Silverton, CO Travel Guide:

Where to Stay, Eat & Play

Silverton, Ouray & Durango Travel Guide

Planning a trip to the San Juan Mountains? These are the places our crew stays, eats and explores when we’re not on the trail. Whether you’re here for summer off-roading on the Alpine Loop or winter snowmobiling and cat skiing, this guide will help you plan the perfect Silverton getaway.

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Planning your adventure with Pirate Backcountry Adventures? Whether you’re riding the Alpine Loop in summer or snowmobiling and cat skiing through the San Juan Mountains in winter, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences beyond the trail.

This guide highlights the best things to do in Silverton, Ouray, and Durango in every season, from wildflower-covered passes, ghost towns, and hot springs to powder days, historic hotels, and great local dining. Use this page to plan your trip and make the most of your Colorado mountain adventure.

Things To Do in Silverton, Colorado (San Juan Mountains)

Silverton is one of Colorado’s most iconic mountain towns, known for its high-alpine terrain, mining history, and access to the legendary Alpine Loop.

Explore the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway (Silverton, Ouray & Lake City)

Drive or ride one of Colorado’s most famous off-road routes over Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass, featuring alpine lakes, ghost towns, and 12,000 ft mountain views.

Visit Animas Forks Ghost Town (Historic Silverton Landmark)

One of the best-preserved mining towns in Colorado and a must-see stop along the Alpine Loop.

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Scenic Train Ride)

A bucket-list train journey through the San Juan Mountains along the Animas River.

Relax at Ouray Hot Springs (Near Silverton)

Unwind in natural mineral pools surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Where To Stay in Silverton, Ouray & Durango

Silverton Lodging

  • Silverton Summit Retreat- A four-bedroom house with private baths for every room, right in the heart of Silverton, with plenty of parking for trucks and trailers.

  • Altus Lodge– Elevated alpine lodging in the San Juans, with the mountains right outside your door. 

  • The Triangle Hotel– Comfortable, convenient lodging in Silverton, steps from downtown shops and restaurants.

  • Smedley’s Suites– Vacation suites in the heart of town, within walking distance of dining and the historic district.

  • The Alma House– A cozy, historic inn with true small-town mountain charm.

Durango Lodging

  • Cascade Village – Mountain lodging near Durango and Purgatory Resort
  • Strater Hotel – Historic downtown Durango hotel and landmark
  • VRC- Vacation Rental Collection – Luxury vacation homes in Durango
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Durango – Riverfront hotel near downtown

Best Restaurants & Dining (Silverton, Ouray & Durango)

  • The Eureka Station – Cocktails & Fine Dining in the San Juan Mountains on Blair Street in Silverton, Colorado
  • Local Silverton Dining – Restaurants and cafés in historic downtown Silverton
  • Durango Restaurants – Dining, breweries, and nightlife in downtown Durango
  • Ouray Dining – Casual and scenic restaurants in the “Switzerland of America”

Transportation & Trip Planning

Closest Airports

  • Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – Approximately 1 hour from Ouray and 1.5 hours from Silverton
  • Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) – Approximately 1 hour from Silverton and closest airport to Durango

TRANSPORTATION

  • Mountainside Concierge – Transportation and travel planning services in Silverton and Durango

Ski, Snowboard & Outdoor Gear Rentals

  • Performance Sports – Ski and snowboard rentals in Durango, Colorado
  • Cliffside Ski & Bike Rental – Outdoor gear for all seasons in the San Juan Mountains
  • Venture Snowboards – Custom snowboards and gear in Silverton

More Things To Do in Silverton, Ouray & Durango

  • Rock Pirates ATV & RZR Rentals – Explore the Alpine Loop and backcountry trails
  • Silverton Powdercats – Backcountry cat skiing in Silverton, Colorado
  • Silverton Mountain Ski Area – Advanced and expert-level skiing terrain
  • Purgatory Resort (Durango Mountain Resort) – Year-round mountain activities
  • Kendall Mountain Recreation Area – Local skiing and mountain access in Silverton
  • Rapp Corral – Horseback riding near Durango, Colorado
  • Durango Dog Ranch – Unique outdoor experiences and dog sledding adventures

Colorado Visitor Resources

  • Durango Chamber of Commerce – Things to do in Durango, Colorado
  • Silverton Chamber of Commerce – Travel guide to Silverton, Colorado
  • Ouray Chamber of Commerce – Visitor information for Ouray, Colorado

Ready to Ride?

From summer RZR tours on the Alpine Loop to winter snowmobiling and cat skiing, Pirate Backcountry Adventures is your crew in Silverton.

[Rock Pirates Tours & Rentals] · [Ice Pirates Snowmobile Tours] · [Silverton Powdercats]

Questions? See our [Colorado Rock Pirates FAQs] · [Ice Pirates FAQs] · Call 970-247-3706

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