The 10 Best Things to do in Silverton, Colorado (CO)

July 30, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

The town of Silverton is a Statutory Town that is the county seat of, and the only incorporated municipality in San Juan County, Colorado, United States. Silverton is a former silver mining camp, most or all of which is now included in a federally designated National Historic Landmark District, the Silverton Historic District. The town population reached its nadir at 531 at U.S. Census 2000. It has grown since then.
Restaurants in Silverton

1. Million Dollar Highway

Hwy 550, Silverton, CO http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/635-million-dollar-highway-usa.html
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5.0 based on 701 reviews

Million Dollar Highway

A six mile section of the San Juan Skyway with incredible views.

Reviewed By KristinalynRN - Joplin, United States

We traveled this highway from Montrose Colorado all the way down to Durango. Please plan on taking your time and enjoying all of the scenic beauty this highway has to offer. There are hairpin turns, sheer cliffs and drop offs, beautiful scenic overlooks, several mountain summits, a couple of old mining structures to see, if you’re lucky a few wild animals, a waterfall, and a hot spring! Be sure your brakes are good and you have plenty of gas in your car and snacks! Bring your camera and hit the road!

2. Ice Lakes

Silverton, CO
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5.0 based on 29 reviews

Ice Lakes

High-altitude basins in Colorado's San Juans offer excellent hiking opportunities.

3. Ice Lakes Trail

Silverton, CO
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5.0 based on 96 reviews

Ice Lakes Trail

This breathtaking hike can be done in a day: 3.5 miles one way that takes hikers from 9,900 feet to over 12,200 feet, with many steep switchbacks, waterfalls and sweeping views along the way.

Reviewed By CrisLett - Holly Springs, United States

My husband and I are both fit and active but this hike put us in our place! There were several times I thought I wasn’t going to make it hit truck through it, it’s worth it! I had never seen so many different shades of blue on lake! Once you reach the lower basin, the fields open and while the hike gets harder, it’s easier because you can see all the wonderful views! We did not make it to Island Lake but I heard Ice Lake is the real eye catcher. Hiking poles helpful but not necessary.

4. Fetch's Mining & Mercantile

1231 Green Street, Silverton, CO 81433 +1 970-387-5312 http://fetchssilverton.com
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Fetch's Mining & Mercantile

5. Island Lake

Silverton, CO
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Island Lake

Set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, this scenic lake is an excellent destination for hikers and fishing enthusiasts.

Reviewed By brumasterj

What a great time with family and friends making this into a full day hike! We had 4 teenagers and 4 adults and not any of us accustomed to hiking! We took our time going up and let me tell you the last 700 ft elevation gain was tuff! We pushed thru and finally made it to Ice Lake After eating and taking some time to soak in the beauty and a little cold soak we made it down! It was a full 8.5 hour day of hiking and viewing! I think it took 4 hours to reach the top and 2.5 hours down. This is a big challenge for any who are not accustomed to hiking, but it’s manageable

6. San Juan County Historical Society

1557 Greene St. - Courthouse Square, Silverton, CO 81433 +1 970-387-5838 [email protected] http://www.sanjuancountyhistoricalsociety.org/
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5.0 based on 149 reviews

San Juan County Historical Society

14,000 Sq. Ft Mining Heritage Center. One of the BEST Mining Museums in the country! Also see the 1902 fully renovated 1902 jail next to Mining Museum. A must see!!!! Open Memorial Day Weekend to mid-October.

Reviewed By tempusvoyager7

We were in Silverton (via the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad) recently; we arrived on the 24th and had until 2:30 p.m. on the 25th before the southbound train left for Durango. We walked to the historical museum and were disappointed to find it closed. Of course, it was between seasons, and I suppose the thinking is that it is not worth keeping the place open if few tourists are expected. No, I didn't call or write to the museum staff before our trip; I had just assumed it would be open. Thanks to the wonderful hospitality of friends there, we had a great time and I hope we may return in the near future.

1250 Greene St, Silverton, CO 81433 +1 970-387-5373
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

White Eyes Gallery

8. Redwood Llamas

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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Redwood Llamas

Redwood Llamas has been raising & packing with llamas since 1984 and has been a commercial outfitter for the last 25 seasons. We offer a variety of ways for you to enjoy the beautiful Colorado San Juan mountains, while using llamas to do the heavy lifting: Pack Trips - full-service guided trips Llama Leases - do it yourself trips Day Hikes & Llama Clinics - introduction to llamas

9. Route 550 Gifts

1234 Greene Street, Silverton, CO 81433 +1 970-799-3406 [email protected] http://www.route550.com
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Route 550 Gifts

Commemorate your “drive of a lifetime,” on Highway 550 or the Alpine Loop with our unique souvenirs. Available memorabilia includes apparel, drinkware, ornaments, patches, pins, stickers and more, all originally designed by the owner and local graphic designer, Gina Maria Rosato (aka the Creative Crackerjack).

10. Silverton Powdercats

Highway 550 Mile Marker 65, Silverton, CO 81433 +1 970-385-7288 [email protected] http://silvertoncatskiing.com
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

Silverton Powdercats

Reviewed By jeremyn340

We made the drive to Silverton expressly for the snow cat trip. The snow was awesome. The guides did a great job of balancing risk mitigation and fun. It’s a different world with Covid and we felt they did a good job with distancing/sanitation etc. It was our family of four, a 15yo, 17yo and two adults. I would highly recommend the outfit if you are looking for access to different terrain without the work of skinning. The guides knew the mountain inside and out. The only negative of the day is that eventually it came to an end.

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