An Underrated High-Altitude Colorado Mountain Town Is A Playground For Adventurers

If the mountains are your happy place, your list of dream destinations is incomplete without "the heart of the high country," Silverton. This idyllic Colorado mountain town floats at an elevation of 9,300 feet in the San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains, framed and swallowed by some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the country. In other words, it is an outdoor playground where adrenaline junkies, mountain athletes, nature lovers, and small town enthusiasts can live their best life.

Colorado backcountry is most vibrant at its peaks, and since Silverton is the 10th-highest town in Colorado, Mother Nature is at her best and mightiest here. Try not to bite off more than you can chew during your visit, because some of North America's gnarliest outdoor recreation lies in Silverton's backyard. With wild Class V whitewater rafting down the Animas River, ice climbing, family-friendly and pro-level ski slopes, 14ers to scale, and ample camping, stargazing, mountain biking, and wildlife-watching opportunities, there's no shortage of activities for the outdoorsy.

And at the end of a satisfyingly challenging day spent in the mountains, the Historic Downtown of Silverton is a charming place to come home to. Grab piping hot food and après-ski beers in old mining saloons that have been flipped into rustic, homestyle cafes. You have your pick of several cozy wooden coffee shops to hit up before (and after) your mountain adventure. Wile away a lazy afternoon in the local art galleries and historic museums. You can chill and re-charge easily in this beautiful town! 

Whether you are seeking a kid-friendly or extreme outdoor recreation, Silverton's top attractions rival even the most iconic choices of Taos, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Telluride. You can't talk about Silverton without talking about the Million Dollar Highway, the only road in and out of town. This infamous portion of the San Juan Skyway, considered one of the most dangerous routes in America, has hair-raising drop-offs that will have you white-knuckling the wheel, with every sense dialed to 110% to take the roller coaster curves with care. Once in town, the adventure by foot (or ski or wheel or ... you get it) begins. Two neighboring ski resorts will suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders: Kendall Mountain Ski Area and Silverton Mountain, the highest ski area in North America at an impressive elevation of 13,487 feet.

All around town is a trail system begging to be explored by renting a Jeep, ATV, or dirt bike, or tramped by your own hiking boots. One must-see, must-hike trail is the Ice Lakes Trail. A heavenly 3.5-mile hike taking you from 9,000 to 12,000 feet in altitude, you can experience Colorado's true majesty with waterfalls, switchbacks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. 

If you need an afternoon out of the sun, slip into the famous San Juan County Historical Society, where you can learn firsthand about Silverton's Wild West past. Established as a booming mining town in the 1870s that brought in more than half of Colorado's gold, Silverton ran amok with saloons, gambling, and prostitutes on the Notorious Blair Street. Don't forget Silveron's sister town, Ouray, a short, gorgeous drive away that can easily fit into your weekend itinerary.

Getting to Silverton is half the adventure, as it should be when escaping into the mighty Colorado backcountry, and it might end up being one of the coolest memories of your trip. If you are looking to fly in and rent a car, Silverton is a six-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DEN), and a 1.5-hour drive from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) or Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO). Driving to town will offer you a scenic road trip full of Rocky Mountain views via the Million Dollar Highway. Alternatively, the iconic Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a fascinating transport option. This renowned historic rail is a pristinely preserved railway that embarks on a stunning journey to the remote Silverton. Once in town, you can get around without a car by renting an ATV or bikes. Everything in the town is extremely local (we're talking 0.83 square miles), and there are local tour groups to get you to the area's attractions, but having your own vehicle would be most practical. 

When it comes to the best time of year to visit a town like this, you know what you're getting into. With Silverton's high altitude, Colorado's elements are a powerful force, nothing to scoff at. Spring glory means snow is melting, and trails are muddy but accessible. Summer brings sunshine, and tourism rockets to its peak popularity. Autumn brings heart-melting foliage, fewer crowds, and cheaper rates. Winter brings enough snow to strike fear into the hearts of any snowbird and to drive any snow-inclined athletes into an absolute frenzy.

As remote as Silverton is, it has no lack of charming and comfortable lodging and eating options for your trip. You can choose from old-school hotels like The Wyman Hotel and The Imperial Hotel. You can rent a mountainside Airbnb, boasting epic views that you won't have to share. Even camping is world-class if you are looking to save a buck or two, and only adds to the adventure, as long as you are prepared for the elements. For fueling — and post-mountain refueling — favourite local options include the Avalanche Brewing Company for their famous pizza, Kendall Mountain Café for a rustic diner setting, and the Coffee Bear for delicious cups of joe and breakfast.

The ideal length of your stay in Silverton depends on how far you want to venture into the backcountry. You can get a great taste for the area with just a weekend trip of two to three days, but an extended stay of four to seven days would allow you longer exploration outside and the opportunity to unwind and soak up the mountain vibes and air. The budget for an average weekend trip can range from $300 to $1,000 per person, greatly depending on your travel style, choice of activities, and the time of year. If you camp or have your own backcountry gear, Silverton can easily be a budget-friendly trip. It's incredible to think that you can explore the very best of Colorado from being based in just one small town!