The county seat of San Juan County, Silverton is a small statutory town in the southwestern part of the state of Colorado. Surrounded by mountains, the Silverton is mostly classed as a National Historic Landmark District and has close ties with the town of Durango, with the two towns being linked by the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Silverton covers an area of just 0.85 square miles and has a very small population of around 630 people.
⮕ Silverton Elevation and Info
© milda79/stock.adobe.com
-
What is the history of Silverton?
- Silverton is one of the highest towns in the United States and was originally founded as a silver mining town.
- The area was originally inhabited by native Ute people, who were forced out to make room for white settlers.
-
When was the town of Silverton founded?
- The town of Silverton was founded in 1874.
- Silver and gold were found nearby, leading to a prosperous period of mining for many years.
-
How did mining impact Silverton?
- During its mining boom, Silverton attracted additional residents and businesses.
- The town formed close connections with Durango, another important mining town.
- Over time, however, mining gradually died down in the area.
-
How does Silverton sustain itself today?
- As Silverton moved into the modern era, the town began to rely more strongly on tourism to survive.
- It remains a key historic location due to its high elevation and mining heritage.
-
What are the main tourist attractions in Silverton?
- One of Silverton's most popular tourist attractions is its railroad, which has historic significance.
-
The town is also home to two ski resorts:
- Silverton Mountain – One of the most extreme ski resorts in Colorado, only recommended for experienced and skilled skiers and snowboarders.
- Kendall Mountain – A ski resort offering additional recreational opportunities.
⮕ Elevation of Silverton, CO
© Brian/stock.adobe.com
-
What is elevation?
- Elevation is the term that denotes how high or low a town or city is in relation to the mean sea level of Earth.
-
How do elevations vary across different locations?
- Many major locations around the United States and the rest of the world are built at relatively low elevations of around 500 feet (152 m) or less due to their coastal locations.
-
What is the elevation of Silverton, Colorado?
- The town of Silverton has an extremely high elevation of 9,318 feet (2,840 m).
- This elevation is almost as tall as many major mountains around North America.
-
What are the elevations of Silverton’s nearby ski resorts?
- Silverton Mountain – Top elevation of 13,487 feet (4,111 m).
- Kendall Mountain Ski Area – Highest point at 13,340 feet (4,066 m).
-
How does Silverton’s elevation compare to nearby towns?
- The nearby town of Durango, which is connected to Silverton by the famous railroad, has an elevation of 6,512 feet (1,988 m).
- Silverton is almost the highest city in Colorado but is narrowly beaten by Leadville, which has an elevation of 10,152 feet (3,094 m).
-
What is the mean elevation of Colorado?
- Colorado has the highest average elevation in the United States, with a mean elevation of 6,800 feet (2,070 m).
- Large parts of the state are situated at very high altitudes.
-
What are the elevations of major cities in Colorado?
- Denver – 5,280 feet (1,609 m), earning it the nickname "Mile High City".
- Aurora – 5,472 feet (1,668 m).
- Colorado Springs – 6,033 feet (1,839 m).
⮕ Silverton Elevation, Climate and More
© eunikas/stock.adobe.com
-
What type of climate does Silverton, Colorado have?
- Since Silverton has a high elevation and is surrounded by mountains, it has an alpine subarctic climate.
- This results in mostly cold temperatures all year long.
-
How often do temperatures drop below freezing in Silverton?
- Temperatures drop below freezing for the majority of the year.
-
What are the average temperatures in Silverton?
- January is the coldest month, with average highs of 34°F (1°C) and lows of -2°F (-19°C).
- July is the warmest month, with average highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows of 38°F (3°C).
-
What type of precipitation does Silverton receive?
- Small amounts of rainfall can occur throughout the year.
- The most common form of precipitation is snow, with over 150 inches falling annually.
-
What is one of the most popular activities in Silverton?
- One of the most popular things to do in Silverton is to admire and ride aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
-
What is the history of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad?
- The railroad has been operating since the late 19th century.
- It runs for 45 miles along tracks that measure just three feet (914 mm).
-
What other attractions are near Silverton?
- The nearby Silverton Mountain ski resort is a popular destination.
- Opened in 2002, the resort is well-known for its challenging terrain, making it a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders.
- The mountain offers 1,819 acres of skiing, with thousands more acres of skiing routes in the surrounding area and mountains.
Plan Your Trip