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  • Views from Silverton
  • Views from Silverton
  • Views from Silverton
  • Views from Silverton
  • Kevin Torres in Silverton.
  • Anne Herbst, left, and Kevin Torres in Silverton.
  • Views Hwy 550 approaching Silverton.
  • Views Hwy 550 approaching Silverton.
  • Views Hwy 550 approaching Silverton.

SILVERTON, Colo. — There are plenty of things to do in Silverton during the summer months, which is why we made it yet another stop on our #COroadtrip.

Silverton is located in San Juan County, which happens to be the smallest county in Colorado. The county’s population is around 700 residents, and a majority of those residents (around 629) live in Silverton.

No matter which way you drive into the town, get ready for a beautiful drive. The Million Dollar Highway is a fan favorite. But make sure to keep your eyes on the road and take it easy, as this drive spans the Red Mountain Pass between Ouray and Silverton and can be as menacing as it is marvelous.

RELATED: All current stops on #COroadtrip

The other part of Highway 550 brings travelers from Silverton to Durango. On that leg of the journey you’ll get to pass by Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort. The scenery here is also stunning. You’ll find pull-offs to take pictures, including one on top of Molas Pass.

Silverton is an old mining town, rich with history. The Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce provides several summer offerings on its website:

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Established in 1881, this authentic steam-powered, coal-fired scenic railroad makes daily trips through the remote mountains between Durango and Silverton.  Be sure to include an overnight stay in Silverton when making your train excursion plans. Overnight stays and bus options are easily arranged, as is riding the train to access the Weminuche Wilderness Area for hiking and backpacking in the Animas Canyon.  Ranked one of the “Top 10 Scenic Railroads in the World.” Silverton service runs only May-October, but the train does operate year-round with excursions to Cascade Canyon and a number of special event trains.

When making your travel plans, consider staying the night in Silverton when you take the train ride, and making your return trip the next day. This will allow you more time in Silverton to shop and to enjoy our attractions. Ask your train ticket agent for more information.

There are multiple bus options for your train ride, allowing you to take the bus to Silverton and then ride the train back to Durango, or vice versa. See more information at www.durangotrain.com or call 1-888-872-4607.

(Click here for more info on kids, senior, backpacker and military discounts.)

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour

Five miles northeast of Silverton. Go underground in a real gold mine!  A mine train will take you 1,500 feet into heart of Galena Mountain for operating mining  demonstrations.  You’ll see what it was like to search for the elusive treasure.  Plan now for your 2015 visit. Tour operates daily every hour on the hour from 10am to 4pm, May 15 through September 30.

Please arrive 20 minutes before departure time. No reservations are needed except for Group Tours and School Tours.  Ticket prices are:  Adults $18.95, Seniors (60+) $16.95, and children (5-12) $9.95 (4 and under free if held on lap). FREE gold panning with the purchase of a tour. A covered picnic area is available for your convenience. Call 1-800-872-3009 or go to www.minetour.com.

Ask about the Heritage Pass. For shuttle service to the tour, contact San Juan Backcountry at 970-387-5565.

Mining Heritage Center

Just next to the San Juan County Courthouse on Greene Street in Silverton is the site of the San Juan County Historical Society’s Mining Heritage Center, one of the finest mining museums in North America. This 3-story, 14,000 sq. ft. complex houses a newly restored 1902 county jail, the Historical Society Archives building, and the Mining Heritage Center Museum, which is housed in the reconstructed Caledonian Boarding House, a huge timbered addition.

The Museum interprets the local mining history with comprehensive “Environmental Exhibits”, including realistic underground tunnels and machinery and numerous artifacts from Silverton’s colorful past. Learn more about the Society’s Archives by clicking here.

Open daily 10am-5pm the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the end of September, then from 10am-3pm through the second Sunday in October.  Get two museums for the price of one! Admission is $7.00 for ages 13 through adult; $3 for kids 5-12, free for ages 4 and under.  Ask about the Heritage Pass. 970-387-5838 or www.sanjuancountyhistoricalsociety.org

#COroadtrip

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Anne and Kevin will be travelling traveling 800 Rocky Mountain miles in all this week, visiting some pretty gnarly small towns. Along the way they’ll give their best recommendations and introduce you to some memorable characters.

Follow them on Facebook and on all other social channels — especially on Tumblr and Instagram — under the hashtag #COroadtrip. And please provide your recommendations to let them know some great places to visit in the areas where they’re travelling.

You can send those pics and recommendations using the #COroadtrip hashtag or by using the contact form below.