The 23 Best Things to Do in Silverton
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Winter Activities | Food & Drink | Summer Activities
I’m a Colorado local and in this guide, I overview the absolute best things to do in Silverton!
Silverton occupies less than one square mile, but the town and surrounding San Juan Mountains offer plenty to explore. This round-up features year-round outdoor recreation, historic sites, and a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss!
With so much to do, you’ll want at least a couple of days in this exciting destination. See my list of the top places to stay in Silverton for more insights!
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Best Things to Do in Silverton
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Tour
Climb aboard for family fun!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 872-4607 | Website | Silverton Train Hours: Seasonal, May 3 – November 1, 2025 | Entrance: $109+ adults, $99+ youth ages 4 – 11, free under 4
The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions. This steam-powered locomotive travels along the same tracks once used to transport mined ore.
Now, tourists board vintage cars to witness spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. Though excursions are available year-round, the round-trip Silverton train operates seasonally from May to November. Its breathtaking scenery makes it one of the best train rides in Colorado!
Silverton Mountain Ski Area
Ski backcountry powder.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 387-5706 | Website | Seasonal Hours: 9 am – 3 pm Thurs – Sun, Closed Mon – Wed
Expert and advanced skiers will love Silverton Mountain, where the powder is deep and the crowds are limited. Having a single lift and ungroomed trails, this probably isn’t an ideal location for families, nor beginner skiers and riders.
Carry an avalanche pack and note that a guide is required from December through mid-March. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, reserve a heli-drop run and ski exclusive backcountry terrain! While definitely not for everyone, there is no denying Silverton Mountain is one of the best ski areas in Colorado.
Greene Street
Stroll downtown Silverton.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 6:30 am – 11 pm daily
Greene Street is a colorful collection of historic buildings. Each has been converted into quaint restaurants, art galleries, shops, and boutique hotels.
Visit the impressive lobby of the Grand Imperial Hotel, decorated with Victorian furnishings. At The Bent Elbow Hotel, a honky tonk piano plays, and classic comfort is served.
Before you go, pick up souvenirs at the Silverton Train Store, Fetch’s Mining and Mercantile, and other charming gift shops.
Blair Street
Walk the wild side of town.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 9 am – 11 pm daily
Silverton was geographically divided back in the Old West days. Law-abiding churchgoers occupied Greene Street. Meanwhile, the town’s gamblers and dance-hall girls filled the saloons on “Notorious Blair Street.”
Though brothels are now hotels and this rowdy crowd is long gone, visitors can still sense the era’s charm. Visit restaurants and shops including The Bent Elbow, The Avon, Old Arcade, and The Eureka Station.
Million Dollar Highway
Take the famous scenic drive.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Download a Million Dollar Highway Audio Tour
The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile section of the scenic San Juan Skyway, connecting Silverton to Ouray. It’s one of the best road trips in Colorado, but also known to be a nerve-wracking drive, full of hairpin turns through the high country.
Drivers, stay alert and use a 4WD vehicle if traveling in the winter months. If you need to rent, compare rates with our preferred partner, Discover Cars.
Christ of Mines Shrine
Honor the San Juans’ mining history.
A 16-foot marble statue of Jesus Christ overlooks the town of Silverton. Known as the Christ of Mines Shrine, it was erected in 1959 to honor past miners and the industry’s importance within the San Juans.
To visit this remarkable work of art, visit the Anvil Mountain hillside and walk just a few hundred yards from the lot.
Winter Activities in Silverton, CO
Kendall Mountain Ski Area
Ski beginner and family-friendly slopes.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 759-5557 | Website | Seasonal Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Fri – Sun, Closed Mon – Thurs | Entrance: $31 adults, $22 youth ages 6 – 18 & seniors 65+, free under 6
Intimidated by the backcountry terrain at Silverton Mountain? Head to Kendall Mountain Ski Area instead. Entry is affordable, and you can even purchase half-day passes. Families and beginners will love the groomed green and blue trails accessible from the chair lift.
After a morning of skiing, rent a pair of skates at the Kendall Mountain ice rink! Finish the wintery day with a cup of hot cocoa from the Lift Shack.
Snowmobile
Glide through deep powder.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-3706 | Website | Seasonal Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily
Even in the winter, the off-road vehicle companies in Silverton stay busy. Rather than a Jeep or ATV, rent a personal snowmobile from San Juan Backcountry. The engines in these sleds are powerful, allowing you to ride up and down the powder slopes.
Prefer riding with an expert? Pirates Backcountry Adventures offers guided snowmobile tours. Its vehicles can accommodate both single and double riders, perfect for couples and families with children over the age of 4.
Silverton Powdercats
Go cat skiing and snowboarding.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 422-2223 | Website | Seasonal Hours: 8:45 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $800 adults
Generally, untouched powder requires a hefty hike through the backcountry. But Silverton Powdercats’ guided tours make the journey easy, yet adventurous.
This experience includes 8-12 runs and is ideal for advanced and intermediate skiers. Avalanche kit rentals are also included in ticket purchases. Start at the top of Molas Pass and enjoy gliding through tree terrain, open fields, and steep mountain faces.
Sleigh Ride
Experience holiday magic.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 844-4049 | Website | Seasonal Hours: 2 – 5:45 pm (opens Dec) | Entrance: $85 – $95 adults, $75 – $85 youth ages 4 – 12, free under 4
Take a delightful horse-drawn sleigh ride into the San Juan National Forest! Bears Ranch is a bit of a drive some Silverton, located nearly 30 miles south. But visitors won’t be disappointed by this unique experience. Dash through the snow, then gather around the campfire for hot chocolate and holiday cheer.
Purgatory Resort
Be pampered at an expansive ski resort.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-9000 | Website | Seasonal Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | 👉 Book a Slopeside Condo at Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Resort is also a bit of a distance from Silverton, set roughly 22 miles south. But for those seeking all-abilities terrain, and a fun après ski scene, will love this destination.
Book a slopeside condo to enjoy ski-in/ski-out access, spa services, and a heated pool. Also, be sure to check Purgatory’s special events calendar for live music, demo days, and more.
Food & Drink in Silverton, CO
Golden Block Brewery
Cheers to craft beer and pizza.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 387-5962 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Sun-Fri, 11 am – 4:30 pm Sat
Few things hit the spot more than a cold beer and a slice. Golden Block Brewery is a newer addition to Silverton’s restaurant scene. But, it’s quickly gaining popularity for its brick-oven signature pizzas.
Try the “snow cat” featuring pepperoni and pineapple, or the “outdoor enthusiast” topped with bacon and smoked gouda.
Handlebars Food & Saloon
Try Rocky Mountain oysters.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 970-387-5395 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 8 pm Thurs – Tues, Closed Wed (May – Sept)
You’ll immediately notice the collection of Wild West bric-a-brac upon entering Handlebars Food & Saloon. Like the decor, the menu is Colorado-inspired with one of the state’s most famed dishes: Rocky Mountain oysters.
Tourists, be warned — these deep-fried delicacies are not seafood! Rather, they’re battered bull testicles, served with Handlebars’ homemade barbecue sauce. Yum!
Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory
Treat yourself!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (352) 317-7260 | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm daily (May–Oct)
This isn’t the standard funnel cake you’d find at the county fair. Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory creates extraordinary treats.
Try its caramel apple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lemon drop with powdered sugar. From strawberry cheesecake to cookies n’ cream, you won’t be disappointed!
Summer Activities in Silverton, CO
Animas Forks Ghost Town
Experience a famed ghost town.
In 1873, Animas Forks was a seasonal home to roughly 450 residents. The mining town had a bustling general store, post office, saloon, hotel, and 30 log cabins. But due to a series of busts, Animas Forks became a ghost town by 1920.
You can reach one of Colorado’s best ghost towns by driving the unpaved Alpine Loop 15 miles into the backcountry. Peer into the past as you wander through the empty, historic structures, which are most accessible from May to October.
👉 Further Explore: Take a Jeep tour to La Plata City, another abandoned mining town in the area.
Ice Lake Trail
A challenging hike that rewards you with epic views.
Ice Lakes Trail is one of the best hikes in Colorado. It’s a strenuous 8.3 miles with a 3,000-foot elevation gain, but the views are worth the effort. Park at the dirt lot across from South Mineral Campground, then hike to the lower basin. Past the first lake, you’ll see waterfalls and lush wildflowers.
Views continue to amaze as you reach Ice Lake. The dramatic mountaintops of Golden Horn, Pilot Knob, and Vermillion Peak surround the aquamarine pool. If you’re feeling brazen, hike an extra 1.1 miles northeast to reach Island Lake or head 1.75 miles south to Fuller Lake.
Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
Ride a mine train into historic tunnels.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 387-5444 | Website | Hours: Seasonal, May 10 – Oct 15, 2025 | Entrance: $30 adults, $28 seniors 60+, $15 youth ages 5 – 12, free under 5
On this tour, an authentic mine train will take you into the heart of Galena Mountain. Prospectors sought out gold here more than a century ago.
Learn the history of the site and watch equipment demonstrate how miles of underground tunnels were formed. The veins of colorful minerals sparkle in the light of headlamps, amazing visitors.
Above ground, you can pan for a valuable souvenir. Keep whatever bits of silver, copper, and gold you may find!
Mayflower Gold Mill
See where prospectors mined for gold.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 387-0294 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily (May 24 – mid-October, 2025) | $12 adults, $11 seniors, $3 youth ages 5 – 12, free under 5
The Mayflower Gold Mill was the last big mill to be built in the San Juan Mountains. For that reason, it was the most advanced and longest-running mill in Colorado history.
Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour, learning how the ore was processed into precious metals. Some artifacts are still in their original place, such as the buckets and tram system that once transported gold.
National Historic Landmark District
Learn from local guides.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 387-5609 | Website | Mining Heritage Center & Jail Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily (May 24 – mid-October, 2025) | $12 adults, $11 seniors, $3 youth ages 5 – 12, free under 5
Silverton is one of Colorado’s best mountain towns and a National Historic Landmark in itself. The same distinction applies to the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Mayflower Mill.
Purchase a Heritage Pass to gain discounted entry to the Mill, Old Hundred Gold Mine, San Juan County 1902 Jail, and Mining Heritage Center.
Off-Road Backcountry Tours
Adventure into the San Juan Mountains.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-3706 | Website | Hours: Seasonal, Opens May
Explore the Colorado backcountry with a side-by-side off-road vehicle. These modern UTVs can hold up to six passengers. You can feel confident renting and driving solo with a built-in GPS. But if you prefer a guide, Pirates Backcountry Adventures has you covered.
Want a larger vehicle? Contact San Juan Backcountry to book a tour or rent one of their 4WD Jeep Wranglers!
Both outfitters are conveniently located in downtown Silverton. You’ll be in for an adventure, regardless of what vehicle you choose!
White Water Rafting
Splash down the Upper Animas River.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 247-4789 | Website | Hours: Seasonal, Opens May | 👉 Browse Whitewater Rafting Tours on Viator
Rafting is one of the most popular things to do in Colorado, and Silverton is a great place to do it! Visitors can book a rafting adventure along the Upper Animas River starting in late May. Guides will take you through Class II to V rapids on the banks of 14,000-foot San Juan peaks.
Plan a midsummer trip if you’re a less experienced rafter or have children under 14. During this time, water levels are lower and rapids are less difficult — but just as fun!
Farmers Market
Savor Palisade peaches, green chiles, and more.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 8 am – 12 pm Tues (July – Sept)
The Silverton Farmers Market is a lovely summer activity located in Harmony Park on Greene Street. Browse a wide variety of fresh produce, including Colorado favorites like Palisade peaches and green chiles. Local vendors sell fresh flowers, artisan baked goods, and so much more.
Horseback Riding
Trot down exclusive wilderness trails.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 259-8590 | Website | Hours: June 3 – Aug 31, 2025
Horseback riders meet with San Juan Sky Outfitters fifteen minutes south of Silverton. Its expert guides haul horses up Coal Bank and Molas Pass and obtain exclusive backcountry permits.
For two hours, you can ride into the San Juan Mountains and enjoy stunning views. Witness wildflowers, jagged peaks, and an impressive 60-foot waterfall.
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This mining town’s boom era may have passed, but its history and natural beauty continue to draw travelers from across the globe. Have fun exploring and leave me a comment if you’d like more help planning your Silverton trip!
Want to see more of the Rocky Mountains? See my Colorado road trip itinerary next.
Thank you so much! You beautifully described the quaint town so much so that I would like to visit!!! Do you know if there are any Tiny Home Villages there or in the neighboring areas? Thank you again!!