|
|
|
|
| While Silverton’s
origin was a result of mining, today it relies heavily
on tourism. One can’t help but feel the ghosts
of the past while walking up and down its streets.
Only the main street is paved, all others are still
in their natural gravel and dirt state with signs
of an occasional paved cross-walk that pokes through
at some at some of the intersections. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The
old buildings, many of them Saloons and Baudy Houses in
those days, now are gift shops, restaurants, and a few watering
holes, still steeped in the ambiance of those days gone
by.
|
| It
is said that tourism is the 2nd largest industry
in Colorado; winter activities and locations abound. In
summer, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National
Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park combined, attract
millions of visitors. And deservedly so, for each of them
has its unique quality. |
But
for those people who don’t want to follow the crowd;
for those who like the outdoor activity; for those who
love real mountains, Silverton and The San
Juans are for you. Things to do, you may ask? Let’s start
with some basic, like hiking. Numerous short trails in and
around town. There’s even a walking tour of the historical
buildings. |
| |
|
Longer hikes? The Colorado Trail, Durango to Denver,
can be accessed 10 miles Southeast of town. The Continental
Divide Trail can take you south to Wolf Creek Pass.
Cascade Trail over to Cascade Village. All take several
days or longer, so BackPacking is de rigueur. |
 |
| |
|
|
| How
about fishing? Mountain streams, ponds, and small
lakes aboud in trout. Some you can hike to, others
might require transportation. Horses, for instance,
or maybe a jeep. Either is available in town
if you don’t have your own. Both mode of
transport are also used to explore the area.
Almost 400 miles of old mining roads & railroad
beds are now 4 WD roads, amongst them The Alpine
Loop. |
 |
|
|
| |
| Ghost
towns, once active places, are accessed; remains of old
mine buildings, Back country Mountain passes, other active
towns in this region, all can be visited. It’s
all here, in its uncrowded glory, welcoming those who
have a
taste for the historical, for the outdoors. |
| By: Al Homann |
| © Al
Homann |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cortez
