Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into DRO, drive to Silverton
1 h 33 min drive65 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- DRO
Airport drive- 1 h 33 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–4 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended for backcountry exploration; check rental contracts for specific off-road prohibitions.
Your route
DRO
Durango La Plata County Airport
Silverton
About 1 h 33 min · 65 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to DRO
Compare fares into Durango La Plata County Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at DRO
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Silverton. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at DRO
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Silverton
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
July – September, December – March
Your route
Day 1 · Mining History and Victorian Architecture
Silverton Historic District → Christ of the Mines Shrine
Day 2 · High Alpine Ghost Towns
Animas Forks Ghost Town → Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Day 3 · Alpine Lakes and Mountain Rails
Ice Lakes Trail → Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Viator
Tours & experiences near Silverton
Explore guided activities around Silverton. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Silverton
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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Silverton?
Durango La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from DRO to Silverton?
Roughly 1 h 33 min (about 65 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Silverton?
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.
