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Summer Activities in Silverton
Fishing in the Heart of the High Country
The San Juan Mountains provide some awe inspiring waters for dropping a line. Many rivers and streams are within reach from Silverton and the high alpine lakes offer up excellent pan-size trout. Here is just a sampling of the excellent fishing in the area.
If you're lucky, one of the locals may reveal a favorite spot to you, too. Fishing licenses can be obtained at Outdoor World and San Juan Backcountry in Silverton or at the Molas Lake store.
Molas Lake, Little Molas Lake, and Andrews Lake - just seven miles south of Silverton off US Highway 550. The road to Molas Lake is six miles south of Silverton off US Highway 550. The road is clearly marked and the lake can be seen from the highway. The road to Little Molas Lake is signed and is on the opposite side of the highway from Molas Lake. This road is an easy mile drive to the lake. Andrews Lake is about one mile further down the highway, on your left. All three offer a bounty of feisty trout.
Highland Mary Lake -To reach Cunningham Gulch follow Hwy 110 east out of Silverton. Turn right where Hwy 110 forks and follow the Old Hundred Mine Tour signs to Cunningham Gulch about 5 miles out of town. Turn right at Cunningham Gulch past the Howardsville bridge. Trailhead access is reached by driving about 2 miles into upper Cunningham Gulch. At the head of the gulch is the remains of Highland Mary Mill and regular cars should park here. Those with 4-wheel drive may continue down to the right across Cunningham Creek for another mile. This is a moderate 5-mile hike with great fishing and incredible scenery at your destination.
Ice Lake, Little Ice Lake, Fuller Lake, and Island Lake - The trailhead is located at South Mineral Campground and may be reached by regular vehicle. A footpath from the parking lot at the west of the campground goes to the lakes basin which contains 4 major glacier lakes. The trail is about 3.5 miles one way and includes a 3,000 ft. elevation gain. This makes it a strenuous hike. Visitors not accustomed to the altitude should plan a full day to make it to the lakes basin. The trail is signed by the San Juan National Forest and not recommended for mountain bikes. Since access to these lakes is only by foot, there is usually minimal fishing pressure.
Clear Lake - take US Highway 550 north two miles out of Silverton. Then turn onto US Forest Service Road (South Mineral Creek Campgrounds) and proceed five miles. From the South Mineral Creek Campgrounds, take US Forest Service Road 815 (4 WD required) for about two miles. Clear Lake also offers good cutthroat trout fishing.
Hiking ~ There is no better place to hike than Southwest Colorado, and no finer place in Southwest Colorado than the majestic high country surrounding Silverton. The hiking opportunities know no bounds, and the variety of difficulty and length of hikes offers something for everyone. No matter where you choose to hike, you will be mesmerized by the beauty and will return wanting more. There are local, high-country, and extreme hiking opportunities here in the "Heart of the High Country:"
Local Trails
Christ of the Mines Shrine - Located northwest of Silverton, this is an easy 1 mile walk that provides a nice overlook of the town of Silverton. Great for an afternoon walk before the train leaves.
Cement Creek - Located north of Silverton, starts at Memorial Park and takes you on a peaceful walk along the river.
Kendall Mountain - located southeast of Silverton, across the Animas River, past Cement Creek. This trail veers right and wraps around Kendall Mountain. It is 6.5 miles, one-way.
Lackawana Mill - located southeast of Silverton, starting at the Kendall Mountain Recreation Area, this trail provides a relaxing walk through a wooded area.
Jeeping in the Heart of the High Country
The old wagon roads of the San Juans came to life after World War II when Jeeping became popular. Some of the country's best four-wheel drive roads are found in the Silverton area, and Silverton is the ideal base from which to explore these roads. Take your pick - a half day trip or several days to travel all of the main roads. Please remember that four-wheel-drive vehicles can damage fragile alpine plants and cause erosion problems. Please stay on established roads and trails.
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