Wondering how to spend a weekend in Silverton, CO? We have insider recommendations on the drives to take, the hikes to enjoy, and where to check in for the best possible stay.
Don’t go to Silverton without reading this list of the best things to do. All the popular attractions, plus hidden gems you won’t find elsewhere …
Into beauty? Like the mountains? Looking for a real, old western town? From skiing and hiking to four-wheeling and riding the Durango Silverton train, there are a ton of things to do in Silverton, Colorado. Silverton, Colorado. Population 650. No stoplights. No dry cleaners. And no McDonald’s. For a slice of pure Americana garnished with a spectacular landscape, one-of-a-kind Silverton in Southwest Colorado may be the answer for an affordable yet spectacular getaway. This small, mountain town exudes real old-west ‘movie-set’ charm with shops, restaurants, and a Victorian feel of days gone by. Silverton, where the mayor
Choo-choo, All aboard the Durango and Silverton Railroad for an unforgettable ride from Durango, Colorado to Silverton, Colorado with spectacular views of the wilderness, canyons, and San Juan Mountains along the way.
Ouray is located in Southwest Colorado and one of the most stunning towns in the area. Check out this guide for fun things to do in Ouray.
The train stops in several scenic spots so you can photograph the train itself. It is August 16th and the high today is only 50 degrees so I can’t help but think of Fall and my trip to Ouray two Septembers ago. I flew my parents out and my mother and I rode the Durango and Silverton Railroad one way to Silverton. This is another one of those quintessential Colorado experiences. Fall is a great time to ride the train because there are spots of showy aspens all along the route. Dress warmly though if you go this time of year. While the coaches are enclosed, the gondolas are open air and at times I was wearing three layers, gloves, and a warm hat. A thermos of hot chocolate will make the trip even better. Seats are assigned so you have to choose your car before hand. Rocks along the Animas The D&SNGRR, which stands for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, was completed in 1882 and was initially used to haul silver and gold out of the mountains. Narrow gauge rails, which are three feet apart, are easier to lay around tight mountain curves. You will see on the route that there are some tight curves indeed! Interestingly, standard rail gauge is 56.5 inches, which was the width of Roman chariots. Now that is a standard worth keeping. And I thought the English foot (12 inches) was a bad measurement! We stayed in Durango the night before our trip and it poured like it is today, which is probably why I am reminiscing. Since the train departs at 8:15 AM, this was not a bad choice. We were fortunate to have my father pick us up in Silverton because at 18 mph, the train trip takes 3.5 hours. Going back would have been too tedious for me. There is a motor coach option at certain times of the year, however, and I would recommend that for the variety if nothing else. It is hard to identify milestones along the route but you can google the animas river since it tracks this pretty well. At times the train is right along side the river bed and at other times it is high above with the Animas rushing through a sculpted gorge below. My favorite photo from the trip. You can sense the change in the seasons between the snow, color, and low hanging clouds. The D&SNGRR is a history lesson, a kitschy tourist trap, and a wonderful way to see some stunning Colorado scenery all rolled into one. For train buffs this is an absolute must. Everyone else should do it too. Just get your tickets well in advance. Prime time fills up quickly.
Silverton, Colorado.
© Copyright Tommy Simms All Rights Reserved. These beautiful falls are tucked away off the beaten path on Mineral Creek near the historic town of Silverton, Colorado. After visiting these falls in '06 and not getting what I considered a photograph that fully captured the breathtaking beauty of this location, I returned in June of '07 to try it again. This is the result of the return trip. 4-4219
Ouray is located in Southwest Colorado and one of the most stunning towns in the area. Check out this guide for fun things to do in Ouray.
Hematite Lake is a beautiful green-turquoise alpine lake in San Juan Mountains. It is a short but steep hike, gaining 2,200 ft in 1.7 miles.
For an artist, finding your voice is achieving mastery. It means you've studied and experimented with your craft enough to be able to present it from a unique perspective. Your perspective.
South Mineral Campground is located in the San Juan Mtns outside of Silverton, CO. It has to be one of the best and most beautiful campgrounds in all of Colorado.
Chance to win a zipline adventure for two at Soaring Tree Top Adventures Valued at $998 ! Easy Entry! 1. Like Catch Carri on Facebook. 2. Share this post! 3. Email [email protected] and tell us about your favorite adventure and send us a photo (Emails kept private and are used so we can notify the winners). The steam whistle blows with…
The Silverton-Ouray Toll Road was built in the 1880's by Otto Mears. His toll-gate was located out beyond the Bear Creek Falls pull-out three miles south of Ouray. Today, it is called the Million Dollar Highway. Vintage photo in 1897. Vintage photo restored by Kathy Alexander.
Ranked #22 of 32 attractions in Silverton. Been here too? Add it to your map!
Riding on a historic train and chugging through outrageous mountain scenery that can’t be accessed by car is a required bucket list item for anyone seeking a true Colorado experience. Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR),
Ouray is located in Southwest Colorado and one of the most stunning towns in the area. Check out this guide for fun things to do in Ouray.
From the beautiful California coast to the sunny Florida Keys, these are the best weekend beach getaways in the U.S.
Learn more about catering in Silverton on The Knot. Find, research and contact wedding professionals on The Knot, featuring reviews and info on the best wedding vendors.
A Colorado local's guide to picking the best areas & places to stay in Silverton. Don’t book accommodation in Silverton without knowing this …
