Silverton Colorado Hiking Trails: Short Summary

Ron Knezek
2 min readApr 23, 2023

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As one of our favorite local destinations, Silverton, Colorado boasts some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Southwest Colorado. Located on the west slope of the Rocky Mountains in the San Juan National Forest, not only do you escape everyday life, but quite often even the swarm of others doing the same thing. This is a short summary of the full article below.

With varying levels of difficulty, these trails offer something for everyone, from casual hikers to experienced adventurers. Discover the natural beauty, scenic vistas, and rich history of Silverton and learn why we love it as you explore its top hiking trails.

Top Hiking Trails Near Silverton:

HIghland Mary Lakes from our family hike up. Amazing and only 2 of the 11 scattered around up there.
  • Ice Lakes Basin Trail: A moderately difficult, 7-mile round-trip hike that leads to the stunning Ice Lakes Basin, featuring turquoise alpine lakes and vibrant wildflowers.
  • Highland Mary Lakes Trail: A moderate, 6-mile round-trip hike with spectacular views of the Highland Mary Lakes and the surrounding mountain landscape.
  • Engineer Mountain Trail: A challenging, 6-mile round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and abundant wildflower displays.
  • Colorado Trail: A 486-mile long-distance trail that passes through Silverton, providing opportunities for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking adventures.

What to See Near Silverton:

Ice Lake
  • Ice Lakes: The San Juan Mountains are hiding a gem: Ice Lakes. With its beautiful turquoise waters and stunning natural surroundings, a visit to Ice Lakes is perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable wilderness experience.
  • Million Dollar Highway: One of the most scenic drives whether in a car or on a motorcycle in the country, the Million Dollar Highway runs through the San Juan Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
  • Animas Forks Ghost Town:
Animas Forks Ghost Town

To discover more about hiking near Silverton, Colorado, and to find detailed information about the various trails, tips, and precautions, check out the full story below. Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Southwest Colorado and check out more from me on Medium.com.

Happy Hiking!

~Ron

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Ron Knezek

We're Outdoor Verified, and we know a thing or two about the great outdoors. In fact, we've been exploring it for years. Come explore with us!