Silverton, Colorado
historic Old mining town, silverton train stop & jeeping haven
Silverton, Colorado,
on the other end of the Narrow Gauge
Railroad, is a picturesque yet rough wilderness outpost surrounded
by 14,000-foot peaks on all sides. A mining town, Silverton
was founded in 1874 on the wave of an era marked with the
wealth of natural resources. Blair Street alone once hosted forty
saloons. Currently, Silverton is rarely isolated for more than a
single day, but in the past residents were snowed in for as long
as a month at a time.
The area itself is rich in history,
both of mining and the pioneering spirit of settlers who traversed
Stony Pass on foot, on mules and in wagons. The community has been
forged through times of boom and bust, typical of the mining areas,
with the last large mine closing in the early 1990’s. The
current city, with a population of only 500, is
what remains of this past and the current designation of the area
as a National Historic Landmark, attracting visitors from all over
the country. With stunning hiking trails and alpine lakes, this
city is the perfect base for your high mountain adventures.
History
The district legally opened
to mining in 1874 following the development of the Brunot Treaty
with the Utes. About 2000 men from all over the world came to test
their luck in the wilderness with the hope of striking it rich.
By 1875, about 100 people had made their homes in the Silverton
settlement, working around the mining industry. A wagon road was
opened over Stony Pass in 1879 and would be followed shortly after
by the railroad, which would make the transportation of minerals
easier, as well as bring more people to the newly accessible Silverton.
Mining began to decline
after 1912, as did population after its initial peak. After millions
of dollars of amassed wealth the town would experience bust cycles,
fostered by natural disasters like the flooding of the Sunnyside
Mine in 1978. Silverton is currently a must-see stop for history
and outdoor enthusiasts.
Facts
Population: 531 residents
Elevation: 9,300 feet
Established: 1874
Things To Do
Camp, hike, road bike,
drive the passes to Ouray or Durango, enjoy a ride on the Narrow
Gauge Railroad, tour historic mining areas, jeep trail tours up
to Animas Forks (Colorado’s most well-preserved ghost town)
or to Stony Pass, ski, snowboard and backpack.
More Information
Silverton Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
Located at the Wye (Hwy 550 & Hwy 110)
800.752.4494
970.387.5654 ~ Fax 970.387.0282
Open Daily
9:00a - 5:00p - May to June
9:00a - 6:00p - July to September
9:00a - 5:00p in October
10:00a - 4:00p - November to April
Which Mild To Wild Jeep Trip is Near Silverton, Colorado?
"Trails & Rails - Pure Colorado Adventure"
Combining the Million Dollar road tour, the Infamous Durango/Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad and an interpretive, off-road tour of one
of the most well-preserved mining "ghost towns" in Colorado
for a complete Colorado day!
 View Jeep/Train Combo Trip for more details.
"Colorado Ghost Town Jeep Tour"
Travel the Million Dollar Highway to Animas Forks - one of the
most well-preserved mining "ghost towns" in Colorado!
View Ghost Town Jeep Tour for more details.
Book Your Silverton Adventure Today!
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