Silt brings together local history and opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation along the Colorado River. Those interested in how the town came to be can explore its historical highlights; those who want to learn about the river and its wildlife can use the information about the Silt River Preserve as a guide. There are also opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle driving in a nearby recreation area. These different themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests.
Local History and Historic Buildings
Silt grew out of George Ferguson’s ranch after Ute land was opened to homesteading in 1881. The town’s early history is also tied to the Grand River, now called the Colorado River: a ferry operated by Mr. Ferguson carried the first settlers across the river until the first bridge was built in 1908. The two dates provide a timeline for the town’s development: 1881 marks the beginning of homesteading, and 1908 the construction of the first bridge.
Silt Historical Park and Museum features historic buildings and historical artifacts. These include a sheepherder camp, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and a general store, as well as a cowboy camp, an office and saloon, a residence, and a railroad building. The different buildings represent various aspects of daily life and work at the time—from school and home life to trades, commerce, and the railroad. Visitors interested not only in individual events but also in historic ways of life and work will find several themes brought together here.
The town’s festival history also has a specific historical milestone: Silt’s first festival, Hey Day, began in 1969. You can combine learning about the town’s history with exploring its historic buildings, while Hey Day offers another perspective on the local past.
River Scenery and Wildlife
Bald eagles nest at the Silt River Preserve, and mule deer graze along a scenic stretch of the Colorado River. A trail in the preserve provides access to the river. Wildlife and river access offer different reasons to visit: you can take an interest in the animals described here or use the trail as a guide to the riverside area.
Heron’s Nest RV Park provides another access point to a heron colony on the Colorado River. Check access before visiting. This makes the heron colony another way to experience nature as part of your trip, without conflating it with the wildlife-viewing opportunities at the Silt River Preserve. Both places are connected to the river, but the animals and visitor experiences described are different.
Things to Do Around Silt
Near Silt, the Silt Mesa Extensive Recreation Management Area lies below the Grand Hogback. It offers opportunities for off-highway vehicle driving, hiking, and horseback riding. These activities differ from wildlife viewing at the preserve: here, the focus is on a range of outdoor pursuits. When deciding what to prioritize during your stay, you can weigh local history, riverside wildlife viewing, and the recreation opportunities in the nearby area.
There are also different ways to enjoy the river. Silt Island Park has a boat ramp used by anglers; conditions for launching may vary. Check the current situation before using it. During rafting trips on the Colorado River near Silt, participants can stop at a small riverside park. Because specific access arrangements may change, it is a good idea to check in advance. These river-related options differ both in how they are used and in what arrangements may be helpful before your visit.
You can choose among these options based on your interests; there is no fixed order for visiting them.
Explore more destinations: Glenwood Springs, Rifle, New Castle, Parachute.
For the broader travel overview: Garfield.
