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Silverthorne, CO: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit!

Silverthorne sits at 8,730 feet, so plan the first day out gently. The air is a good deal thinner up here and your body will need time. Drink plenty of water and take the first few days at a slower pace. Dillon Reservoir and the Blue River both work without much effort at all. Buffalo Mountain can wait until the lungs have caught up with the altitude.

Planning a trip to Silverthorne, Colorado? This small town sits in the heart of the Rockies and holds plenty for visitors of all ages. Outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or just some old-fashioned fun: Silverthorne has a version of each.

Nature people will do well here. Silverthorne is surrounded by scenery, the clear Dillon Reservoir included, where you can kayak, paddleboard or simply sit on the shore. For something harder, take the nearby mountains for hiking, mountain biking or skiing. And watch for the local wildlife, because a moose or two turns up.

But Silverthorne is not only the outdoors. The town also runs a working arts and culture scene, with galleries, theaters and music venues to find. And when you need feeding, there are dining options across the range, casual cafes through to upscale restaurants. With shopping and family activities besides, Silverthorne suits a weekend or a longer stay.

Key Takeaways

• Silverthorne offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from kayaking on Dillon Reservoir to hiking in the nearby mountains.
• The town also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with plenty of galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore.
• With plenty of dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities, Silverthorne is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Silverthorne’s Scenic Splendors

Nature people are in for something in Silverthorne, Colorado. This small town is surrounded by mountains, clear rivers and long views. Here are the scenic spots you should not miss:

Astonishing Views of the Rockies

The Rockies are worth the look, and Silverthorne runs some of the better views in the state. From the top of Buffalo Mountain you get the entire range stretching out in front of you. The hike up is strenuous, but it pays. And if the climb is not for you, the Lake Dillon Overlook gives you the view anyway.

Exploring the Blue River

The Blue River flows through Silverthorne and it is worth the time. You can fish for trout, go tubing, or just walk the riverbank slowly. And with luck you spot wildlife along it, beavers or otters among them.

The Majesty of Buffalo Mountain

Buffalo Mountain is a local landmark for good reason. The peak dominates the skyline and runs some of the stronger hiking in the area. The Buffalo Cabin Trail is the popular route, and it earns that. The trail takes you through dense forest, past running brooks, and up to the summit for views over the whole surrounding landscape.

Dillon Reservoir: A Lake with a View

Dillon Reservoir is a man-made lake and a popular spot for fishing, boating and kayaking. But it also works for sitting still and looking at it. The lake is ringed by mountains and the views hold up. And there is a boat tour if you want the shoreline and the history of the area up close.

Seasoned hiker or someone after somewhere quiet to sit, Silverthorne has a version of each. Do not miss the natural side of this town.

Outdoor Adventure Galore

Looking for outdoor time in Silverthorne? You are in luck. The town is surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers and open Colorado wilderness, which makes it a strong base for anyone who likes being outside. Here are the outdoor activities worth trying in Silverthorne:

Hiking Trails to Conquer

Silverthorne holds some of the finer hiking trails in Colorado. An easy walk or a hard trek, both are here. The popular hiking trails in Silverthorne include the Tenderfoot Mountain Loop, Lily Pad Lake Trail and Buffalo Mountain Trail. So put on the hiking boots, take the water bottle, and get on them.

Biking Bliss in Silverthorne

Biking people will get on with Silverthorne. With miles of scenic bike paths and hard mountain bike trails, there is a version for every level of rider. The Blue River Trail is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, opening out over the river and the mountains around it. And for a challenge, take the trails at the nearby Keystone Bike Park.

Fishing Fun on the Fly

Silverthorne is where fly fishing people should be, with some of the finest fly fishing anywhere. Seasoned pro or complete beginner, there are plenty of chances at rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout in the nearby rivers and streams. The stronger fly fishing spots in Silverthorne include the Blue River, Snake River and Gore Creek.

Camping in the Wilderness

For a proper wilderness night, camping in Silverthorne is the answer. With several campgrounds in the area, you can take primitive sites or RV hookups depending on what you want. The stronger campgrounds in Silverthorne include the Heaton Bay Campground and the Peak One Campground. So pack the tent, the sleeping bag and the s’mores ingredients.

Skiing and Snowshoeing Delights

Silverthorne runs a serious winter, with some of the stronger skiing and snowshoeing in Colorado. With several ski resorts in the area, Keystone and Breckenridge among them, there is plenty of slope to work. And for something quieter, take snowshoes into the nearby wilderness areas. The snow-covered forests and mountains are worth the walk on their own.

So what are you waiting for? Get outside and take the outdoors in Silverthorne.

Arts and Culture in Silverthorne

Silverthorne is not only for outdoor people, because the arts and culture scene holds up too. Here are the artistic things worth finding in Silverthorne.

The Lake Dillon Theatre Company

The Lake Dillon Theatre Company is one for theater people. The company has been running quality performances for over 25 years. They keep a year-round schedule of shows, classic plays through to contemporary musicals. It suits a night out with friends or family. The Lake Dillon Theatre Company is a good way into the performing arts in Silverthorne.

Artistic Endeavors in Silverthorne

Silverthorne is home to many artists and their work is on display across the town. There are public art displays in various places, the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center among them. The center is a serious facility and home to Theatre SilCo. There are art exhibits, performances and events through the year. And if you want to make something yourself, take the Art Spot Silverthorne Makerspace for classes and workshops.

Festivals and Events

Silverthorne runs festivals and events through the year, celebrating art, culture and community. The Art on the Blue River Festival is one of the busier ones, with live music, food and drink vendors, and art displays. The other is the Silverthorne Fine Arts Festival, showing the work of over 80 artists. There are live performances and art activities to join in with. And there is the Silverthorne Summer Concert Series and the Silverthorne Winter Festival.

Silverthorne runs a working arts and culture scene worth exploring. Theater lover, art enthusiast, or just after a good event: there is a version of each.

Food and Drink Frolics

Ready for the dining and craft beer in Silverthorne? Here are the places worth finding:

Dining Delights in Silverthorne

Silverthorne runs dining options in quantity. Hearty American cooking or something more unusual, both are here. Here are a few of our favorites:

Restaurant	Cuisine	Must-Try Dish
Sauce on the Blue	Italian	Pizza
Red Buffalo Café	Breakfast & Lunch	Breakfast Burrito
Murphy’s Food & Spirits	American	Fish & Chips
Mountain Lyon Café	American	Chicken Fried Steak
Chimayo Mexican Grill	Mexican	Chimichanga

Craft Beer Connoisseurs

Craft beer people are in luck. Silverthorne holds strong breweries pouring across the range. Here are the craft beer spots worth finding in town:

• Angry James Brewery: Try their “Angry James IPA” for a hoppy delight.

• Dillon Dam Brewery: Their “Sweet George’s Brown” is a smooth and delicious choice.

• The Bakers’ Brewery: Don’t miss their “S’mores Stout” for a unique and tasty experience.

Whatever your taste buds want, Silverthorne has it. So go on and work through the food and drink while you are here.

You can watch people arrive in this town and go quiet within about a day of it. The hot springs at Iron Mountain and at Penny both do that to their visitors. Snowshoeing through the snow-covered forest does exactly the same thing in winter. The shoreline of Dillon Reservoir asks nothing whatsoever of you at all. Silverthorne slows your breathing right down whether you intended it or not.

Shopping Spree in Silverthorne

Ready to shop? Silverthorne has you covered. Outlets through to local boutiques and shops, you will find what you need and more.

Outlets at Silverthorne

The Outlets at Silverthorne are where anyone who shops should go. With over 50 stores running discounts of up to 70% off retail prices, the deals are real. Designer clothes, shoes, accessories or home decor, it is all here. The outlets sit right off I-70, which makes them easy to reach. And you can break for a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Local Boutiques and Shops

For something unusual and one-of-a-kind, take the local boutiques and shops in Silverthorne. They run handmade items, local art and souvenirs across the range. There is everything from handmade jewelry to locally sourced honey. And you back small businesses while you do it.

One of our favorite shops in Silverthorne is the Colorado Crafted Market. The store carries products made by Colorado artisans, home decor, jewelry and food items among them. And you can build your own gift basket of Colorado-made goods.

The other store worth finding is the Silverthorne Pavilion Gift Shop, which runs souvenirs and gifts. There is everything from t-shirts to shot glasses to mark the trip to Silverthorne.

A bargain or something unusual, Silverthorne has plenty of shopping either way. Happy shopping.

Family Fun in Silverthorne

Looking for family time in Silverthorne? A playground, a park or a recreation center, Silverthorne has you covered. Here are the stronger family-friendly activities in Silverthorne:

Silverthorne Recreation Center

The Silverthorne Recreation Center suits the whole family. With indoor and outdoor activities across the range, most people are covered. Take a dip in the indoor pool, use the basketball court, or try the rock climbing. And for something slower, there is the hot tub or the sauna.

Playgrounds and Parks

Silverthorne runs plenty of playgrounds and parks. Rainbow Park is a local favorite, with green space, a playground and a picnic area. Lily Pad Lake is the other option, with a short hike to the lake and a picnic area. And for something bolder, take the playground at Trent Park, which runs a zip line, a rock climbing wall and more.

Family-Friendly Activities

Looking for something more unusual? Take the Escape Room Breckenridge, a short drive from Silverthorne. With themed rooms across the range, the family has to work together to solve the puzzles and get out before time runs out. And for something more active, take the Keystone Stables for a guided horseback ride through the Colorado mountains.

Whatever you are after, Silverthorne runs plenty of family-friendly activities. So pack the car, grab the kids, and go.

Weekend Getaways from Silverthorne

Looking to get away from Silverthorne for a while? There are plenty of destinations within a short drive. Here are the stronger weekend getaways from Silverthorne:

Day Trips to Breckenridge

A 15-minute drive from Silverthorne, Breckenridge is a small mountain town that suits a day trip. Walk down Main Street for the shops and restaurants, or take a scenic hike on one of the many nearby trails. In winter, hit the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort, one of the stronger ski resorts in the country. And photograph the Breckenridge Troll, a larger-than-life sculpture that has become a local icon.

Venturing to Vail

For a slightly longer drive, Vail is just over an hour from Silverthorne. The town is known for its skiing, but the warmer months hold up too. Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Vail Mountain for the views, or work through the art galleries and boutiques. And for something bolder, try fly fishing in Gore Creek.

Excursions to Frisco

A short hop from Silverthorne, Frisco is a small town that suits a day trip or a weekend. Take the Frisco Adventure Park, which runs tubing, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and hiking and biking in summer. Or walk Main Street for the shops and restaurants. And in summer, do not miss the Frisco BBQ Challenge, which draws pitmasters from all over the country.

Wherever you go, these weekend getaways from Silverthorne will break up the routine. So pack the bags, get on the road, and take what Colorado has.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the scoop on Silverthorne’s hot springs?

Silverthorne is a strong base for hot springs. There are several options, the popular Iron Mountain Hot Springs and the quieter Penny Hot Springs among them. So if you want to soak in natural hot water and slow down, Silverthorne is where to do it.

Are there any hidden gems for dining in Silverthorne?

Absolutely. Silverthorne is a small town with big flavors in it. The local favorites include Sauce on the Blue, which does Italian cooking, and The Mint, which runs a blend of Asian and American dishes. And for comfort food, go to The Sunshine Cafe for some of the stronger breakfast in town.

Is it worth visiting Silverthorne, Colorado?

Of course it is. With its mountain views, its outdoor activities and its friendly locals, Silverthorne is worth the trip. Skiing, hiking, fishing or just sitting still, there is a version of each in this mountain town.

What’s the altitude like in Silverthorne?

The air is thinner up here. Silverthorne sits at an elevation of 8,730 feet above sea level, which means you may feel short of breath at first. But your body will adjust soon enough. Just drink plenty of water and take it easy for the first few days.

How long is the Silverthorne trail?

Which one? Silverthorne holds several trails, the Blue River Trail, the Willow Creek Trail and the Oro Grande Trail among them. The length of each one varies, but most run between 2-5 miles. So a quick stroll or a longer hike, there is a trail in Silverthorne for it.

Frequently asked questions about Silverthorne, Colorado

Which Silverthorne trail rewards the climb the most?

The Buffalo Cabin Trail, comfortably. It takes you up Buffalo Mountain through dense forest and past running water, and from the summit you get the entire range of the Rockies stretching out in front of you. The hike itself is strenuous, so save it for later in the trip. The Lake Dillon Overlook gives you the view without the climb. That one suits the very first day at this kind of altitude.

Which Silverthorne river is worth a slow afternoon?

The Blue River, without question. It runs straight through the town, holds rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout for anyone fly fishing, and the riverbank walk asks nothing beyond time to spend. Beavers and otters both turn up along the length of it. The Blue River Trail then follows the same water on a bike. Take the walk first, because the fishing goes better once you have looked at it.

Which Silverthorne festival is worth planning a trip around?

The Silverthorne Fine Arts Festival. It shows the work of over 80 artists alongside live performances and art activities you can join, which makes it the weekend the whole town turns out for. The Art on the Blue River Festival then runs live music and food vendors. The Silverthorne Summer Concert Series fills the rest of the season. Pick the arts weekend and everything else falls in neatly around it.

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