Things to Do

Silverton's best experiences are mining history and mountain access: ride the train, drive the passes, tour a mine, hike into wild basins, or ski terrain that still feels raw. This is a small town, so the landscape is the main attraction.

Guide

Things to Do

01

Ice Lakes Trail

A tough but magnificent hike to electric-blue alpine lakes.
02

Million Dollar Highway

The dramatic US 550 stretch between Silverton and Ouray.

Sight
03

Alpine Loop

A rough backcountry route linking Silverton, Ouray, Lake City, ghost towns, and passes.
04

Silverton Mountain

A steep, expert-focused ski area with a single lift and a very serious attitude.
05

Animas Forks

A high ghost town at the start of the Alpine Loop backcountry roads.

Sight
06

Molas Pass

A high pass south of town with lake, peak, and wildflower views.

Sight
07

Old Hundred Gold Mine

An underground mine tour reached by a mountain road above Silverton.

Museum
08

Red Mountain Pass

The exposed pass north of Silverton, surrounded by rust-red mining country.

Sight
09

Silverton Historic District

A compact mining-era townscape surrounded by the San Juans.

Architecture
10

Mayflower Gold Mill

A preserved hard-rock mill that explains what happened after ore left the mine.

Museum
11

San Juan County Mining Heritage Center

A local museum that gathers Silverton's mining, jail, and mountain-town history.

Museum
12

Kendall Mountain

The local hill for family skiing, sledding, and quick views over town.
13

Christ of the Mines Shrine

A hillside shrine looking over town and the old mining valley.

Sight