Silverton Colorado was one of the places we visited when traveling to Durango in October. It was truly a step back in time. Established in 1882, the town is very small, around 630 people. Silverton is one of the highest towns in the United States at an elevation of 9,318 feet.
The first time we visited the town, we took the Durango-Silverton train from Durango. The train started traveling here in 1882. It pulls into town, past the depot, and into the center of town. The way I understood it, they did this to make the arrival more grand. The locomotives are coal-fired, steam-operated and are original from 1923-1925.
This is the first time I had been on a train and the scenery was truly spectacular. I highly recommend taking the train. We rode in one of the glass top cars and it was amazing. They also have really good hot chocolate! It was really cold when we went, and it gets even colder on the ascent to Silverton.
The train ride follows along the Animas River and through the mountains. We were there after the aspens had already lost their leaves, but it was still beautiful. I definitely plan to go back to catch the changing colors.
Visiting Silverton Colorado is a step back in time. There is only one paved road and it is the main road through town.
Grand Imperial Hotel 1883
The main hotel in town is the Grand Imperial Hotel. It was completed in 1883. It was purchased in 2015 by the owners of the Durango-Silverton Railroad and completely restored.
Silverton Colorado is also the only place you can find Astorite. It is a beautiful pink gemstone with grays and whites blended throughout. Check out K & C Traders if you are in town.
Here are some images from our time there.
