Silverton
City Profile

Elevation: 9,305'
Population: 531
Average Midsummer Temperature: 71 / 37 degrees

Silverton, at its high altitude, is surrounded by colorfully streaked peaks of the San Juan ountains that soar skyward. The town is located on the Upper Animas River and has retained its original Western character of wide streets and old hotels. It is also the turnaround point for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which originates in Durango, 47 miles to the south. The entire town has been designated a National Historic District by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Recreational activities include hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding and photography. Driving into Silverton from the north over spectacular Red Mountain Pass, or from the south over Molas Pass, is a sightseer's joy. Silverton also offers a wealth of old buildings that are worth seeing.

Silverton Chamber of Commerce: (970) 387-5654

Ghost Towns Galore

Silverton is the starting point for explorations into old mining camps at high altitudes. Try a guided 4X4 trip to see some of these historic treasures.

Special Events

June 2-5 – Step Back in Time Celebration & Vintage Dance: A historic celebration allows visitors to learn Victorian social dances, see the Mayflower Gold Mill, travel underground on a mine tour, horseback ride through town, enjoy an afternoon ice-cream social, witness a train robbery, explore a deserted ghost town, join in the fun of an authentically historic costume ball, ride the last of the coal-fired steam
trains down the canyon, listen to the lore and history of the San Juans, tour the Hillside Cemetery, and gaze at the magnificent dress of the times.

June 24-26 – 18th Annual Silverton Jubilee Folk Music Festival: A wide variety of international acts will keep you entertained. Arts and crafts booths, delicious cuisine and Colorado microbrews are onsite.
Call (970) 387-5737 or visit: www.silvertonfestivals.org

July 4 – Independence Day Festivities include a parade, fireworks, brass band, duckie derby, water fight between two fire departments, and the international Rhubarb Festival.

July 16 – Barbershoppers Concert: This traditional event is held at the Silverton School Gym and is free for all.

July 15-17 – 13th Annual Blair Street Arts & Crafts Festival

Aug. 6 – 4th Annual Taste of Silverton: Come taste all the delights Silverton Restaurants serve from 6-8 p.m. Call (970) 387-5654

Aug. 12-14 – Hardrocker's Holidays: The three-day competition celebrates mining heritage with events like"handmucking," machine drilling, tug-o-war, arm wrestling, and more.
Call (970) 387-5711

Aug. 19-21 – Great Western Rocky Mountain Brass Band Concerts:
Free brass band concerts all weekend, featuring musicians from all over the country.