Silverton Colorado History and Recreation

Silverton Colorado was first settled in 1874 and became incorporated in 1885 as a statuatory town in San Juan County.

After the Brunot Treaty in 1873 with the Ute Indians, San Juan County was open to settlement. Mines advertised in papers across the country and worldwide for people to come and work. People flocked here from adjoining states and from countries such as Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Sweden, etc, all wanting land, jobs and a piece of the American dream.

During Silverton Colorado's most active period population grew to as high as 5,000 residents. Starting as a silver mining camp, Silverton miners boasted that they had silver by the ton and the name stuck.

With a population of about 700 permanent residents this small town has had many ups and downs through its history. At an altitude of 9305 ft.and surrounded by tall peaks access at times has been tough in winter months. Silverton Colorado was a very wild town in its early years with all the miners and little law and order. For miners being away from civilization for many months at a time coming to town meant gambling, drinking, prostitutes and fighting.

In the 1920's a road was built to link old toll roads together from Ridgeway, Ouray, Silverton and finally to Durango. Known as Highway 550 or the Million Dollar Highway, this road is hard on the squeamish with all the tight turns and steep drop offs. This highway climbs and descends three passes on its way from Ridgeway to Durango, Red Mountain pass, Molas pass, and Coal Bank pass.

Silverton Colorado is part of the Alpine Loop, that is one of the very best four wheeling, mountain biking and dirt biking network of trails for scenery and sight seeing. Miners built roads all over the surrounding mountains to haul supplies, linking many of the towns in this area together. Silverton, Lake City, Ouray, and Telluride are all linked together and provide an excellent high mountain adventure.

Most of these dirt and gravel roads are maintained by the county, but some can be treacherous. Maps are available as to the degree of difficulty of each particular trail and equipment required. Always keep in mind that weather at these altitudes can change drastically so be prepared..

Rental of Jeeps and guided tours are available in Silverton for visitors.

My family and I spend time here each year four wheeling and looking at the old mines and ghost towns. Spending time in the mountains is a great way to escape the heat in Grand Junction which in the summer can reach 100 plus. Its amazing how much there still is to look at after all these years. Plenty of old buildings, mines and ore mills. Panning for gold is a popular activity in this area. In the summer the wild flowers are beautiful.

Silverton Colorado has a museum located in the old town jail house that has recently been upgraded with a lot more exhibits and is well worth seeing. Also the Old Hundred Gold Mine is a very good tour that I have done a couple of times and really enjoyed as they actually show you how the miners mined, and the old equipment in action. Rain coats are provided for the ride into the mine.

A visit to Silverton Colorado won't be complete without a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This steam powered locomotive goes along the side of a gorge to Durango and has run continuously since 1881. Bring extra cloths in case the weather changes. Thousands of people ride the train every year and there are plenty of souvenir shops in town.

There is the old Silverton's cemetery to the right of Cement Creek road turn off that has lots of old head stones with pictures and is worth a look. Miners that came from around the world and many military men and families have been buried here.

Silverton's mining has ceased and now there are mine cleanup projects going on. Also there is an Alpine Extreme ski area towards the end of Cement Creek that is trying to make a go of it with some success. Kendall Mountain has also done upgrades to its ski area gaining more popularity. Silverton Colorado is subject to long and harsh winters which until recently have kept it from growing as fast as the rest of Colorado. Hopefully this town will remain as a historic mining town and not become as commercialized as some other old towns in Colorado have become.

Get a map here for directions and different area views.

For more information go to Silverton Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

Western Colorado Towns

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