San Juan County: Mining History, Mountain Tours and Alpine Loop

San Juan County in Colorado combines an impressive mining history with high-alpine experiences, a historic railway line and opportunities on the water. For planning your trip, it is worth first deciding on your desired focus: Silverton offers culture and mining history, while the mine tour, ski area, Alpine Loop and Molas Lake open up different ways to enjoy active vacation days.

Silver Mining and History in Silverton

Silverton Historic District is a National Historic Landmark in San Juan County, Colorado, designated on July 4, 1961. The San Juan County Historical Society also operates the Mining Heritage Center in Silverton.

The 1902 San Juan County Jail is also part of the historic setting. Built in 1902, the two-story brick jail was fireproof and escape-proof and is now part of the museum complex. Its four steel cells each contained up to six canvas hammocks. Those interested in the working and everyday history of the mining region will find concrete details here rather than an abstract chronicle.

North of Silverton lies Hillside Cemetery on the steep lower slope of Boulder Mountain. The cemetery covers 20 acres. The Shenandoah-Dives Mill, also known as the Mayflower Mill, is likewise a National Historic Landmark in Silverton, San Juan County. It was the longest-operating mill in the history of the San Juan Mountains. During the summer months, the Mayflower Mill offered self-guided tours; this historical information should be considered separately from current offerings when planning a trip.

Underground Experience and High-Alpine Terrain

The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour is a guided underground mine tour that goes 1/3 of a mile deep into 13,000-foot-high Galena Mountain. The tour includes a ride on a historic electric mine train in an authentic mine car that was once used in the famous Camp Bird Gold Mine. Visitors can pan there for real silver, copper and gold and keep their finds. The tour therefore offers you an underground experience with a historic train ride and the opportunity to pan for silver, copper and gold.

Silverton Mountain offers a different focus. A single chairlift provides access to 1,819 acres of high-alpine terrain with runs in all directions. Guided skiing and snowboarding are available; in spring, holders of day and season passes can also ski unguided.

Railway, Scenic Road and Molas Lake

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates a 45-mile route between Durango in La Plata County and Silverton in San Juan County. The tracks to Silverton were completed by July 1882; afterward, the train began transporting passengers and freight.

For a landscape-focused itinerary, the Alpine Loop begins from Silverton via County Road 2. At Molas Lake Park, non-motorized boating launched from the shore and paddling are possible; rentals are available on site. When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in San Juan County, you can therefore weigh historical discoveries, mountain activities, a train ride and a stay by the water. Families with different interests thus have several clearly distinct travel ideas without having to combine all activities into a single program.

Additional destinations for regional orientation: Pueblo, Prowers County, Eagle, La Plata, Otero, Alamosa County and Delta.

For the broader travel overview: Colorado.