San Juan Mountains, Colorado · 9,318 ft
Silverton,
Colorado
One of America's most remote and spectacular mountain towns — surrounded on all sides by towering 14,000-foot peaks, accessible by steam train from Durango.
Population: ~600
Colorado's Most Dramatic Town
Silverton sits in a spectacular alpine bowl at 9,318 feet — completely encircled by the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. There are no chain hotels, no big box stores, no fast food. Just a perfectly preserved Victorian mining town and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the Rocky Mountains.
Getting here is half the adventure. The most iconic route is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — a 45-mile steam train journey through the Animas River gorge that's been running since 1882.
Narrow Gauge Guide →
The Narrow Gauge Railroad
The steam train from Durango is how most visitors arrive — and it's one of America's most spectacular rail journeys. The 45-mile trip through the Animas gorge is unforgettable.
Plan your ride →
World-Class Hiking & 14ers
Silverton is the base camp for some of Colorado's most dramatic alpine terrain — including Chicago Basin, home to four 14,000-foot peaks accessible in a single backpacking trip.
Hiking guide →
Silver Mining Heritage
Silverton boomed in the 1870s silver rush. The entire historic district is on the National Register — walk Greene Street and feel the Wild West history beneath your boots.
History guide →
July & August
Wildflower Capital of Colorado
The alpine meadows surrounding Silverton explode into color every July and August — columbines, Indian paintbrush, blue lupine, and dozens of other species carpeting the slopes above town. One of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the entire Rocky Mountains.
The Stony Pass and Cunningham Gulch roads offer easy access to some of the best displays. No hiking required — just drive up and be amazed.
Wildflower Guide →December – April
Winter in Silverton
Silverton transforms in winter into one of Colorado's most extreme mountain destinations. Silverton Mountain ski area offers expert-only guided skiing on some of the steepest, deepest terrain in the state — 1,800 acres, 80% expert, and snowcat access beyond the lifts.
Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and backcountry touring are also popular. The town itself turns quiet and intimate — a completely different (and magical) atmosphere from the summer crowds.
Winter Activities →
Gear Up for Silverton
At 9,300 feet in the San Juans, the right gear makes all the difference. Pack for altitude, weather changes, and serious mountain terrain.
OutdoorMaster Kelvin Ski Helmet - Snowboard Helmet for…
findway Ski Goggles OTG - Over Glasses Snow/Snowboard G…
Hylaea Merino Wool Ski Socks, Cold Weather Socks for Sn…
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight 7075 Aluminum H…
Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Dome Tent Bivvy Tent 3 Seaso…
Kelty Supernova Down Sleeping Bag, Compact + Lightweigh…
ATERCEL Waterproof Ski Gloves, Warm 3M Thinsulate Glove…
Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Mens Set - Heavyweig…
50 Miles South
Start Your Trip in Durango
Most visitors reach Silverton on the legendary Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango — a full-service mountain town with great hotels, restaurants, and outdoor adventures of its own. Make it a two-destination trip.
Explore Durango →