Introduction

Silverton is a city in San Juan County, Colorado, United States. It is located in the San Juan Mountains, at an elevation of 9,318 feet (2,840 m) above sea level. The population was 5,692 at the 2010 census.

History of Silverton

Silverton was founded in 1873, during the Colorado Silver Boom. The town grew rapidly as miners flocked to the area to seek their fortune. In its heyday, Silverton was one of the largest cities in Colorado.

Geography of Silverton

Silverton is located in the San Juan Mountains, at an elevation of 9,318 feet (2,840 m) above sea level. The town is surrounded by mountains, and the San Juan River runs through it.

Climate of Silverton

Silverton has a cold, snowy climate. The average temperature in January is 17 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 degrees Celsius), and the average temperature in July is 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).

Economy of Silverton

The economy of Silverton is based on tourism, mining, and recreation. The town is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to several ski resorts.

Culture of Silverton

The culture of Silverton is a mix of Western and Native American cultures. The town is home to a number of museums and historical sites, and it hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year.

Points of Interest in Silverton

There are a number of points of interest in Silverton, including:

• The Silverton Historic District
• The Silverton Museum
• The Silverton Ski Area
• The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• The San Juan National Forest

Things to Do in Silverton

There are a number of things to do in Silverton, including:

• Visit the Silverton Historic District
• Explore the Silverton Museum
• Go skiing at the Silverton Ski Area
• Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Hike in the San Juan National Forest

Getting to Silverton

Silverton is located about 2 hours from Durango, Colorado. The town is accessible by car, bus, and train.

FAQ

Q: What is the population of Silverton?

A: The population of Silverton is 5,692.

Q: What is the elevation of Silverton?

A: The elevation of Silverton is 9,318 feet (2,840 m) above sea level.

Q: What is the climate of Silverton?

A: Silverton has a cold, snowy climate. The average temperature in January is 17 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 degrees Celsius), and the average temperature in July is 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).

Q: What is the economy of Silverton based on?

A: The economy of Silverton is based on tourism, mining, and recreation.

Q: What are some points of interest in Silverton?

A: There are a number of points of interest in Silverton, including the Silverton Historic District, the Silverton Museum, the Silverton Ski Area, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and the San Juan National Forest.

Q: What are some things to do in Silverton?

A: There are a number of things to do in Silverton

II. History of Silverton

Silverton was founded in 1879 as a mining town during the Colorado Silver Boom. The town quickly grew to a population of over 10,000 people, but the silver mines eventually closed down and the town’s population declined. Today, Silverton is a small town of about 5,000 people, but it remains a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery and its rich history.

III. Geography of Silverton

Silverton is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, United States. The city is situated at an elevation of 9,318 feet (2,839 m) above sea level. Silverton is surrounded by mountains, including Mount Hope (14,092 ft), Red Mountain (14,034 ft), and Kendall Mountain (13,961 ft). The city is located in the Animas River Valley, and the Animas River flows through the city.

Silverton has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The average temperature in January is 15°F (-9°C), and the average temperature in July is 65°F (18°C). The average annual precipitation is 38 inches (97 cm), with most of the precipitation falling in the form of snow.

Silverton is located in the San Juan National Forest. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and mountain lions. The forest also has a number of hiking trails, camping areas, and fishing spots.

Silverton is a popular tourist destination. The city is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Silverton Hotel, the Silverton Depot, and the Silverton Mining Museum. The city also has a number of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Silverton is located about 100 miles (161 km) southwest of Durango, Colorado. The city is accessible by car, bus, and train.

IV. Climate of Silverton

The climate of Silverton is classified as a humid continental climate (Dfb), with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The average annual temperature is 36.8 °F (2.6 °C). The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 62.7 °F (17.1 °C), and the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 14.6 °F (-9.7 °C).

The average annual precipitation is 42.3 inches (1070 mm), with most of the rain falling in the summer months. The snowiest month is March, with an average of 28.3 inches (720 mm) of snow.

The climate of Silverton can be extreme, with temperatures ranging from -40 °F (-40 °C) to 90 °F (32 °C). It is important to be prepared for all weather conditions when visiting Silverton.

V. Economy of Silverton

The economy of Silverton is based primarily on tourism, mining, and logging. The town is a popular destination for tourists, who come to visit the historic mining district, the surrounding wilderness areas, and the numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. The town also has a number of small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels.

The mining industry has been a major part of the economy of Silverton since the late 1800s. The town was once home to a number of large mining operations, but most of these have since closed. However, there are still a few small mining operations active in the area, and mining remains an important part of the local economy.

Logging is also an important part of the economy of Silverton. The town is located in a forested area, and there are a number of logging companies that operate in the area. Logging provides jobs for a number of people in the town, and it also contributes to the local economy.

The economy of Silverton is also supported by a number of government agencies and institutions. The United States Forest Service has a large presence in the area, and the town is also home to a number of state and local government agencies. These agencies provide jobs for a number of people in the town, and they also contribute to the local economy.

Overall, the economy of Silverton is based on a variety of industries, including tourism, mining, logging, and government. The town is a popular destination for tourists, and it is also home to a number of small businesses and government agencies. The economy of Silverton is stable, and it is expected to continue to grow in the future.

VI. Map of Silverton

The following map shows the location of Silverton, Colorado, in the United States.

The city of Silverton is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. It is situated at an elevation of 9,318 feet (2,840 m) above sea level. Silverton is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its historic mining district, its scenic location, and its outdoor recreation opportunities.

The following map shows the downtown area of Silverton.

The downtown area of Silverton is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also the site of the Silverton Train Depot, which is a popular tourist attraction.

The following map shows the surrounding area of Silverton.

The surrounding area of Silverton is home to a variety of hiking trails, camping areas, and fishing spots. It is also a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.

VII. Points of Interest in Silverton

There are many points of interest in Silverton, including:

• The Silverton Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features many well-preserved Victorian buildings.
• The Silverton Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Silverton.
• The Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers scenic train rides through the San Juan Mountains.
• The Silverton Ski Area, which offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter months.
• The Silverton Hot Springs, which offer a relaxing way to soak away the stress of a long day of sightseeing.

Things to Do in Silverton

There are many things to do in Silverton, Colorado. Here are a few of the most popular activities:

• Visit the Silverton Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district features many well-preserved Victorian buildings, including the Silverton Hotel, the Silverton Depot, and the Silverton Mercantile.
• Take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colorado. This historic railroad winds its way through the San Juan Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
• Go hiking or biking in the surrounding wilderness. Silverton is located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, which offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• Visit the Silverton Museum, which tells the story of the town’s history. The museum features exhibits on mining, railroads, and the town’s early settlers.
• Enjoy the local restaurants and bars. Silverton has a variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from American fare to international cuisine. There are also a number of bars in town, where you can relax and enjoy a drink with friends.

Getting to Silverton

The closest major airport to Silverton is the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), located about 45 miles away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Silverton. There are also several bus routes that serve Silverton, including the Amtrak Southwest Chief and the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad.

If you are driving to Silverton, you can take Highway 550 from Durango. The drive takes about an hour and a half.

Silverton is also accessible by train. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad offers a scenic ride from Durango to Silverton, taking about four hours.

Once you arrive in Silverton, you can get around by car, taxi, or shuttle. There are also several public transportation options available, including the Silverton Trolley and the Silverton Mountain Gondola.

FAQ

Q: What is the population of Silverton?

A: The population of Silverton is approximately 5,000 people.

Q: What is the climate like in Silverton?

A: The climate in Silverton is cold and snowy in the winter, and warm and dry in the summer.

Q: What are the major industries in Silverton?

A: The major industries in Silverton are mining, tourism, and recreation.