Silverthorne, Colorado is easy to drive right by, especially if you’re headed down I-70 through the state or making a bee-line to a more popular outdoor destination like Breckenridge. But Silverthone and its neighbor Frisco are more than worth exploring on their own. The area offers outdoor fun galore, plus tons of hiking, biking, and art (and for a lot less money than bougie Breck just a few minutes up the canyon). Plus, it’s located alongside inviting Dillon Reservoir. So grab your sun hoodie and trekking poles and start your exploratory visit with one of the 5 best hikes in Silverthorne (according to the folks who call the region home)!
Then keep reading to check out how else you might like to fill your time while you’re in town.
5 Hikes in Silverthorne, CO
Ptarmigan Trail: 4.8 Miles
For a challenging out-and-back hike with stellar views that’s not far from the center of town, head to Ptarmigan Trail in White River National Forest. You’ll hike through aspen forest, past sunny meadows, and through plenty of wildflowers to great views of both Silverthorne and Dillon Reservoir and the mountains on the edge of town. It starts as a challenging climb, but becomes more gradual as you ascend. Because it’s an out-and-back you can turn around wherever you want. At about 2.25 miles there’s a great lookout and turnaround point, but you can also extend your hike another 2 miles or so (and a whole bunch more feet of elevation) if you want to summit Ptarmigan Peak.
Acorn Creek Trail: 7 Miles
Acorn Creek Trail in the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness went viral (or so we’re told) for the insane amount of wildflowers that paint the open meadows along this picturesque trail. And we may have been there after peak bloom, but the views were still absolutely magical. The flowers, the pine forest, the steep climbs to sweeping views of the Gore mountain range…it all makes this a hike worth doing. It’s an out-and-back trail, so you can turn around whenever it suits you, but the wildflower meadow is about 2 miles in and one of the best views is another short but steep climb after that. The closer you get to the end, the more precipitously steep it gets and there’s no majorly more impressive payoff where Alltrails tells you to turn around, so hike your own hike. We went about 3.25 miles before turning around.
Cataract Lake Loop: 2 Miles
Keen for an easier hike? Cataract Lake Loop in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness is a fairly level 2-mile loop that rings–you guessed it–Cataract Lake. Surrounded by high hills and pine forest, this frequently shaded path only gains a total of 219 feet of elevation, so is a great hike for the whole family, or for when you’re still acclimating to the altitude. There’s even a waterfall at the end of the lake (though I’d describe it as more of a steep, tumbling creek). It is a 30-minute drive into the mountains from Silverthorne, part of which is on an unpaved road, so plan accordingly. On weekends the parking lot can fill up, so plan to start early.
Salt Lick Trails: 1-10 miles
For a quiet ramble in nature that’s surprisingly chill considering how many trailheads are accessible from residential areas, hit up the Salt Lick Trail system. While it’s popular for mountain biking (and if you ride, you should definitely bring your wheels for these lovely cross country-style trails), creeks, shady sections, and views of everything from mountains to shimmering Dillon Reservoir mean it’s just as nice for an exploratory ramble. Plus, thanks to tons of intersecting loops, you can choose your own adventure and hike anywhere from a mile to 10 or more! Keep an eye out for bikers as you go, but we only encountered a few people on foot or bike on a late Friday afternoon.
Buffalo Summit Trail: 6 miles
This challenging trail to the top of Buffalo Mountain may involve plenty of uphill (you’ll climb nearly 3,100 feet in three miles), but once you reach the top you’ll be spoiled with views. Topping out at nearly 13,000 ft, this is Silverthorne’s most iconic climb, according to those who know (locals). The trail begins surrounded by forest before climbing above treeline and offers views of Dillon and surrounding Summit County. As you head to the top, keep an eye out for mountain goats. Bonus: you can take the free Summit Stage from the Silverthorne Transfer Station to the trailhead to avoid driving and parking.
Stay: Hotel Indigo
Some stays are just too cool in the best way. That’s Hotel Indigo. With modern, streamlined decor and a pop of retro hipness (we see you, rotary phone), the rooms here are not only comfortable, but in a great location. You can walk to nearly everything in and around the artsy downtown district and the paved Blue River Trail is right across the street. We’d stay here any time.
Other Things To Do in Silverthorne, Colorado
Looking for things to do between epic hikes? These should offer plenty of relaxing distraction.
- Make Art: Relax in the evenings at The Art Spot, a hip studio space in the artsy downtown district where you can purchase locally-made art and more (including ultralight zipper bags for hiking and backpacking) AND sign up to make some art yourself. There’s a maker space where you can pay a day-use fee to use all the materials you want to get arts-and-craftsy plus lots of one-off classes, including pottery, where you can make something cool to commemorate your trip (they’ll even ship projects home to you if necessary).
- Shop for Art: In the summer, a monthly Sunday makers market takes place along the paved Blue River Trail. Shop for pottery, paintings, plants, crafts and more as you meander along and across the Blue River.
- Bluebird Market: Love a food hall? We do, too. Bluebird Market has plenty of options for the whole fam (though not a ton of vegan meals) plus libations and even a small arcade. Our favorite storefront: Cloud City Confections, an innovative chocolate shop where almost everything is vegan (and freakin’ delectable).
- Drink Good Coffee: If you have high standards for your coffee like we do, hit up House of Vibes for excellent brew, vegan bites, and earthy decor or Brewed Creation, a coffee trailer with vegan and gluten free treats in Frisco.
- Mountain Bike: Bike trails abound in Silverthorne (we love the Salt Lick Trails), Frisco (Peninsula Trails) and in Breckenridge.
Bottom Line
There’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be had in and around Silverthorne and Frisco, CO and enough trails to explore to keep you busy whether you’re staying for a week or a weekend. So grab your boots (or hiking sandals) and tackle these, the best hikes in Silverthorne. Wander on.
