17 Best & Fun Things To Do In Silverton, CO
Are you planning a trip to Silverton, Colorado, and looking for fun activities to make your trip memorable? Look no further! You’re at the right place, as we’ll explore the 17 best and fun things to do in Silverton, CO, making your trip unforgettable.
Situated in the heart of the picturesque San Juan Mountains, between Red Mountain and Molas Pass, Silverton, Colorado, is a charming and historic town that beckons adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and steeped in history, Silverton offers an array of activities and attractions that make it a must-visit destination. Ride the Durango-Silverton Train, explore the Silverton Museum, visit a ghost town, and enjoy other unique attractions.
17 Best and Fun Things To Do In Silverton, CO (2024)
1. Explore Silverton’s Historic District
Begin your Silverton’s journey by engaging yourself in the town’s rich history in the historic district.
Situated at the center of the San Juan mining district, Silverton’s Historic District boasts stunning architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Take a walk through the historic district and admire the town’s colorful buildings and wooden storefronts, harkening back to its mining boom days.
Address: Silverton, CO, United States.
2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
One of the best things to do in Silverton is to experience the adventure of traveling aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Since 1882, this historic steam-powered or diesel locomotive train has been transporting passengers through the remote, scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest. It offers some of the most awe-inspiring views in Colorado.
As the train chugs along narrow tracks, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the San Juan Mountains, the Animas River, and cascading waterfalls.
Address: 479 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301, United States
3. San Juan County Historical Society Mining Heritage Center
Another interesting thing to do in Silverton is to step back in time at the San Juan Historical Society Mining Heritage Center, one of the finest mining museums in North America.
Located in a three-story, 14,000-square-foot mining heritage center, this museum showcases a wealth of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the town’s mining heritage.
The museum also interprets the local mining history, including realistic underground tunnels and machinery and numerous artifacts from Silverton’s colorful past.
Address:1557 Greene Street, Silverton, CO 81433, United States
4. Kendall Mountain Ski Area
One of the fun things to do in Silverton, CO, in the winter with family is to visit the Kendall Mountain Ski Area, one of the best destinations for a family ski vacation in Colorado.
Established in the early 1960s, the Kendall Mountain Ski Area offers numerous attractions, including mountain climbing, rafting, and skiing. Kendall Mountain’s base elevation stands at 9,000 feet and has 35 acres of skiable terrain in 11 runs.
This attraction is also ideal for beginner skiers and snowboarders of all ages, as well as families with kids.
Address: 1 Kendall Place, Silverton, CO 81433, United States
5. Silverton Mountain
Opened in 2002, Silverton Mountain is the ideal destination for advanced skiers and snowboarders. This ski area has one chairlift that carries visitors into its terrain.
Known for its challenging terrain and epic powder, this mountain offers an unparalleled winter experience. Avalanche gear, probe pole, and shovel are required to ride the lift at all times due to the unpatrolled and ungroomed nature of Silverton.
The mountain also has an additional 22,000 acres that are accessible by hiking and helicopter. Visitors can take guided tours as well as go heli-skiing in the ski area.
Address: 6226 State Hwy 110, Silverton, CO 81433, United States.
6. Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway, also known as U.S. Route 550, is a scenic and treacherous mountain road that connects Silverton to Ouray.
Originally hand-carved to transport ore to the railroad in Ouray, the highway was later widened and paved.
With stunning views of towering peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows, the highway is a popular destination for adventure seekers, road trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
As part of the free outdoor activities to do in Silverton, take a scenic drive through this highway and keep your camera handy, as there will be countless opportunities for awe-inspiring photos.
Address: Million Dollar Highway, US 550 between Ouray and Silverton, Ouray, CO 81427, United States
7. Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
Another adventurous thing to do in Silverton is to embark on the Old Hundred Gold Mone Tour. Located east of Silverton, this underground gold mine tour offers an authentic mine train that will take you into the heart of Gelena Mountain.
Visitors also get to learn about the history of the site and watch live mining equipment demonstrations. The veins of colorful minerals sparkle in the light of headlamps, amazing visitors.
You also get to explore the incredible 1904 Old Hundred Boarding House, located on a sheer cliff 2,000 feet above the mine.
Address: 721 County Road 4A, Silverton, CO 81433, United States
8. Ice Lake Trail
One of the fun things to do in Silverton, CO, for outdoor enthusiasts is to hike the Ice Lake Trail. Located just a few miles west of downtown Silverton, this trail traverses up into the San Juan Mountains and through fields of wildflowers.
The trail climbs about 3,000 feet of elevation in 3.75 miles, passing through two basins, each with its own ecosystem. This lake basin is surrounded by several peaks, which include Grant Peak, Fuller Peak, and Beatie Peak.
The trail concludes at Ice Lake, which is the bluest lake you will ever see. Keep in mind that, like most hikes departing from the Silverton area, the Ice Lake Trail is steep and rated as difficult.
Address: Silverton, CO, United States.
Are you exploring other attractions near Silverton? Why not check out some fun things to do in Silverthorne, CO, fun things to do in Frisco, CO, and fun things to do in Fort Collins, CO?
9. Middleton Motorsports
Located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, exploring Middleton Motorsports is one of the fun things to do in Silverton, CO, in the winter.
This family-owned and operated establishment specialises in renting motorised sport vehicles to visitors in order to explore the vast areas around Silverton. Middleton Motosports offers the following: snow bikes, side-by-side ATVs, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and motorcycles.
What’s more, they also provide specialised services to those with their own motorsport vehicles, such as pre-season inspections, tyre repair, summerization, winterization, tune-ups, and shaft drive fluid changes, among others.
Address: 3815 County Road 2, Silverton, CO 81433, United States
10. Glacier Club Golf Course
Located in Durango, CO, about 45 minutes from Silverton, booking a tee time at the Glacier Club Golf Course is one of the fun things to do near Silverton, CO, this weekend.
Nestled amid the San Juan Range, the Glacier Club is made up of the Mountain and Valley golf courses. The Valley Course is an 18-hole championship golf course that measures 6536 yards from the longest tees. The Mountain Course is an 18-hole golf championship that measures 7035 yards from the longest tees.
Beyond the two golf courses, Glacier Club features two clubhouses, three swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and casual and fine dining venues.
Address: 600 Glacier Club Drive, Durango, CO 81301, United States.
11. Animas Forks Ghost Town
Just a short drive from Silverton, stepping back in time at the well-preserved ghost town of Animas Forks is one of the unique things to do in Silverton, Colorado.
Established in the 1870s, the Animas Forks Ghost Town is located at 11,200 feet above sea level in the hills of the San Juan Mountains along the Alpine Loop and is one of the highest mining camps in North America.
As you wander through its eerie remains, you’ll gain insight into the hardships and isolation experienced by early miners and settlers.
Address: Silverton, CO, United States.
12. Pirates Backcountry Adventures
Another fun outdoor activity to do in Silverton, CO, in the summer is to explore the town’s backcountry with a side-by-side off-road vehicle at Pirates Backcountry Adventures.
This ATV rental and tour company takes visitors on excursions on the various San Juan County motorized trails, including the premier Alpine Loop.
Pirates Backcountry Adventures offers a full fleet of 2017 Polaris side-by-side, providing a first-class experience for all visitors as they explore the blue ribbon trails of the San Juan Mountains.
Address: 957 Greene Street, Silverton, CO 81433, United States
13. Silverton Farmers Market
If you’re visiting Silverton during the summer months, don’t miss the vibrant Silverton Farmers Market, which is held every Tuesday from July to September.
Located in downtown Silverton, this weekly market offers a delightful assortment of fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delectable treats.
The farmers market is the perfect place to connect with locals, sample regional flavors, and soak up the community atmosphere.
Address: 1200 Greene Street, CO 81433, United States.
14. Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater Rafting is one of the fun outdoor activities to do in Silverton, CO, in the summer. During this month, visitors can raft the Upper Animas River, one of the country’s most challenging routes.
To make the most of your visit, book single-day or multi-day adventures with Mild To Wild Rafting Tours. This company has professional guides that will guide you through Class II-V rapids on the banks of 14,000-foot San Juan peaks.
Address: 50 Animas View Drive, Durango, Colorado 81301
15. Avalanche Brewing Company
After a day of exploration, satisfy your thirst at the Avalanche Brewing Company, which brews its own Silverton and San Juan-inspired beer.
This local favorite offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can sample a variety of craft beers and take a bite. Their menu is comprised of wraps, tacos, salads, and both savory and sweet “Mountain Dots,” which are pizza dough balls covered in garlic butter and parmesan, or cinnamon sugar and butter.
Enjoy a pint or two while swapping stories with fellow travelers and locals.
Address: 1151 Greene Street, Silverton, CO 81433, United States
16. Soaring Tree Top Adventures
Just a short drive from Silverton, exploring the Soaring Tree Top Adventures is one of the unique things to do near Silverton, Colorado.
Located in Durango, Soaring Tree Top Adventures is rated one of the longest zip-line courses in the United States. Sprawling over 180 acres, this adventure is only accessible by train.
This adventure features 27 zip lines, ranging from 56 to 1499 feet long. The zipline soars over 1.5 miles through old-growth Ponderosa and Aspen forests and crisscrosses the Animas River.
Include the Soaring Tree Top Adventure on your bucket list of things to do in Silverton.
Address: 964 Co Road 200, Durango, CO 81301, United States
17. Go Fishing
One of the fun things to do in Silverton, CO, for outdoor enthusiasts is to go fishing in the calming waters of Silverton, which is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities.
Cast your line into nearby lakes and rivers, which are stocked with various trout species. The town-owned Molas Lake Park and Campgrounds is a popular spot for fishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, fishing in these pristine waters is a peaceful and rewarding activity.
Address: Silverton, CO, United States.
Plan Your Trip to Silverton, CO
Silverton, Colorado, is a destination that offers a world of adventure, history, and natural beauty. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and a wide range of activities, Silverton provides an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, a cultural journey, or a serene mountain escape, Silverton has it all. Plan your visit to this remarkable mountain town, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
