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Area Activities

When people stay in Durango, CO, they take a jeep tour that comes up to Silverton, or they take the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Silverton, or they get in their car and drive to Silverton to go hiking, mountain biking, jeeping, whitewater rafting, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Silverton has incredible vistas and the most spectacular location for outdoor sports including jeeping, hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.

Silverton has maintained the feel of a true mountain town with a lot of western spirit. Streets are unpaved; the pace is slow. The mountains are high and the scenery is unparalleled. Silverton has preserved its history and has been chosen as a distinctive destination by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Life is better in Silverton because it is located in the most spectacular spot: in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.

Come back from your day of jeeping, hiking, mountain biking or whitewater rafting by driving 10 minutes instead of an hour and be at our wine and cheese social hour. Stay at the best; stay at The Wyman!

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Silverton is a winter wonderland, a paradise! When it comes to downhill skiing, you have three options. Silverton Mountain is the first new U.S. ski area to open in 20 years. It is an expert and advanced only ski facility. A double chairlift accesses the steepest, most powder filled skiing this side of Valdez, Alaska. If such a challenging ski is not your cup of tea, the second option is Durango Mountain Resort, which is 23 miles away; closer to Silverton than it is to Durango! We also have the Kendall Mountain Recreational Area right here in town. This is family fun at its best with very reasonable prices. Try sledding, tubing, ice skating, snowboarding, or, of course, downhill skiing.

For peace and solitude, you can't beat the cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the back-country surrounding Silverton. When all you see are the paw prints of a four legged friend, you will feel that you are some place no human has gone before. We also have the bluest skies you've ever seen! Almost heaven!

You can also enjoy snowmobiling on some of the best snow in the country. There are many miles of open terrain and nearly 150 miles of track are maintained by the Silverton Snowmobile Club.

WINTER AND SUMMER ACTIVITIES

In Silverton, we are equidistant from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park, so when you want to view a canyon as spectacular (but not as crowded) as the Grand Canyon or want to visit the cliff dwellings of the ancestral pueblos, you can make The Wyman your headquarters and do both!

SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL ACTIVITIES

Activities are plentiful in the spring, summer and fall in Silverton. This area of the San Juans has incredible hiking in the majestic high county unmatched by any other area. We have compiled a binder filled with information on the hikes including the Ice Lake Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Highland Mary Trail as well as others. Come stay with us for our annual hiking week in the end of each year.

Some of the country's best four wheel drive roads are found in the Silverton area and I think everyone who visits Silverton should go back country jeeping or mountain biking for a day. You can explore many Ghost Towns on your drive; the Ghost Towns of Howardsville, Eureka and Animas Forks are all with in 14 miles. When you reach one of the passes like California Pass (my favorite), you'll be so high, you'll think you can touch the sky. Don't miss the back country experience!

Another way of exploring is on horseback or you may want to spend a day or two fishing in the rivers, lakes, and streams of the San Juan Mountains. Feisty trout can be found in Molas Lake, Little Molas Lake, Andrews Lake, Highland Mary Lake, Ice Lake, and Clear Lake. Combine a hike with a fishing expedition for great fun!

The old wagon roads of the San Juans are perfect for mountain biking.

Of course, one of the main reasons people come to this area is to ride on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. We suggest after spending a few days in Silverton, you ride the train to Durango, overnight, and then return to Silverton the following morning. This is a good way to see Durango as their primary entertainment is shopping and the shops will all be open when you arrive.

Learn about the history of the San Juans by doing The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour, chosen as Colorado's Best Mine Tour. It is located just a few miles outside of town. Afterwards, you can pan for real silver and gold.

Of course, there is whitewater river rafting on the Animas River. The "upper" is for the very adventurous and experienced and originates here in Silverton.

We have many shops in Silverton. Two that I recommend are Ellis Tanner Gallery and Weathertop Wovens.... but do your own exploring and tell me what you like and why! Enjoy the historic walking tour while you shop!