Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Silverton
Know before you go
Downtown and Trailhead Limits
Street parking in Silverton fills rapidly during the daily train arrival window. Trailhead lots for Ice Lakes have limited capacity and often fill before sunrise in peak summer.
Remote Communication
Cellular service is generally unavailable once you leave the Silverton town limits. Carry a satellite messenger or paper topographic maps for any backcountry excursion.
Mountain Gateway Services
Silverton has limited fueling stations compared to Durango or Montrose. Ensure your vehicle is topped off before attempting long sections of the Alpine Loop.
Seasonal Road Access
High-altitude passes like Engineer and Cinnamon typically do not clear of snow until late June or July. Verify pass status with local authorities before planning a summer drive.
Million Dollar Highway
US Highway 550 involves steep grades and sharp drop-offs without guardrails. Winter travelers should check CDOT for chain laws and avalanche-related closures.
Check current conditions:San Juan National Forest
2RVs, campervans & cars near DRO
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to DRO
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at DRO
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at DRO
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at DRO
- ✓ Compare suppliers at DRO
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at DRO
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at DROA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Silverton
- 01
Mining History and Victorian Architecture
Suggested: 9 AM from Greene Street
Silverton Historic District
Walk the Victorian-era grid to view the San Juan County Courthouse and the storied saloons of Blair Street.
Christ of the Mines Shrine
Visit this hillside landmark for a bird's-eye view of the town and the surrounding 13,000-foot peaks.
Mostly walking within the town grid; allow for slow movement due to the 9,300-foot elevation.
Hydration is critical on day one to mitigate the effects of high-altitude travel.
Pick up your vehicle at DRO → - 02
High Alpine Ghost Towns
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Silverton
Animas Forks Ghost Town
Explore the remains of this 11,200-foot mining settlement, including the well-preserved Duncan House.
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Navigate the rugged mountain passes of the San Juans for expansive views of the high-tundra landscape.
Allow 3 to 5 hours for backcountry loops; rocky road conditions and weather significantly impact speed.
High-clearance 4WD is essential for these routes; check local conditions before departure.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Alpine Lakes and Mountain Rails
Suggested: 7 AM from Mineral Creek
Ice Lakes Trail
Trek to the startlingly blue waters of the upper basin, surrounded by jagged peaks and summer wildflowers.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Witness the arrival of the historic steam train at the town depot, a staple of Silverton since the 1880s.
Allow 2 hours for travel to trailheads and back; hiking duration depends on physical conditioning.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common; aim to be below the tree line by early afternoon.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Low
Limited Lodging in a High-Altitude Wilderness Environment
Silverton's historic hotels and RV parks are limited and frequently reach capacity months in advance for the summer and fall seasons. While the town itself does not require an entry permit, activities on surrounding public lands—such as driving the Alpine Loop or camping on BLM land—are subject to specific seasonal regulations and fire restrictions. Check with the Bureau of Land Management or the San Juan National Forest for the latest backcountry usage policies.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
DROSilverton
Durango La Plata County Airport · 1 h 33 min drive
Find flights to DRO
Plan your road trip
From Durango La Plata County Airport
1 h 33 min
about 65 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Silverton on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Silverton on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Silverton
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Silverton
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Silverton
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Silverton
Explore guided activities around Silverton. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Silverton
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
