Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Silverton
POP 630 / ELEV 9318FT
Ringed by snowy peaks and steeped in the sooty tales of a tawdry mining town, Silverton
would seem more at home in Alaska than the Lower 48. But here it is. Whether you're in-
to snowmobiling, biking, fly-fishing, beer on tap or just basking in some very high alti-
tude sunshine, Silverton delivers.
It's a two-street town, but only one is paved. Greene St is where you'll find most busi-
nesses (think homemade jerky, fudge and feather art). Still unpaved, notorious Blair St
runs parallel to Greene and is a blast from the past. During the silver rush, Blair St was
home to thriving brothels and boozing establishments.
A tourist town by day in summer, Silverton reverts to local turf once the final Durango-
bound steam train departs. Visit in winter for a real treat. Snowmobiles become the main
means of transportation, and town becomes a playground for intrepid travelers, most of
them serious powder hounds.
One of Silverton's highlights is just getting here from Ouray on the Million Dollar Hwy
- an awe-inspiring stretch of road that's one of Colorado's best road trips.
Sights & Activities
Silverton Railroad Depot
RAILWAY
( 970-387-5416, toll-free 877-872-4607;
www.durangotrain.com
;
12th St; deluxe/adult/child return from $189/85/
51; departures 1:45pm, 2:30pm & 3pm; )
You can buy one-way and return tickets for the bril-
liant Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at the Silverton terminus. The Silver-
ton Freight Yard Museum is located at the Silverton depot. The train ticket provides ad-
mission two days prior to, and two days following, your ride on the train.
The train service offers combination train-bus return trips (the bus route is much quick-
er). Tickets are also available on the website. Hikers use the train to access the Durango
and Weminuche Wilderness trailheads.
Mining Heritage Center
( 970-387-5838;
www.silvertonhistoricalsociety.org
; 1559 Greene St; adult/child $7/3; 9am-5pm Jun-Oct;
)
This specialist museum is dedicated to Silverton's mining history. Old mining equip-
ment is displayed and there's a re-created machine shop and blacksmith shop.
MUSEUM
