The Silverton Historic District in San Juan County, Colorado, was designated a National Historic Landmark on July 4, 1961. Other tangible traces of mining history can be found at the San Juan County Jail and the Shenandoah-Dives Mill, also known as the Mayflower Mill. A guided underground tour offers another way to experience the history of mining; at Silverton Mountain and Molas Lake Park, by contrast, the focus is on activities in the alpine landscape and on the water.
Mining History in Buildings and the Landscape
Built in 1902, the San Juan County Jail is a two-story brick jail designed to be fireproof and escape-proof. Today it is part of the museum complex. Its features included four steel cells, each with up to six canvas hammocks—a particularly concrete detail that adds to the description of the building. The Mining Heritage Center in Silverton is operated by the San Juan County Historical Society; visitor operations may vary by season.
The Shenandoah-Dives Mill, also known as the Mayflower Mill, is a National Historic Landmark in Silverton. It was the longest-operating mill in the history of the San Juan Mountains. Hillside Cemetery lies north of Silverton on the steep lower slope of Boulder Mountain and covers 20 acres. The jail, mill, and cemetery each offer distinct historical and landscape features, without needing to combine them into a single sightseeing itinerary.
A Look at Underground Mining
The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour includes a guided underground mine tour that goes 1/3 mile into 13,000-foot Galena Mountain. The tour also includes a ride on a historic electric mine train. The authentic mine car was once used at the famous Camp Bird Gold Mine—another link to mining history, this time through a vehicle rather than a building.
The experience also includes the chance to search for your own finds: visitors can pan for real silver, copper, and gold and keep what they find. Since operating hours and conditions may change, it is advisable to check the latest tour information before your trip. This lets you plan the underground tour and panning as parts of the same visit without assuming a particular duration.
High-Alpine Terrain and Activities on the Water
Silverton Mountain offers access via a single chairlift to 1,819 acres of high-alpine terrain, with runs in all directions. Activities include guided skiing and snowboarding. In spring, unguided skiing is also available to holders of day and season passes. This pass rule is part of the seasonal guidance: check current operating and access information before your trip.
At Molas Lake Park, non-motorized boating and paddling are available, both launched from shore; rentals are offered on-site. San Juan County offers different ways to spend time outdoors side by side: high-alpine skiing and snowboarding on the one hand, and non-motorized activities on the water on the other. The information about rentals refers to on-site offerings; prices and operating dates are not specified here.
Route and Road Guidance
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates a 45-mile route between Durango in La Plata County and Silverton in San Juan County. By July 1882, the tracks to Silverton had been completed; the train then began carrying passengers and freight. The historical development and the current route refer to different time periods. Since schedules may change, check the latest times before your trip.
The Alpine Loop starts from Silverton via County Road 2. Road conditions and seasonal passability may change, so check current conditions before planning a drive. This distinguishes the road route from the railway: the train connects the endpoints mentioned, while the Alpine Loop starts from Silverton on County Road 2.
Explore more destinations: Silverton, San Miguel, Cheyenne County, Custer, Weld, Washington County, Otero, Summit.
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