Similar to Ouray, the town of Silverton traces its roots back first to the Ute Indians and then to prospectors searching for gold and silver in the mid-1800's. The first mining claims in the region were in the 1860's. Although the work was difficult, the mining was productive. The town boomed from the time of the first claim until the silver market collapse in 1893. Shortly thereafter the good times started to roll again as gold mining boomed until 1907.
What do you get when you get a bunch of hardcore prospectors with a little money in their pockets? A lot of alcohol, gambling and "ladies of the night". During its boom period, a three-block stretch of Silverton known as Blair Street was home to 32 saloons, gambling halls and houses of ill-repute. Although I'm not sure what they did with their winnings, legendary western figures Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp were rumored to gamble in Silverton on a regular basis.
Silverton survived booms and busts through the years. Now the small town with less than 700 permanent residents is a popular destination that can be reached by car, or the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. From mid-May until the end of October the train makes daily round trips from Durango to Silverton. The journey is a little over three hours each way, and passengers have several hours to roam the town and spend a few bucks on food, beverage and souvenirs (sorry, no more brothels). The train ride has been voted as one of the top ten scenic rail trips in the world. This is especially true at this time of year when the Aspens are at peak color. My dad would whole heartedly agree with the lofty rating of the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. He said many times that riding that train was one of the real highlights of his life.
Reaching Silverton by car from Ouray isn't a long journey. It's only 24 miles away on the highway that has been named the "Million Dollar Highway". The scenery is magnificent. Leaving Ouray, you pass Crystal Lake and the Hayden Trailhead just a few miles out of town. The incredible color of the trees, with seven 14,000 foot mountains serving as a backdrop is breathtaking. If that doesn't take your breath away, climbing over 3,000 feet to Red Mountain Pass probably will. For much of the ascent and descent there is no guardrail on the winding road...........and it's a long way down! It's definitely a two hands on the steering wheel drive. By the time we reached Silverton I had white knuckled the steering wheel enough that I could feel a few cramps in my hands.
Silverton itself is well worth visiting. It's a smaller version of Ouray, with historic buildings filled with shops, galleries and restaurants. If you visit, take a little time to learn the history of the town by reading some of the many historical markers. Also, if you're feeling a little hungry and you hear the train whistle pick a place to eat quickly. The majority of folks arriving by train have worked up a pretty good appetite on the three-hour ride from Durango.
