Summary:
Locals share where to stay, shop, and play in Silverton, Colorado.
Explore Silverton, Colorado
Silverton, Colorado is one of those rare places where mountain views greet you in every direction, and where everyone seems to be off climbing, skiing, hiking, or river rafting. Although its history is rooted in mining—gold and silver were discovered in this area in the late 19th century—Silverton is a true mountain town today, attracting people who genuinely love outdoor adventures.
Jen Brill, one of the founders of the local ski area Silverton Mountain, explained that “over 80% of the county that Silverton is in is public land.” This vast open space creates an ideal environment for outdoor activities. In summer, visitors can climb peaks, run mountain trails, float the river, or just enjoy the town’s Wild West vibe amidst cool high-elevation temperatures.
Winter brings a quieter atmosphere, yet it remains exciting. Instead of mega ski resorts with luxurious amenities, expect to find family-friendly skiing options like Kendall Mountain Ski Area, just blocks from downtown. Silverton Mountain offers thrilling experiences for extreme skiers with untracked heliskiing runs and controlled backcountry skiing. Josh Jespersen, a local guide, notes, “On top of the skiing, the ice climbing is absolutely world-class here. There are many backcountry, multi-pitch ice routes.”
No matter when you visit Silverton, anticipate an adventure-driven community. “You need to be an advanced hiker, biker, boater, skier, snowboarder, snowshoer, etc., to get around Silverton,” Brill mentioned. However, extreme sports are accessible to moderate or inexperienced athletes, thanks to available guided tours for activities like ice climbing and winter camping.
If you’re ready for an adventure—or simply want to soak up Silverton’s vibrant mountain-town culture—continue reading for an in-depth guide to this exciting destination.
Best Hotels & Resorts
The Wyman Hotel
If you seek the trendiest place to stay, look no further than The Wyman Hotel. This unique property showcases mid-century modern design, a lively lobby bar, and 15 exquisitely crafted rooms featuring mountain views. More importantly, the hotel resides in a historic 1902 landmark building that once housed a gas station and mercantile, offering a rare blend of history and modern luxury.
Grand Imperial Hotel
Known locally as “The Grand,” the Grand Imperial Hotel has been a Silverton fixture since the 1880s. Its walls display historic black-and-white photographs, while the Victorian décor features intricately carved wooden furniture, rich textiles, and elegant wainscotting. Located on Main Street, most rooms offer breathtaking mountain views—some even feature vintage claw-foot tubs for a touch of luxury.
Villa Dallavalle Historic Inn
Don’t overlook Villa Dallavalle, tucked behind a simple facade off the main thoroughfare. This inn, the longest family-run business in Silverton, has just introduced the Wildcrafter Spa, featuring a sauna, steam room, and jetted tubs. Offering a quaint European vibe, each uniquely decorated room reflects the history of the Dallavalle family, who immigrated from Tyrol, Italy.
Best Things to Do
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
During the summer, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the main attraction, arriving in Silverton from Durango daily around noon. This historic train, running since 1882, carries passengers through stunning mountainous landscapes and alongside the Animas River. The ride takes 3.5 hours and is a must for anyone interested in historic railways and scenic vistas.
In typical adventurous Silverton fashion, Jespersen points out that you can arrange for the train to drop you off midway, offering a chance for outdoor exploration. “Nowhere else in the state can you take a narrow-gauge railroad and be dropped off in the wild to go hiking, climbing, and skiing,” he noted.
Kendall Mountain Ski Area
If you’re intimidated by climbing and rafting, don’t worry. Kendall Mountain Ski Area provides a more relaxed experience with one chairlift, a sledding hill, and an ice rink. The lodge serves as the heart of this fun-filled destination, offering warmth and refreshments to visitors.
Ice Lake Trail
Located just a few miles west of downtown Silverton, the Ice Lake Trail traverses the San Juan Mountains, showcasing vibrant fields of wildflowers. This challenging 3.4-mile, one-way hike culminates at Ice Lake, a stunning blue-green alpine body of water. Take a refreshing dip before descending, but remember that this steep trail is rated as difficult.
Silverton Mountain
The extreme skiing experience at Silverton Mountain is unmatched, offering both guided and unguided options for skiers and snowboarders. Participants adventure to the ridge via a chairlift and can choose between exciting options like heliskiing or hiking to find fresh powder. Due to its popularity, the mountain is adding a second chairlift, anticipated to operate during the upcoming winter season.
Stairway to Heaven
For ice climbing enthusiasts, arranging a guided adventure on the Stairway to Heaven multi-pitch route in the Silverton backcountry is a must. Jespersen praises the climb as “world-class” with exceptional scenery.
Million Dollar Highway
No visit to Silverton is complete without driving the Million Dollar Highway, a scenic 23-mile route that connects Silverton and Ouray through the stunning Red Mountain Pass. The construction cost of this remarkable highway was a staggering million dollars per mile, resulting in breathtaking vistas and steep dropoffs. Expect the drive to last about an hour, and allocate time to explore Ouray, Silverton’s picturesque sister city.
Best Shopping
White Eyes Gallery
For authentic Indigenous art, visit White Eyes Gallery. This charming gallery showcases a wonderful selection of Native-made art, including pottery, paintings, and jewelry.
Silverton Train Store
As evidenced by its name, the Silverton Train Store specializes in all things locomotive. Featuring railroad art by Herschel Lee Scott, III “Scotty,” the shop boasts numerous prints celebrating the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Fetch’s Mining & Mercantile
Starcevic/Getty Images
If you’re in the market for souvenirs or just want to experience “Silverton’s friendliest gift shop,” head to Fetch’s. Here, you’ll find mugs, magnets, T-shirts, local literature, and engaging conversation. One delighted repeat visitor shared, “We have been coming in to Fetch’s for over 25 years. He is a part of our family vacation every year; he has watched our children grow up and is now watching our grandchildren grow up.”
Nightlife
Columbine Roadhouse
Silverton may be a small town, but after a day of outdoor adventures, locals enjoy unwinding. For lively entertainment and a wide drink selection, Columbine Roadhouse offers summer live music and a scenic outdoor bar surrounded by mountains.
Best Restaurants
Coffee Bear
The Coffee Bear is the ultimate breakfast destination. Early risers grab coffee and breakfast burritos or swing by after their outdoor excursions. Both Brill and Jespersen agree that Coffee Bear is renowned for consistent quality and service, particularly for a remote mountain town.
Avalanche Brewing Company
For arguably the best pizza in town, visit Avalanche Brewing Company, which also brews their own beer inspired by Silverton and the San Juan region. Their menu includes wraps, tacos, salads, and sweet or savory “Mountain Dots,” a delightful treat featuring garlic butter and parmesan or cinnamon sugar.
Kendall Mountain Café
Kendall Mountain Café is a favorite spot for delicious diner-style meals. With hearty portions and reasonable prices, this quaint red house nestled among trees provides a lovely setting complete with summer outdoor seating.
Best Time To Visit
Most travelers find the ideal time to visit Silverton is between June and October, when outdoor activities abound—hiking, biking, fishing, Jeep tours, and train rides are plentiful, and local businesses are in full swing. Although winter is considered the off-season, it’s perfect for skiing and ice climbing enthusiasts.
Both Brill and Jespersen advocate for winter as the best season in Silverton with its reliable snowy conditions. Many winter residents have settled here over the years due to its reputation as a skiing haven. Brill also mentions the availability of lodging discounts during winter months.
How to Get There
The most convenient way to reach Silverton is by driving or flying into nearby airport hubs—Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) or Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)—and then renting a car. Both airports are approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Silverton, although you will need to cross a mountain pass. Be prepared for potentially challenging driving conditions, especially during winter. Typically, the route from Durango to Silverton poses fewer hazards than the Montrose route, which involves traversing Red Mountain Pass on the Million Dollar Highway. In summer, consider flying into Durango and then taking the scenic train ride to Silverton.
How to Get Around
There are no public transportation options or ride-share services available in Silverton. To explore the town and its surroundings, renting a car is necessary. However, visitors can easily walk, bike, or even ski around town to enjoy the stunning views.
