpine meadows, and the San Juan Mountains. The route is popular with hikers, trail runners, and backpackers.

South Mineral Creek Falls Trail

Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

A short and family-friendly trail leads to scenic waterfalls surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. The area also provides access to nearby alpine lakes and popular camping destinations.

Sources: Silverton Chamber of Commerce and visitor resources, including information on historic downtown Silverton, the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, outdoor recreation, museums, and local attractions. https://www.silvertoncolorado.com/https://www.silvertoncolorado.com/
Additional information verified through Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad resources covering train excursions, regional history, and visitor experiences throughout the Animas River corridor. https://www.durangotrain.com/https://www.durangotrain.com/
Further trail and recreation information reviewed through San Juan National Forest resources covering Ice Lakes Trail, Highland Mary Lakes, Molas Pass, South Mineral Creek, wilderness access, and outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding Silverton. https://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuanhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Silverton, Colorado", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0