In Silverthorne, the 3.5-mile Blue River Trail runs from Silverthorne Elementary School and North Pond Park through downtown to Dillon Dam. Visitors can use the trail on foot or by bike. This gives you a practical starting point for planning your trip: you can focus on the river and trail, or fill your time with art, events and other outdoor activities.

Blue River: on foot, by bike and on the water

The Blue River Trail connects to the Summit County Recpath. From there, trails lead to Dillon, Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper and Frisco. The trail through Silverthorne and the connecting trails are distinct points of reference: the former runs through downtown, while the Recpath connects to the destinations listed above. If you enjoy walking or cycling, you can combine different options for your trip.

The river itself also offers a range of activities. Whitewater and flatwater rafting are available on the Blue River, and there are also fishing opportunities in Silverthorne. The river there is suitable for fly-fishing for four different trout species. North Pond is a sheltered body of water that is suitable for learning to stand-up paddleboard. The Silverthorne Recreation Center also has a climbing wall in its aquatic area. These options offer different ways to spend your time—from being by the river to taking part in an activity at the Recreation Center.

Parks, trails and scenery

At Maryland Creek Park, a loop trail connects the park’s amenities with the Gore Range Trail. There is also a free, nine-hole disc golf course. For a different kind of outdoor experience, Raven Golf Course at Three Peaks is set among pine and aspen forests, sparkling lakes and snow-capped 13,000-foot peaks.

Downtown Silverthorne is connected to the Salt Lick Trail System by the Mesa Cortina Connector Trail. The Lily Pad Lake Trail can be reached from this trail system. You can get to its trailhead on the free Summit County Stage bus from the Silverthorne Transit Center. Check the current schedule and trail conditions before your hike. To reach the Mesa-Cortina trailhead, take I-70 Exit 205 toward Silverthorne/Dillon; road and parking conditions may change.

Art, theater and First Fridays

The Silverthorne Performing Arts Center is home to Theatre SilCo. The company stages performances in the center’s black box theater; art exhibitions and events are also held there. Silverthorne hosts several public art exhibitions throughout the year. Public artworks can be seen outside the Performing Arts Center, in the town’s parks, along the Blue River Trail and throughout downtown. If you’d like to take in public art while walking or on the trail, you’ll find it in several of these locations. Art Spot also offers creative activity classes.

First Fridays bring locals and visitors together on the first Friday of each month. If this recurring event fits your travel plans, check the date against your travel dates. This lets you factor in the event alongside a planned trail, river or art activity, without building your entire stay around just one program.

Plan your stay in Silverthorne

Are you primarily planning to explore the Blue River Trail and enjoy activities on the water, more interested in trails and parks, or hoping theater, exhibitions and a First Friday will be the deciding factor? These different themes give your search a clear direction without limiting you to just one type of stay. If you’re planning a bus trip to the Lily Pad Lake Trail, check the schedule and trail conditions; for a visit around a First Friday, the specific event date matters.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon.

Back to the main travel overview: Summit.