Discover Silverthorne: Trails, Water, and Culture

Silverthorne combines trails through downtown with waterside experiences, creative offerings, and a diverse cultural program. The Blue River Trail is 3.5 miles long and can be used by bicycle or on foot. In Silverthorne, it runs from Silverthorne Elementary School and North Pond Park through downtown to Dillon Dam. This makes it a clear choice for travelers who want to combine physical activity with exploring the area.

Trails and Landscapes Around Silverthorne

The broader selection of trails can also be organized according to your preferred plan for the day. Downtown is connected to the Salt Lick Trail System via the Mesa Cortina Connector Trail. The Blue River Trail, in turn, connects with the Summit County Recpath; from there, trails lead to Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, and Copper Mountain. To reach the Mesa-Cortina trailhead, take exit 205 from I-70 toward Silverthorne/Dillon.

Additional starting points round out the picture. The Lily Pad Lake Trail trailhead can be reached from the Silverthorne Transit Center by taking the free Summit County Stage bus. The Lily Pad Lake Trail is also accessible from the Salt Lick Area Trail System. Maryland Creek Park has a loop trail that connects to the Gore Range Trail, as well as a free nine-hole disc golf course. Those who want to bring together different interests within a travel group can choose between walking trails, longer trail connections, and a playful outdoor activity.

Water Experiences and Active Days

The Blue River shapes several possible travel plans. Whitewater and flatwater rafting are available there, as are opportunities for fishing. In Silverthorne, the river is suitable for fly-fishing for four different trout species. North Pond is a protected body of water that is suitable for learning stand-up paddleboarding. At the Silverthorne Recreation Center, a climbing wall is part of the aquatic area. The range of options therefore extends from relaxing activities by the water to more physically active pursuits.

The Raven Golf Course at Three Peaks also represents the landscape around Silverthorne: it is located among pine and aspen forests, glistening lakes, and snow-capped peaks reaching 13,000 feet. These varied settings can help with trip planning when you want to switch between the river, trails, parks, and open landscapes.

Culture, Art, and Local Encounters

In addition to outdoor experiences, Silverthorne offers several cultural destinations. The Silverthorne Performing Arts Center is home to Theatre SilCo. Performances, art exhibitions, and events take place there; Theatre SilCo presents performances in the center's black-box theater. Public artworks can be seen outside the Performing Arts Center, in the city parks, along the Blue River Trail, and throughout the downtown area. Over the course of the year, Silverthorne presents several public art exhibitions. Art Spot also offers classes for creative activities.

First Fridays bring locals and visitors together on the first Friday of each month. This adds a recurring date in the life of the city to the exhibitions, performances, and public art.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plan

When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home in Silverthorne, it is worth first determining the focus of your days. For trail and downtown plans, the Blue River Trail, the Mesa Cortina Connector, and the Performing Arts Center are central. Those who prefer water activities can plan around the Blue River and North Pond; for a mix of trails and park amenities, Maryland Creek Park and access to the Lily Pad Lake Trail are options. This allows you to choose your accommodation based on the experiences you actually want to combine.

For the higher-level travel overview: Summit.