Today, the 700-resident town of Silverton is known for its backcountry skiing, heritage tourism and off-roading. That said, it was once a rowdy commercial and social hub for the surrounding mining camps, earning a reputation for its rambunctious atmosphere in remote Colorado.

History:

According to the Silverton, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Charles Baker and a group of prospectors made their way into the San Juan Mountains in 1860, searching to make their fortunes. They found gold and silver deposits along the Animas River. However, they returned to New Mexico for the winter. Miners didn’t return until the early 1870s, when nearly 1,000 prospectors traveled into the mountains. Although the Ute protested their arrival, miners and settlers continued into the area over Stony Pass.

Silverton developed quickly in 1874, and served as the hub of numerous mining camps in the surrounding area. The inaugural train from Durango, which was operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, got to Silverton in July 1882. Silverton’s population then increased to 2,000 by 1883, with 400 buildings, including two banks, five laundries, 29 saloons, hotels and what became known as the “notorious red-light district” of Blair Street.

The town soon gained its reputation, with gambling and prostitution “somewhat tolerated” if kept contained in certain areas (although fines were imposed).

Mining operations in the town ended in the early 1990s because of a “sluggish market and decreased demand.” Today, the town has turned to tourism and an active lifestyle, with its scenic mountain setting drawing thousands of visitors annually. Silverton is also becoming a family-friendly community, with excellent schools, “catering to outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers.”

Outdoor recreation:

Silverton Mountain Ski Area – North America’s highest and steepest ski area, featuring guided and unguided skiing, heli-skiing and zero groomed trails.

Kendall Mountain Ski Area – a smaller-scale, family-friendly ski area also located in Silverton.

Alpine Loop Back Country Byway – this is a rugged 4×4 road that goes through the San Juan Mountains. It connects Lake City, Silverton and Ouray and showcases old mines, ghost towns, wildflowers, wildlife and more.

Colorado Trail – Silverton is a gateway to this famous trail.

Ice Lake Trail – this is a popular hike that leads to a high-alpine basin in the San Juan National Forest with a turquoise blue lake. The round trip distance is about seven miles.

Upper Animas River – offers exciting whitewater rafting.

Culture:

San Juan County Historical Society – housed in the original 1902 County Jail and the Mining Heritage Center, this organization preserves Silverton’s history.

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour – takes visitors 1/3 mile into the 13,000-foot Galena Mountain where you can see what mining was like.

Animas Forks Ghost Town – located on the Alpine Loop, there is a trail near Silverton that is 12.3 miles and leads to Animas Forks.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – enjoy views of the San Juan National Forest on this historic train ride.

Grand Imperial Hotel – built in 1882, stepping into this hotel feels like walking into a time machine.

Silverton Creates! Maker’s Market & Music Fest – held in September, this “celebration of creativity at altitude” features local and regional artists and craftspeople, hands-on activities, food trucks and a musical lineup.

First Friday Art Walk – taking place on the first Fridays of June, July, August and September, more than a dozen shops and galleries host an evening filled with art demonstrations, kids activities, live music, shopping and refreshments and a new theme each month.

Dining:

Handlebars Food & Saloon – this family-friendly American restaurant serves up steaks, ribs, burgers and more among unique Western decor.

Lacey Rose Saloon – located in the historic Grand Imperial Hotel, this spot offers visitors a chance to step back in time to the Old West.

Kendall Mountain Cafe – this hidden treasure offers good homestyle food.

The Eureka Station – this casual, rustic restaurant offers American fare.

Lodging:

The Wyman Hotel – this hotel offers a modern contrast to Silverton’s rugged, Wild West charm, with the amenities of an urban boutique hotel.

The Avon – this historic hotel was built in 1904, renovated in the 70s, updated in 2017 and offers a live music venue, bar and cafe.

Grand Imperial Hotel – often referred to as the “crown jewel of Silverton” this hotel offers a taste of history, authentic period decor and much more.

Teller House Hotel – as another historic hotel, this spot continues to offer an experience reminiscent of its original owner’s vision.

The Animas B&B at the Wingate House – this bed-and-breakfast offers restored Victorian rooms that “blend modern comfort with timeless elegance.”

The Alma House Inn – another bed-and-breakfast, this historic spot is located in the heart of Silverton.

Getting there:

According to Google Maps, it takes about six hours and 15 minutes to drive from Denver to Silverton.

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