Tucked into a glacial valley at 9,318 feet above sea level, Silverton, Colorado, is more than just a charming mountain town—it’s a time capsule of the American West surrounded by the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains.

The entire downtown area is designated as a National Historic Landmark District. As we walked its wide, dirt streets past ornate false-front buildings and colorful Victorian facades, we got a real sense of what life might have been like during the mining heyday.

Silverton was officially established in the 1870s after the discovery of gold and silver in the nearby mountains. The town quickly boomed, attracting miners, merchants, and risk-takers from across the country. It became the terminus for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in 1882—a lifeline that still chugs into town and brought us here today.

Our friends were waiting for us when we departed the train, and we spent several hours having lunch, walking, and exploring the town.    We did not have time for the Gold Mine Tour, which takes visitors into the mountain via railcar to demonstrate how ore was blasted and hauled; however, we received an adequate overview of the town, despite the sporadic rain showers.  But the air is thin up here at 9,300+ ft, so we took it slowly!

Silverton delivered an unforgettable slice of Colorado’s rugged spirit.

Now on to our next adventure….driving the jaw-dropping Million Dollar Highway!