13 of the Best Hikes and Outdoor Adventures Near Silverton, Colorado
Silverton is surrounded by some of the most impressive hiking trails, alpine lakes and mountain peaks in Colorado.
Whether you want an easy walk, a moderate lake hike or a challenging climb to the summit of a 14er, there is an adventure near Silverton for nearly every experience level.
These are a few of our favorite hikes and outdoor destinations to explore while staying at Silverton Lakes RV Park.
Distances, elevation gains and hiking times may vary based on your selected route, parking location and current road conditions. Download an offline trail map and confirm your route before leaving the campground.
Easy Hikes and Walks
1. Animas Forks
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 0.5–1 mile
Elevation gain: Minimal
Average duration: 30–60 minutes
Best for: Families, history and relaxed exploration
Animas Forks is not a traditional hiking trail, but it is one of our favorite places to walk and experience the mining history surrounding Silverton.
Located at approximately 11,200 feet, Animas Forks was once a thriving mining community. By the early 1880s, approximately 450 people lived there. The town eventually declined and had become a ghost town by the 1920s.
Today, visitors can walk among several remaining buildings and learn about life in this remote mountain community. Your exact walking distance will depend on how much of the site you explore.
The route from Silverton follows an unpaved backcountry road. Road conditions change throughout the season, so ask our office staff about current access before leaving Silverton Lakes RV Park.
2. Andrews Lake
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 0.8 mile
Elevation gain: Approximately 109 feet
Average duration: 30–45 minutes
Best for: Families, beginners and a short scenic walk
Andrews Lake is an excellent choice for guests who want mountain views without committing to a long or strenuous hike.
The short trail follows the shoreline and provides views of Andrews Lake, Snowdon Peak and the surrounding forest. The route is approximately 0.8 mile with just over 100 feet of elevation gain.
Although the walk is easy, Andrews Lake sits at approximately 10,600 feet. Take your time if you recently arrived at elevation.
3. A Short Walk on the Colorado Trail
Difficulty: Easy when customized
Distance: Approximately 1–2 miles or your preferred distance
Elevation gain: Varies
Average duration: 30–90 minutes
Best for: Flexible outings and first-day hikes
Guests do not have to complete an entire mapped route to enjoy the Colorado Trail above Little Molas Lake.
Begin at the trailhead and walk for as long as your group feels comfortable before returning the same way. This allows families and hikers adjusting to the elevation to enjoy the views without committing to the full five-mile route.
Because this is an out-and-back option, you control the distance and difficulty.
Moderate Hikes
4. Potato Lake via Spud Lake Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 429 feet
Average duration: 1.5–2 hours
Best for: Families, lake views and a shorter adventure
Potato Lake, also called Spud Lake, is a beautiful moderate hike through the forest to a peaceful mountain lake.
The three-mile loop gains approximately 429 feet and usually takes between one and two hours. The trail is easy to follow, with impressive views of the surrounding mountains near the lake.
The road leading to the trailhead can be rough and rocky. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
5. Colorado Trail Above Little Molas Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 5.1 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 807 feet
Average duration: 2.5–3 hours
Best for: Mountain views and a moderate half-day hike
This section of the Colorado Trail provides beautiful scenery without the elevation gain required by many Silverton hikes.
The out-and-back route begins near Little Molas Lake and climbs gradually through open mountain terrain. The standard route is approximately 5.1 miles with 807 feet of elevation gain.
Because it is an out-and-back trail, hikers can turn around at any point. This makes it a good choice for groups with different energy levels.
6. Highland Mary Lakes
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 5.2 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,400 feet
Average duration: 3–4 hours
Best for: Alpine lakes, waterfalls and mountain views
Highland Mary Lakes is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes near Silverton.
The trail climbs through forests and open alpine terrain before reaching a collection of high-elevation lakes. Hikers may encounter streams, waterfalls, wildflowers and expansive views across the San Juan Mountains.
The standard out-and-back route is approximately 5.2 miles with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in approximately three hours, although we recommend allowing additional time for photos and breaks.
Experienced hikers can extend the adventure by connecting with the Continental Divide Trail. The longer loop is approximately 7.3 miles with 2,120 feet of ascent and is rated difficult.
Difficult Alpine Lake Hikes
7. Ice Lake Basin
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: Approximately 7–7.3 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,430–2,590 feet
Average duration: 4.5–6 hours
Best for: Turquoise water, waterfalls and iconic scenery
Ice Lake Basin is one of the most popular and visually impressive hikes near Silverton.
The trail begins near South Mineral Campground and immediately starts gaining elevation. Hikers travel through forest, aspens and wildflower-filled meadows before entering the lower basin. A final steep climb leads to the brilliant turquoise water of Ice Lake.
The hike is approximately seven miles round trip with more than 2,400 feet of elevation gain. It is steep but does not require technical climbing under normal summer conditions.
This trail is extremely popular, so begin early to find parking and avoid the busiest part of the day. Starting early also helps reduce your exposure to afternoon thunderstorms above the tree line.
8. Island Lake via Ice Lakes Trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: Approximately 8–8.4 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,550–2,700 feet
Average duration: 5–7 hours
Best for: Visiting Ice Lake and Island Lake in one hike
Island Lake can be added to the Ice Lake Basin hike for an unforgettable tour of two distinctly different alpine lakes.
After reaching Ice Lake, continue toward Island Lake, which sits in a dramatic basin beneath U.S. Grant Peak. Its blue-green water and small rocky island create one of the most recognizable views in the San Juan Mountains.
The complete route is approximately 8 to 8.4 miles with at least 2,550 feet of elevation gain.
The trail between the lakes may be less obvious than the main Ice Lake Trail. Download the route in advance and remain on established paths to protect the fragile alpine tundra.
9. Clear Lake
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Distance: Approximately 8.8 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,168 feet
Average duration: 4–6 hours
Best for: An alpine lake and fall scenery
Clear Lake sits high above the South Mineral Creek area and is known for its striking blue-green water.
The hiking route follows a rugged Jeep road for approximately 8.8 miles round trip, gaining more than 2,100 feet. It is primarily used as an off-road trail, but it can also be explored on foot.
Hikers should remain alert for Jeeps and OHVs, particularly around curves and narrow sections. Step safely to the side when vehicles approach and make sure drivers can see you.
Visitors with an appropriate four-wheel-drive vehicle may choose to drive instead, depending on their experience and current trail conditions.
Challenging Mountain Summits
10. Handies Peak
Difficulty: Difficult, Class 1
Distance: Approximately 5.75 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,500 feet
Average duration: 4–6 hours
Summit elevation: 14,058 feet
Best for: A first Colorado 14er
Handies Peak is often considered one of Colorado’s more approachable 14ers, but climbing any mountain above 14,000 feet is a serious undertaking.
The standard Southwest Slopes route begins in American Basin. It follows a defined Class 1 trail for approximately 5.75 miles round trip with 2,500 feet of elevation gain.
Reaching the upper trailhead requires traveling on a rough backcountry road. Depending on road conditions and your vehicle, you may need to park lower and add mileage to the hike.
Begin before sunrise and plan to be below the summit before afternoon thunderstorms develop.
11. Sultan Mountain and Grand Turk
Difficulty: Difficult, Class 2
Distance: Approximately 6.6 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 3,520 feet for both peaks
Average duration: 5–7 hours
Summit elevations: Sultan Mountain, 13,375 feet; Grand Turk, 13,167 feet
Best for: Experienced hikers and multiple summits
Sultan Mountain and Grand Turk rise above the Silverton area and are commonly completed together.
The combined route is approximately 6.6 miles with 3,520 feet of elevation gain. It includes steep climbing, tundra, scree, loose rock and sections where route-finding may be challenging.
This is not a consistently maintained hiking trail. Carry an offline route map and be comfortable navigating without a clearly defined path.
12. Redcloud Peak
Difficulty: Difficult, Class 2
Distance: Approximately 9 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 3,700 feet
Average duration: 6–8 hours
Summit elevation: Approximately 14,037 feet
Best for: Experienced 14er hikers
Redcloud Peak is reached from the Silver Creek and Grizzly Gulch trailhead near Lake City.
The standard Northeast Ridge route covers approximately nine miles round trip with 3,700 feet of elevation gain. It includes rocky terrain, sustained climbing and moderate exposure.
A very early start is essential because the route spends considerable time above the tree line.
13. Sunshine Peak via Redcloud Peak
Difficulty: Very difficult, Class 2
Distance: Approximately 12.25 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 4,800 feet
Average duration: 8–10 hours
Summit elevation: 14,004 feet
Best for: Experienced hikers completing two 14ers
The recommended route to Sunshine Peak first climbs Redcloud Peak before following the connecting ridge to Sunshine.
Completing both summits and returning over Redcloud creates a demanding day of approximately 12.25 miles with 4,800 feet of elevation gain.
Because you must regain elevation while returning over Redcloud, reaching Sunshine is not the end of the day’s climbing. Turn around if weather, fatigue or timing becomes a concern.
Hiking Safely Near Silverton
Even easy hikes around Silverton begin at high elevations. Give your body time to adjust, drink plenty of water and select a shorter route for your first day if needed.
Before beginning any hike:
- Check the weather and current trail conditions
- Begin early to reduce exposure to afternoon storms
- Download an offline map
- Tell someone where you are going
- Carry plenty of water and food
- Pack warm layers and rain protection
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes
- Bring sunscreen and sun protection
- Turn around if storms begin developing
- Do not approach or feed wildlife
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
Snow can remain on high trails into summer and return during early fall. Trail statistics may also change based on where you park, particularly when rough roads prevent access to upper trailheads.
Choose the Right Silverton Hike
For an easy outing, explore Animas Forks or walk around Andrews Lake.
For a shorter moderate hike, choose Potato Lake or customize your distance on the Colorado Trail.
For alpine lakes, consider Highland Mary Lakes, Ice Lake or Island Lake. Remember that Ice Lake and Island Lake are strenuous hikes despite their popularity.
Experienced summit hikers can challenge themselves on Handies Peak, Sultan Mountain, Grand Turk, Redcloud Peak or Sunshine Peak.
Stop by the Silverton Lakes RV Park office before leaving. Our staff can help you discuss your route, pick up a map and learn about current weather or wildlife activity.
Stay Close to Silverton’s Best Hiking Trails
Silverton Lakes RV Park places you near some of the most memorable hiking trails, alpine lakes, ghost towns and mountain peaks in Southwest Colorado.
Begin your morning with complimentary coffee, head into the San Juan Mountains and return to a comfortable campsite or cabin after your adventure.
Reserve your stay at Silverton Lakes RV Park and start planning your next hike near Silverton, Colorado.