Today we left Gunnison and headed high into the San Juan mountains to a town called Silverton. It is one of the highest towns in the nation at 9,318 feet. We like that as it means cooler weather. 🙂
Silverton was established in 1874 & quickly swelled to 2,000 residents who came to strike it rich in silver. Now the town has a year-round population of only 548 people.
We arrived at our RV Park and settled in then went and explored downtown.
Silverton has a quaint downtown with shops geared towards jeeping, hiking, rock hounding, panning for gold, and other similar activities. There are also general merchandise stores, restaurants, and one small (expensive) grocery store.
After spending a couple hours downtown we took a drive on the “Million Dollar Highway” which cost $1.2 million to build back in 1929. It is characterized by steep cliffs, narrow lanes, hairpin S curves, and a lack of guardrails. This is also the road we had to take to get to Silverton in our 35 foot motor home pulling the van… fun, fun.
Red Mountain (caused by the iron in the rock)
The “Million Dollar Highway” provides million dollar views from its many switchbacks. This pic is from a viewpoint just before the descent into Silverton, CO.
We are excited to rent a jeep and explore the mountains.
Route Day 52 (Gunnison CO to Silverton CO)
You guys are brave!! I don’t know that I would have wanted to venture down that road in an RV. Looking forward to seeing the mountain exploration pictures–are you going to do any off-roading?
Have really enjoyed seeing you all on your trip. Wish we could have been with U all along, and look forward to Ouray Tues nite and forward. Wonderful pix from Million Dollar Highway. We’re enjoying traveling with John & Suzie right now headed your way.