Silverton Colorado Guide | Mining Town, Train & Things to Do

Your Guide to Silverton

Authentic Colorado history

Silverton feels frozen in time. This former mining boomtown at 9,318 feet never modernized the way other Colorado mountain towns did. The entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark, with unpaved side streets and Victorian storefronts that look much as they did in the 1880s.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad brings visitors by the thousands each summer, but most only stay a few hours before the train returns. Those who linger discover a town with genuine character and access to some of Colorado's most dramatic high country.

Silverton Mountain offers the most extreme lift-served skiing in North America—one chairlift, no grooming, and avalanche-controlled expert terrain only. In summer, the same peaks draw hikers, Jeepers, and mountain bikers.

Explore Silverton

History, trains, and high peaks

TRAIN

Narrow Gauge Railroad

The train from Durango arrives mid-morning and departs mid-afternoon. Two hours to explore town, or stay overnight for the full experience.

SKI

Silverton Mountain

North America's most extreme ski area. One lift, 1,800 acres of ungroomed expert terrain, and mandatory avalanche gear. Guided skiing only.

JEEP

Alpine Loop

65-mile 4x4 route connecting Silverton, Lake City, and Ouray. Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass offer above-treeline adventure.

TOWN

Greene Street

Historic main street with saloons, shops, and restaurants in original Victorian buildings. The whole downtown is a National Historic Landmark.

MINE

Old Hundred Mine

Underground mine tours in a historic gold and silver mine. Ride the mine train into the mountain for a look at 1800s mining operations.

HIKE

Ice Lakes Trail

One of Colorado's most stunning hikes. Turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks. Strenuous but worth every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your Silverton visit

How do you get to Silverton?

By train from Durango (seasonal) or by car via the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray or Highway 550 from Durango. Winter access can be limited by avalanche closures.

Is Silverton open year-round?

Yes, though many businesses reduce hours or close in the off-season (November and April/May). Winter brings Silverton Mountain skiers; summer brings train visitors.

Can beginners ski Silverton Mountain?

No. The ski area is expert-only with mandatory guides, avalanche transceivers, and no groomed runs. It's designed for experienced backcountry-capable skiers.

Should I stay overnight?

If possible, yes. Train visitors only see Silverton for a few hours. Staying overnight lets you explore the Jeep trails, hike Ice Lakes, and experience the town's authentic character.

Silverton, Colorado