Nestled at 9,318 feet in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Silverton is tiny—just over 600 permanent residents—but packed with character. This old silver-and-gold boomtown now thrives on rugged charm, ghost stories, mining relics, and one of America’s most scenic steam train rides.
If you’re chasing history, adrenaline, and wild alpine vistas, Silverton delivers.
🚂 The Iconic Train Ride
Begin in Durango aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a heritage steam or diesel line that climbs 45 rugged miles through Animas Canyon to Silverton. Originally built in the 1880s to haul ore, the journey now treats travelers to roaring locomotives, high trestle bridges, dramatic curves carved into cliffs, and stretches of wilderness with zero cell signal—just mountain views and wildlife.
Summer brings open-air gondolas and fresh breeze in your hair. In fall, golden aspen stands flare against bright skies. And in winter, the Cascade Canyon steam rides cut through snow-laced peaks in a quiet,
steamy wonderland.
🏘️ Silverton Town Center: Saloon Lore & Eats That Stick
Stepping into Silverton is like entering a Western movie set—Victorian storefronts, mining relics, and modern cafés mingle down Greene and Blair streets. The town, founded in the 1880s, is now a National Historic Landmark District.
The Grand Imperial Hotel commands attention: built in 1882, it remains a symbol of mining-era elegance—and one of Colorado’s most haunted lodging spots. Guests report encounters in room 314 with a spirit called “Dr. Luigi,” believed to be a former caretaker who never quite checked out. People hear phantom footsteps in hallways, catch reflections that don’t belong, and some say he even shows up at the bar counter for a drink.
Inside, the Lacey Rose Saloon delivers history, cocktails, and an upright piano playing ragtime—while locals and visitors soak in the wood-paneled ambiance and share ghost tales over burgers and handcrafted drinks.
Nearby, Handlebars Food & Saloon is the go-to for hearty mountain fare—steaks, ribs, and burgers in Old West décor, perfect after a dusty hike or train ride. For breakfast, Kendall Mountain Café draws a loyal crowd with green-chile burritos, open-face burgers, and legendary blueberry pie—some folks even say it’s worth the wait.
Golden Block Brewery has become a local gem. They serve house-made craft beers and wood-fired pizzas from a brick oven, plus salads and wraps, all in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. It’s family-friendly but also a favorite among locals winding down after a long day outdoors.
Lastly, The Eureka Station—a Cornish tavern tucked off Blair Street—is known for bison pasties, seasonal fare, and strong pours in a retro, rustic setting that leaves a lasting impression.
🛏️ Lodging That Leaves Its Mark
Grand Imperial Hotel
This historic hotel is not only the town’s centerpiece but also a paranormal hotspot. Room 314 is rumored to be the epicenter of most spectral activity, with guests exchanging stories of knocks, cold spots, and an unseen bartender—Dr. Luigi. It retains original architecture and mining-era charm, and staying here feels like a step back into wild-town history.
The Avon Hotel & Hostel
Smaller, cozier, and pet-friendly, The Avon offers a neat 14 rooms and a lounge where travelers swap mountain stories over cocktails. Ideal for those seeking relaxed lodging without sacrificing charm.
Silverton Lodge
Just a few blocks from Main Street, this lodge features six themed suites with full kitchens—perfect for longer stays or families wanting comfort outside the bustle of train arrivals.
Alma House B&B and Historic Cabins
Once a miner’s boarding house from 1902, Alma House now welcomes travelers seeking quiet character and vintage style. Some long-term guests whisper about ghostly happenings—but mostly, visitors rave about the peaceful nights and homegrown breakfasts.
👻 Ghost Town Escapades & Alpine Secrets
Follow the Alpine Loop east into brutal beauty, and you’ll reach Animas Forks, a ghost town at 11,200 feet. Once a bustling community of 450 in the 1870s, mining collapse and brutal winters emptied cabins by the 1920s. Now, weathered wood cabins, wildflowers, and high-altitude silence fill the space.
Accessible by high-clearance 4WD or Jeep tours, Animas Forks whispers tales of grit, isolation, and resilient living. Perfect for single-minded adventurers chasing solitude—or a story written in rust and wildflowers.
🌲 Seasonal Rhythm of Silverton
Fall (Late September–Early October)
Golden aspens set the hills ablaze. Events like Silverton Creates! and Summer Sounds bring art, music, and makers’ markets to town. The train’s late-afternoon ride becomes cinematic in the shifting sun.
Summer (June–August)
All the trails and mountain passes open. The Alpine Loop becomes buzzing with hikers and ATVs. Evenings bring live music in the park. Days are warm, but nights are crisp—layers are key.
Winter
Silverton turns into a sanctuary of silence under snowy peaks. The train still runs to Cascade Canyon. Silverton Mountain opens terrain for advanced skiers—think heli-skiing and backcountry runs. Town life slows, fires glow in saloons, and the mountain hush blankets everything.
🚩 Two-Day Itinerary: Feel the Rhythm of Silverton
Day One:
-
Ride the morning train from Durango to Silverton—reserve a riverside seat for the best views.
-
Lunch at Handlebars—for authentic mountain-style burgers or ribs.
-
Walk Greene and Blair streets, peek in galleries, and tour the Mayflower (Shenandoah-Dives) Mill to see 1920s mining machinery still waiting in time.
-
Evening: Dinner, drinks, and ghost stories at the Lacey Rose Saloon inside the Grand Imperial.
Day Two:
-
Breakfast at Kendall Mountain Café, the Huevos Rancheros are amazing, but the biscuits and gravy will always be my favorite.
Photo credit: Kendall Mountain Cafe -
Drive the Alpine Loop—hire a Jeep or take an ATV. Stop at Animas Forks to walk among the abandoned cabins and wildflowers.
-
Return via Engineer Pass—pause at scenic overlooks and snack break.
-
Evening: Eat wood-fired pizza and sip craft beer at Golden Block Brewery, or savor bison lasagna or pork belly at The Eureka Station. Watch sunset fade behind peaks.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Silverton refuses simplicity. It doesn’t try to fit in; it stands out through altitude, grit, and memory. Steam whistles echo between cliffs, locals pour drinks in historic saloons, and ghost stories hang thick in hotel hallways. Whether you come for the train ride, haunted hotel rumors, ghost towns, or high-country isolation—Silverton delivers in spades.
It’s a town that rewards curiosity. Stay in a haunted room, chase old cabins above tree line, dine on pasties and pizza, and feel the mountain wind carve stories in your memory.
Silverton doesn’t just invite you to visit—it insists you remember.
No comments:
Post a Comment