Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Silverton, Colorado
Silverton sits at 9,318 feet in a tight box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, and the hiking here reflects that setting — steep, exposed, and genuinely remote.
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Silverton sits at 9,318 feet in a tight box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, and the hiking here reflects that setting — steep, exposed, and genuinely remote. The 147 listed hikes around town range from the easy Molas-Colorado Trail connector to sustained backcountry routes like the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the full Hardrock 100 course, which ultrarunners use as a benchmark for just how punishing this terrain can be. Many of the routes follow old mining roads — Cunningham Gulch, Eureka Gulch, U.S. Basin, Engineer Pass, Black Bear Pass — which means the grades are manageable but the altitude gain is relentless and the exposure to afternoon thunderstorms is real. Vallecito Creek Trail and Elk Creek along the Colorado Trail offer more sheltered canyon hiking for days when the high ridges are socked in. Hope Lake and Columbine Lake are the most popular destination hikes for visitors who want a payoff view without committing to a full alpine traverse. The season runs roughly late June through early October, with snowpack lingering on north-facing slopes well into July most years. If you're driving in from Ouray or Durango, you're already acclimating — but Silverton's elevation means even fit hikers should plan a slower first day.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Silverton?
Late July through mid-September is the sweet spot. Snow clears from most high routes by mid-July in an average year, and the wildflowers in places like Cunningham Gulch and U.S. Basin peak shortly after. By late September, early storms can drop snow at any elevation, and some of the higher road-based routes like Engineer Pass and Black Bear Pass close to vehicles — and become significantly more hazardous on foot.
What time of day should I start a hike to avoid afternoon thunderstorms?
Start early — on the trail by 7 or 8 a.m. if you're heading above treeline. The San Juans build thunderstorms fast, and most high routes around Silverton are fully exposed. Plan to be back below 12,000 feet by noon or 1 p.m. The Continental Divide and Hardrock 100 routes in particular have long stretches with no shelter.
Do I need a permit to hike the trails listed here?
Most of the hikes in the Silverton area, including the Colorado Trail, Continental Divide NST, and the gulch routes, do not require a permit for day use. Overnight camping in the Weminuche Wilderness — which Vallecito Creek Trail and South Fork Trail access — follows Leave No Trace guidelines and has group size limits, but no permit system as of this writing. Check with the Columbine Ranger District before your trip for any seasonal closures.
How hard is the hiking here for someone who doesn't live at altitude?
Harder than it looks on paper. Even the moderate-rated routes like Vallecito Creek Trail and Elk Creek/Colorado Trail involve sustained elevation and thin air that will slow most lowland hikers noticeably. Give yourself at least one full day in Silverton before attempting anything strenuous, drink more water than you think you need, and treat any headache or nausea as a reason to turn around rather than push through.
Are the road-based hikes like Engineer Pass and Black Bear Pass actually hikeable, or are they just for 4WD vehicles?
Both are open to foot traffic and make for legitimate hikes, though they're primarily known as 4WD routes. Hiking them means sharing the road with vehicles during peak summer weekends, which is worth factoring into your planning. The upside is that the grades are more gradual than most trail routes in the area, making them reasonable options for hikers who want high-elevation views without technical terrain.
