Historic Downtown Silverton

Victorian Main Street | Historic Hotels & Saloons | 15-Min Drive to Mountain

Lined with colorful 1880s Victorian storefronts, Greene Street and Notorious Blair Street form the heart of Silverton. During winter, extreme skiers gather at local saloons after heli-skiing or guided laps at Silverton Mountain, located just 15 minutes up County Road 110. In summer, the Durango & Silverton steam train rolls right into the center of town.

• Best For: Extreme skiers, historic hotel lovers, summer train passengers, and walking access to local dining and saloons.
• Key Features: Historic boutique hotels (Grand Imperial, Alma House), local vacation rentals, walkable saloons, gear shops, and quick road access to the ski area.

Silverton Outskirts & Mineral Creek

Mountain Cabins | Snowmobile Trails | Creek Views & Secluded Lodging

Located just outside town limits along US Highway 550 and Mineral Creek, this valley floor offers extra space and direct trail access. It is a prime staging area for snowmobile enthusiasts exploring the San Juans and backcountry skiers looking for quiet mountain retreats away from Main Street.

• Best For: Snowmobilers, backcountry tourers, large-group cabin rentals, and travelers who want quiet mountain surroundings.

• Key Features: Private mountain homes, snowmobile-accessible cabins, riverfront settings, RV/lodge sites, and ample vehicle/trailer parking.

Red Mountain Pass Rustic

High-Alpine Backcountry | Backcountry Huts | Ice Climbing & Extreme Terrain

Heading north from Silverton toward Ouray along the Million Dollar Highway, Red Mountain Pass sits above 11,000 feet. This high-alpine zone features remote backcountry huts and rustic lodges for experienced winter recreationists seeking immediate access to ungroomed backcountry lines and ice climbing.

• Best For: Backcountry ski tourers, ice climbers, mountaineers, and rugged winter adventurers.
• Key Features: Backcountry hut systems (Opus Hut, San Juan Huts), extreme alpine views, immediate backcountry ski access, and proximity to Ouray ice climbing.

South Highway 550 & Molas Pass Gateway

San Juan Skyway | Scenic Cabins | Molas Lake & Multi-Resort Access

Positioned south of town over scenic Molas Pass (10,900 ft), this corridor links Silverton to Purgatory Resort and Durango. Staying along this ridge gives travelers highway access to both ski mountains while providing dramatic views of the Grenadier Range and Molas Lake.

• Best For: Travelers splitting time between Purgatory Resort and Silverton, cross-country skiers, and summer sightseers.

• Key Features: High-altitude cabin rentals, convenient driving access to both Purgatory and Silverton Mountain, cross-country/snowshoe trailheads, and panoramic peak vistas.