Silverton Jeep Trails: An Off-Road Adventure from Durango
The network of mining roads around Silverton is one of the best off-road playgrounds in the country. These roads were built in the 1800s to access mines high in the San Juans, and today they offer jaw-dropping high-alpine driving.
Getting There
Silverton is about an hour north of Durango on US-550 (the Million Dollar Highway). The drive itself is spectacular, and once you're in Silverton, the jeep trails radiate out in every direction.
The Trails
Engineer Pass climbs to 12,800 feet with views of the entire San Juan range. It's a moderate 4WD road — bumpy and narrow but not technical. The views from the top are among the best in Colorado.
Cinnamon Pass is another classic, reaching 12,620 feet. It connects Silverton to Lake City and can be done as a loop with Engineer Pass for a full day of adventure.
Stony Pass heads east toward the Rio Grande headwaters. It's less traveled and offers solitude and beautiful alpine scenery.
Renting a Jeep
Several Silverton outfitters rent jeeps and side-by-sides for the day. Guided tours are also available if you'd rather have someone else navigate the roads and share the history. Guided tours are the way to go if you're unfamiliar with high-altitude off-roading.
Tips
These roads are typically open from late June through September, depending on snowpack. The altitude is extreme — 12,000+ feet — so take it easy, stay hydrated, and watch for altitude symptoms. Weather changes fast; bring rain gear and warm layers.
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