Durango, Colorado, is a dream destination year-round, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and small-town charm. It’s prized for attractions like world-class fly fishing rivers, the stunning Mesa Verde National Park, and, of course, the Durango to Silverton Train. The Durango to Silverton Train is a historic narrow-gauge railway that winds through the stunning San Juan Mountains. The ride offers breathtaking canyon views, towering peaks, and the chance to step back in time as you travel in vintage railcars pulled by a coal-fired steam engine. Moreover, on the other end of the train ride, you’re treated to various fun things to do in Silverton, CO.
Once you arrive in Silverton, CO, you’ll find a town that feels like a slice of the Old West. Lined with historic buildings and dirt roads, Silverton is packed with character and plenty of things to do. You can browse local shops for handcrafted goods, tour the historic mining district, or grab a drink at one of the saloons that have been serving travelers for over a century. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking and off-roading opportunities in the surrounding mountains, especially along the scenic Alpine Loop. If you’re up for a little thrill, you can even try panning for gold at the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour.
After a full day enjoying all the best things to do in Silverton, CO, ride the train back to Durango and unwind at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast. Antlers on the Creek is an upscale B&B that offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests are treated to gourmet breakfasts each morning and have access to outdoor spaces where they can relax with a drink and breathe the mountain air. With top-notch hospitality and a peaceful setting, Antlers on the Creek is one of the best places to stay in Durango, CO. Book your stay with us today!
The Best Things to Do in Silverton, CO
Silverton, Colorado, feels like a living postcard of the Old West. The most popular way to get to this old mining town is via the Durango to Silverton Train – but you can also get here via the scenic Million Dollar Highway, which is part of the broader San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway. Whatever adventure your journey here holds, get ready for plenty of fun. The colorful buildings lining the dirt streets tell stories of Silverton’s mining boom days. In a modern past meets present moment, you’ll find no shortage of things to do, including visiting saloons, shops, and historic landmarks.
Beyond its history, Silverton is a hub for outdoor adventure. The surrounding San Juan Mountains offer everything from hiking and off-roading to gold panning and mine tours. Silverton might be small, but it’s packed with character, making it one of the most memorable stops in the region. Below are a few suggestions for things to do in Silverton, Colorado.
- Explore Historic Downtown, one of this charming town’s top things to do. Your walk will take you down dirt streets, where you can admire well-preserved 19th-century buildings and browse shops filled with unique souvenirs and local crafts.
- While you’re in Silverton, don’t miss a tour of the One Hundred Gold Mine. On this tour, you’ll venture underground into a real gold mine, ride a vintage mine train, and even try your hand at panning for gold.
- Visit the Mayflower Gold Mill, a National Historic Landmark that showcases how gold and silver were processed during Silverton’s mining heyday.
- Just like in Durango, hiking in the scenic San Juan Mountains is one of the most popular things to do in Silverton, CO. Trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, offering stunning mountain views and access to alpine lakes.
- The Silverton, CO, area is also a mountain biking paradise, with single-track trails crisscrossing the San Juan Mountains, transforming this area into one of the world’s top mountain biking destinations.
- For a bit of fun in Silverton, grab a drink at the Grand Imperial Hotel Saloon. As you step into this historic bar for a drink, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight back to the Wild West.
- Go fishing at Molas Lake Park, which offers a fantastic spot to cast your line in search of trout.
- If you’re in the area looking for whitewater rafting opportunities, Silverton is the place to go! The rushing rapids of the Animas River result in one of the most impressive whitewater stretches in the country. We recommend hooking up with Durango Rivertrippers for what’s surely one of the most exhilarating things to do in Silverton, CO.
- If you really want to get a glimpse of the Old West, hop up on horses for a thrilling and scenic ride through Silverton’s backcountry. San Juan Sky Outfitters offers guided trips and unforgettable adventures.
- If you head to Silverton with a car, don’t miss the chance to drive the Alpine Loop. It’s a rugged, high-elevation scenic drive that takes you through some of Colorado’s most breathtaking backcountry. Keep in mind that it’s only accessible by 4×4 vehicles.
Spend a Day on the Stunning Durango to Silverton Train
Whether you plan to enjoy these things to do or you’re just on the trip for the scenery, there’s nothing that beats a trip on the Durango to Silverton Train. It’s one of the most iconic experiences in Colorado, offering a breathtaking ride through the rugged San Juan Mountains. Operating since 1882, this narrow-gauge railroad was originally built to transport silver and gold from the mining town of Silverton to Durango.
Today, it carries passengers on a scenic journey through remote wilderness, deep canyons, and along the edge of the rushing Animas River. Aside from the scenery, one of the many charms of the Durango to Silverton Train is its historic atmosphere. The train’s vintage steam locomotive and historic railcars bring an old-fashioned adventure to our doorstep.
As the Durango to Silverton Train leaves town, it quickly climbs into the mountains, offering views of the Animas River, cutting through deep, rocky gorges. The train hugs the cliffs, passing waterfalls, towering pine forests, and open meadows where wildlife like deer and elk are often spotted. One of the most dramatic sections of the route is the famous Highline, where the tracks run along a sheer rock face, giving passengers a thrilling, unobstructed view of the canyon below.
After winding through 45 miles of wilderness, the train arrives in Silverton, CO, a historic mining town that still carries the spirit of the Old West. You are invited to spend two hours exploring the shops, historic sites, and other unique things to do in Silverton before returning to Durango. With such a grand adventure at your fingertips, you’ll want to find lodging that leaves you refreshed. There’s no better place to stay than Antlers on the Creek Bed and Breakfast. Book your room today!
