Silverthorne is a small mountain town in Summit County with a big job. It sits off I-70 about 70 miles west of Denver. Seven ski resorts stand within an hour of its main street.
Most visitors meet Silverthorne as a base. They sleep here and ski or hike or fish all around it. Hotel rates and food prices run lower here than in the famous resort towns nearby.
The town has plenty of its own to offer. A Gold Medal river runs through the middle of it. A huge lake sits five minutes away. This guide covers the best things to do in Silverthorne in every season.
Silverthorne Colorado at a Glance
- Elevation: 9,035 feet above sea level.
- Where: Summit County on I-70 at Exit 205.
- From Denver: about 70 miles and about 1 hour and 10 minutes of driving.
- Known for: Blue River fishing and Lake Dillon and outlet shopping.
- Best use: a lower cost base for skiing and hiking in Summit County.
Best Things to Do in Silverthorne in Summer
Lake Dillon: Boating and Paddleboarding Near Silverthorne
Lake Dillon is the postcard view of this area. The reservoir spreads below high peaks about five minutes from town. Marinas rent kayaks and paddleboards and pontoon boats in summer.
You can also fish the lake for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. A paved path runs along parts of the shore for easy walks. Sunsets here are the best free show in Summit County.
Blue River Fly Fishing in Silverthorne
The Blue River flows right through town on its way north. Colorado lists this water as Gold Medal trout water. Rainbow trout and brown trout and cutthroat trout live in the pools below the dam.
Public access points sit inside town limits. Local fly shops rent gear and run guided trips for new anglers. The river path lets the rest of the family walk while you fish.
Hiking Trails in Silverthorne: Lily Pad Lake and Buffalo Mountain
Lily Pad Lake is the classic family hike here. The trail climbs through forest to two small lakes full of lily pads. Wildflowers cover the shore in July.
Buffalo Mountain is the hard option above town. The climb is steep and rocky and the summit view covers the whole county. Ptarmigan Peak offers a long quiet climb with fewer people on the trail.
Start hikes early in the day. Storms build over the peaks most summer afternoons. Carry water on every trail at this altitude.
Biking the Blue River Trail and the Summit County Recpath
A paved trail follows the Blue River through town. It joins the Summit County Recpath system. That path network links Silverthorne with Dillon and Frisco and Keystone.
The riding is gentle along the river. You can ride to lunch in Frisco and roll back the same way. Bike rentals sit in town near the trail.
Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks
The Raven Golf Club spreads across pine forest and small lakes below high peaks. The course suits all skill levels. Thin mountain air sends your ball a little farther than at home.
Book morning tee times for the calmest weather. Afternoon storms can pause play in July and August.
Best Things to Do in Silverthorne in Winter
Silverthorne as a Ski Basecamp: Seven Resorts Within One Hour
Silverthorne has no ski lifts of its own. That is its strength. You sleep at town prices and pick a new mountain each day.
- Keystone: about 15 minutes.
- Arapahoe Basin: about 20 minutes.
- Copper Mountain: about 20 minutes.
- Breckenridge: about 25 minutes.
- Loveland: about 25 minutes.
- Vail: about 40 minutes.
- Beaver Creek: about 50 minutes.
Our guide to the closest ski resorts to Denver covers passes and opening dates and parking rules for these mountains. Read it before your first ski weekend of the season.
Ice Skating and Snowshoeing at North Pond Park
North Pond Park freezes into a town ice rink in winter. Skating here is free and the setting is pure Colorado. Bring your own skates or rent in town.
Snowshoe trails start at the edge of town. The Blue River corridor stays quiet and white all winter. Local shops rent snowshoes by the day.
Snowmobiling Near Silverthorne
Local outfitters run guided snowmobile tours in the White River National Forest. Tours suit first timers and strong riders alike. Guides provide the machines and the warm gear.
Book tours a few days ahead in holiday weeks. Morning tours get the firmest snow and the clearest views.
Things to Do in Silverthorne With Kids and Indoors
Silverthorne Recreation Center: Pools and a Climbing Wall
The town recreation center is the rainy day hero of Silverthorne. It holds pools and water slides and a hot tub. A climbing wall and an indoor track fill the rest of the building.
Day passes cost far less than a ski ticket. Kids burn energy here while parents take turns in the sauna. Check the center schedule for lap swim and open swim times.
Silverthorne Performing Arts Center and Theatre SilCo
The Performing Arts Center anchors the town arts scene. Theatre SilCo stages plays and musicals here through the year. Comedy nights and concerts fill the calendar between shows.
The town also runs First Friday gatherings with art and music. Public art stands along the river walk near the center. An evening show pairs well with dinner on the Blue River.
Rainbow Park: Playgrounds and Picnics in Silverthorne
Rainbow Park is the town living room in summer. Playgrounds and sports fields and picnic tables spread across the green. Locals gather here for town events and games.
The park sits a short walk from the outlets. It is the easiest free stop on a family day in town.
Shopping and Food in Silverthorne
Outlets at Silverthorne: Brand Stores With Mountain Views
The Outlets at Silverthorne hold more than 50 brand stores in open air villages. Prices run below normal retail all year. Ski gear and outdoor clothing are the smart buys here.
The Colorado Welcome Center sits at the outlets. Stop there for maps and road advice before you head into the high country.
Where to Eat in Silverthorne: The Historic Mint and Bluebird Market
The Historic Mint is the town steakhouse in one of its oldest buildings. Locals have eaten and gathered here for generations. The grill your own steak tradition is the house signature.
Bluebird Market is the town food hall near the river. Several kitchens serve under one roof with shared tables. It suits groups where nobody can agree on one menu.
Free Things to Do in Silverthorne
- Walk the Blue River Trail through town at any hour.
- Skate at North Pond Park in winter with your own skates.
- Spend an afternoon at Rainbow Park with a picnic.
- Watch the sunset over Lake Dillon from the shore path.
- Browse the public art along the river walk and at the Art Spot.
- Window shop the outlets and check the Welcome Center displays.
One Day in Silverthorne: A Simple Itinerary
Start with coffee and a slow walk on the Blue River Trail. The river is calm in the morning and the light is kind. Watch for trout in the pools below the path.
Spend the middle of the day at Lake Dillon. Rent a paddleboard or take a boat out for two hours. Eat lunch back in town at Bluebird Market.
End the day with outlet shopping in the soft evening light. Have dinner at the Historic Mint. If Theatre SilCo has a show that night your day is complete.
Altitude in Silverthorne: What Visitors Should Know
Silverthorne sits at 9,035 feet above sea level. The air holds less oxygen than most visitors expect. Headaches and poor sleep hit some people on the first night.
Drink water all day and go easy on alcohol the first evening. Take your first day slow and save big hikes for later. Our full guide to the elevation of Silverthorne explains the effects and the fixes in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silverthorne Colorado
Is Silverthorne Colorado Worth Visiting?
Yes. Silverthorne is worth visiting as a base for Summit County. It offers lower prices than the resort towns and quick drives to lakes and trails and seven ski resorts. The town itself has a river and an arts center and good food.
What Is Silverthorne Known For?
Silverthorne is known for Blue River fly fishing and Lake Dillon. It is also known for outlet shopping and for budget friendly lodging near big ski resorts. Many Denver families use it as their mountain base.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Silverthorne?
Summer from June to September suits hiking and boating and fishing best. Winter from December to March suits skiing at the nearby resorts. Fall is quiet and golden for two or three weeks in September.
Is Silverthorne Cheaper Than Breckenridge?
Yes. Silverthorne is cheaper than Breckenridge for hotels and food and parking. The drive to the Breckenridge slopes takes about 25 minutes. Many skiers sleep in Silverthorne and ski Breck by day.
Can You Stay in Silverthorne and Ski Nearby?
Yes. Seven ski resorts stand within an hour of Silverthorne. Keystone is the closest at about 15 minutes. Free county buses link the towns of Summit County in ski season.
How Far Is Silverthorne From Denver?
Silverthorne is about 70 miles from Denver on I-70. The drive takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes in clear weather. Weekend ski traffic can double that time.
The Short Version: Why Silverthorne Works
Silverthorne does the simple things well. It gives you a river and a lake and real mountain trails. It puts seven ski resorts inside one hour. It charges less than the famous names down the road.
Stay here and spend your money on the days out. That is the whole secret of this town.
