The charming Rocky Mountain town of Silverton is on most visitors bucket list for one reason: the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad!
But Silverton offers so much more than the scenic route: you will find oodles of history and charm, scenic hikes, water activities on the Animas River and more in this former mining town.
Fun fact – Silverton once produced millions of dollars in silver, gold, and other minerals.
Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Silverton, Colorado to enjoy on your next visit.
Also Read: Southwest Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Silverton is pretty small but hidden underneath its size lies a ton of attractions – both urban as well as outdoors!
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Juan mountains from the famous railroad or enjoy the hiking and biking routes crisscrossing the area.
Fish in the Animas River, enjoy a picnic by the lakes, or find your favorite spot in cozy downtown.
Go down an old mine or buy unique souvenirs or eat a funnel cake!
Here are the best things to do in Silverton, Colorado with your family.
Take a stroll in Downtown Silverton
Located at an elevation of almost 9318 feet in the Animas River valley, Silverton is one of the highest towns in America.
It is also the county seat of San Juan county.
In spite of its remote location, downtown Silverton is full of charming buildings that date back to the days of the Wild West.
Almost all of downtown is preserved as a National Historic Landmark District and you will find the historic buildings in excellent condition.
Downtown Silverton is lively and walkable, full of charming shops and incredible mountain views.
Most of it is centered around Greene Street, the Main Street and lifeline of Silverton.
Popular buildings include San Juan County Courthouse, Silverton City Hall, Grand Imperial Hotel, and the San Juan County Jail building.
Be sure to step inside the lobby of the Grand Imperial Hotel for its vintage furnishings and fixtures from the rich days.
On the other side, you will find the Notorious Blair Street – which was a haven for saloons and gun fights!
The area is also great for shopping for knick-knacks like souvenirs, train toys, Native American jewelry, antiques, and specialty stores.
Try the funnel cakes at Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory
Funnel cakes are a classic American dessert and if you’re in Silverton, then the Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory is your must-visit spot.
These delicious treats come loaded with fresh strawberry topping or powdered sugar and are served hot – so good!
However, what the shop specializes in is unique flavors and twists such as pineapple upside down and raspberry truffle.
You will also get ice cream and other treats here.
Go beer tasting at Avalanche Brewing Company
Silverton is home to the Avalanche Brewing Company, a locally owned and operated brew house.
The brewery offers delicious craft beers – there are seasonal specialties like pumpkin ale, Oktoberfest lager and other experimental flavors.
The brewery offers a taproom and full bar with pizzas, tacos, flatbreads, wings, and more for the hungry visitors.
The bar also hosts live music on Saturday nights!
Drive the famous Million Dollar Highway
Silverton is located an hour north of Durango on Highway 550, built by the Colorado entrepreneur Otto Mears.
The highway also goes all the way from Silverton to Ouray, known as the Switzerland of America, and is worth the trip.
This ridiculously scenic stretch of the road is called the Million Dollar Highway, legend says because of its too expensive construction cost through the mountain ranges.
We don’t know about that but the views are definitely worth a million dollars!
Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray is quite steep with no guardrails and the drive is a thrilling adventure – especially near the Red Mountain Pass!
It is about 25 miles long and takes about an hour to drive because of all the hairpin turns and twists.
Roadside attractions include waterfalls, alpine lakes, mountain passes, historic sites, and wildlife encounters.
The road looks most scenic in fall when the vibrant foliage colors the mountain sides.
Ride the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
No visit to Silverton is complete without a ride on the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
This historic railway has been running for over 125 years, since 1882!
It runs from Durango to Silverton in about three-and-a-half hours through some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado.
The train is powered by a vintage steam locomotive and takes passengers through the San Juan National Forest, over high mountain bridges, past waterfalls and streams, and through canyons.
It is an incredible experience that will give you memories to last for a lifetime.
Even if you don’t ride the train, you will see the steam engine rolling in, a photographer’s delight!
Learn about mining on the Old Hundred Gold Mine tour
The Old Hundred Gold Mine is a real gold mine located eight miles north of Silverton.
It has been in operation since the late 1800s and offers both surface and underground attractions.
On the grounds, you can learn about mining methods used by miners over a century ago as well as how to pan for gold.
Going underground is a fun adventure; you explore different levels in the mine, learn about mining works and ore processing.
The tour is via the mine train that takes you deep underground the Galena mountain, where the mine is located.
You can actually see gold veins shining in the rocks – a unique experience!
The tour also includes small-scale demonstrations of some historic equipment such as drills and air compressors.
The tour is a great educational experience for adults and children alike.
Go on a tour of the Mayflower Gold Mill
The Mayflower Gold Mill is an old-fashioned, working gold mill that has been remodeled into a museum.
It is the only remaining stamp mill in San Juan County and offers guided tours to learn about geology and mining techniques as well as the ore processing steps.
You can also see real artifacts and tools that were used by miners over a century ago on a self-guided tour.
The Mayflower Gold mill is an excellent companion tour to the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour and helps visitors understand the entire mining process.
See the exhibits at the San Juan Mining Heritage Center
San Juan County Historical Society Museum, also known as the San Juan Mining Heritage Center, is located at the foot of the western slope of the San Juan Mountains, just outside Silverton.
The museum offers a wide range of exhibits that tell the story of mining and its impact on the community.
You can see artifacts from different periods in history such as tools used by miners to process ore, photographs, and documents related to mining operations in the area.
You will also see other historical relics including stagecoaches, railroad artifacts, and more.
The County Jail is also a part of the museum complex.
The museum is great for kids and adults to explore mining history and its influence on Colorado life.
Visit the Christ of Mines Shrine
Tucked away in the rugged mountains of Silverton, Colorado stands one of the most unique shrines in the world – the Christ of Mines Shrine.
This impressive monument stands 16 feet tall, with outstretched arms that seem to beckon visitors from miles away.
Built in 1959 by mineworkers as a symbol of hope and prosperity, the Christ of Mines Shrine seems to loom above the town itself.
The monument is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and pine trees and is worth a visit.
See the Hillside Cemetery
Silverton’s Hillside Cemetery was established in 1882 and is the final resting place of many early pioneers.
The cemetery also has several notable graves, including those of Otto Mears and his family.
It also contains a variety of other unique gravestones, monuments, and sculptures that tell a story about the history of the area.
The cemetery offers a peaceful setting with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
It’s a great place to take a walk and learn about the history of Silverton and the lives of its early settlers.
Go off roading with Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures
Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures offers guided off-roading tours in the San Juan Mountains.
The company has a fleet of custom-built Jeeps that are capable of handling any terrain, from beginner to expert.
You can choose from half-day and full-day trips as well as multi-day expeditions.
These off-road tours are a great way to get off the beaten path and explore the mountains that surround Silverton.
Visit the ghost town of Animas Forks
Animas Forks is an abandoned mining town near Silverton, CO.
The town was founded in 1873 and quickly grew to become one of the largest towns in the San Juan Mountains.
The town flourished until the 1920s when mining operations moved out of the area.
Today, Animas Forks is a ghost town with most buildings still standing; it has been preserved as an historic site since 1971.
Visitors can explore the town and learn about its history.
It is a great way to experience what life was like in the Old West.
The Alpine Loop Road, an unpaved gravel road, connects Animas Forks with Silverton.
Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at Kendall Mountain Recreation Area
Kendall Mountain Ski Area is located just outside of Silverton and offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing.
The ski area has six lifts, a terrain park, and 50 trails serviced by 21 runs.
It is perfect for beginner skiers as well as more experienced ones looking for a challenge.
Kendall Mountain also offers tubing, which is great fun for the whole family!
Hit the slopes at Silverton Mountain Ski Area
Silverton Mountain is the highest ski area in America with an elevation of 13,487 feet!
It offers advanced and extreme skiing on some of the most challenging terrain in the country.
The ski area has only two lifts but they access over thousand acres of expert-level terrain with ungroomed trails that will take your breath away!
Silverton Mountain is a great place for experienced skiers looking for an exciting adventure in southwestern Colorado.
Admire the views from Molas Pass
Molas Pass is located just outside of Silverton and is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado.
It offers incredible views of the San Juan Mountains and it is a great place to take photos or simply admire nature’s beauty.
The road winds through several switchbacks as it climbs up to 10,910 feet so make sure you pack some warm clothes.
It is a great way to spend the day exploring the mountains around Silverton!
Hike up to Molas Lake
Molas Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located at the base of Molas Pass.
The hike to the lake is a mile long and takes under two hours; it is suitable for all skill levels.
The views from the top are breathtaking and you can also fish or camp at the lake if you want to spend some time there.
It’s a great way to experience the beauty of nature near Silverton!
Climb up to the stunning blue Island Lake
Island Lake, located in the San Juan National Forest, is one of Colorado’s gems.
The hike via Ice Lake trail is quite challenging but rewarding.
Island and Ice lakes trail is located near Silverton, and offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys.
The trail is 8 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,585 feet so make sure to wear good hiking shoes.
Once at the top you will be amazed by picturesque Island Lake that reflects all the colors around it.
It’s a great place for hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers.
Drive the stunning San Juan skyway
The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop that winds through the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, CO.
It offers breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, canyons and other natural wonders as you drive along the winding roads.
Along the way, you will see attractions like the historic mining town of Ridgway, enchanting Telluride, and cascading waterfalls near Ouray.
The San Juan Skyway is a great way to explore and admire the beauty of San Juan National Forest.
Drive the Alpine Loop Road
Driving the Alpine Loop Road in San Juan mountains is an incredible experience.
The 65-mile loop takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Colorado, including the historic mining towns of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray.
The road is an unpaved gravel road that easily takes 7 to 8 hours to drive with a high clearance vehicle.
While the road conditions can be challenging at times, the breathtaking views and stunning peaks make it all worth it.
You’ll discover cascading waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers as you wind your way through the remote mountain passes.
Silverton is always a great place to visit, no matter the weather.
Soak in the Wild Western character and hike amongst the wildflowers in the Rockies. Ski in the winter or tour a gold mine in the long days of summer.
From the saloons and stores on Main Street to the fishing and tubing on the river, Silverton has enough to keep you busy for a week!
Sip hot chocolate after a day of skiing in the mountains and enjoy the amazing drops that make the ski resorts popular.
What are your favorite things to do in Silverton, Colorado? Let us know below.
