Silverthorne, a Colorado town located 8,730 feet (2,661 meters) above sea level, is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the western state. However, the fun it has to offer is not limited to just wintertime. Throughout the year, there are various outdoor and indoor activities that visitors can try, including shopping, golfing, hiking, and fishing.
If you’re considering visiting this town soon, here’s a more detailed list of some of the best activities you can try in Silverthorne aside from skiing:
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1. Hike and bike at Dillon Ranger Station
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Dillon Ranger District offers a great treat for hikers and outdoorsmen. It features 200 mi (321 km) of hiking trails, 150 mi (241 km) of mountain bike trails, and 100 mi (160 km) of off-highway vehicle routes that are sure to be appealing to many outdoor enthusiasts.
It also has 1 group campground and 14 regular campgrounds that create 400 campsites for visitors to use from late spring to early fall. Other than that, there are also four major ski resorts in the district that make for a great tourist destination during the winter.
Dillon Ranger Station
Address: 680 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne, CO 80498, United States
Website: Dillon Ranger Station
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
2. Go cross-country skiing at Angler Trailhead
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Angler Trailhead is a 6.76-kilometer (4.2-mile) backtrail that is located near Silverthorne, Colorado. Taking, on average, 2 hours and 27 minutes to complete, this trail is rated as a moderately challenging trail to traverse. It is popularly known for being a place where visitors can go cross-country skiing, hiking, and horseback riding.
Despite these activities, the trail also has quieter moments at certain times of the day. Visitors can also bring their dogs along this trailhead as long as they are leashed.
Angler Trailhead
Address: 67 Brook Ave, Silverthorne, CO 80498, United States
3. Dine and drink at The Bakers' Brewery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Bakers’ Brewery is an eatery that specializes in serving American cuisine, contemporary dishes, homemade baked goods, and amazing craft beer. The eatery’s menu is composed of a wonderful mix of appetizers, salads, soups, and desserts.
Some dishes you can try are fettuccini alfredo, hunter’s pie, edamame, Baja fish tacos, beer cheese soup, sea salt caramel cheesecake, and Mississippi mud pie. The eatery also has a beer tap that offers Belgian Rebellion BPA, cottonmouth killer, French silk stout, barking dog brown, and buzzbird Belgian wheat.
The Bakers' Brewery
Address: 531 Silverthorne Ln, Silverthorne, CO 80498, United States
Website: The Bakers’ Brewery
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)
4. Hike along Continental Divide Trail
Continental Divide Trail is a unique trail that encompasses five US states, Mexico, and Canada. Established by Congress in 1978, this trail is 3,100 mi (1,926 km) long and goes through the spine of the Rocky Mountains. Because it encompasses so many different places, hikers will encounter many different kinds of paths of varying difficulty. Birdwatchers and nature lovers are in for a treat as various species of fauna and flora can be found on this trail.
Hiking is not the only activity you can do here as many travelers have used this trail for horseback riding, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and skiing.
Continental Divide Trail
Address: Silverthorne, CO, USA
Website: Continental Divide Trail
5. Gnaw on excellent steaks at Mint Steakhouse Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Mint Steakhouse Restaurant is a historic veteran steakhouse that has been serving great quality grill-it-yourself steak since the 1880s. This steakhouse’s menu is composed of a variety of appetizers, seafood, chicken, side dishes, desserts, and, of course, steaks. Also, do note that the prices of the dishes include a free salad bar.
If you’re curious about what food you can find here, the restaurant offers chicken tenders, cajun steak, ribeye steak, shrimp kabob, wild salmon, baked potato, truffle fries, mint potato, and brownie a la mode.
Mint Steakhouse Restaurant
Address: 347 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne, CO 80498, United States
Website: Mint Steakhouse Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 9:30pm
6. Try your hand at fly fishing
Fly fishing is a kind of angling that involves the use of an artificial fly or lure. If you’re interested in trying this activity, Silverthorne is the right place because there are fishing stores all over the town offering guided fishing trips. There’s Cutthroat Anglers for instance, located at Blue River Parkway. They are licensed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, as well as the Bureau of Land Management. Professional guides accompany each trip and there are various programs depending on one’s skill level. Some of the things you can learn by taking a guided fishing trip include the basics of a fly casting stroke, how to read the waters, and how to properly use the fly to fight and land the fishes.
7. Go hiking at Lily Pad River Trail
Silverthorne is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most popular hiking circuits in the town is the Lily Pad Lake Trail, which covers a total of 3.3 miles (5.3 kilometers). It is ideal for all skill levels and is accessible all year round. This family-friendly trail passes through a forest and past several beaver ponds near a lovely lake filled with lilies. Hikers can even bring dogs with them, as long as their pets are kept on a leash. Another thing to look forward to on this trail is great views of Buffalo Mountain, which belongs to the USA’s Rocky Mountain Range. Some of the animals you might spot while trekking include deer, elk, and moose.
8. Play a sport at Rainbow Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For kids and kids at heart who are looking for a fun outdoor activity, you can visit Rainbow Park, located at Silverthorne’s Rainbow Drive. It spans a total of seven acres (2.8 hectares) and contains a multi-purpose field. Here, the public has free access to a skateboarding park, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a volleyball court. For smaller children, there is a fun playground equipped with slides and swings. Families can also take advantage of the park’s picnic shelters. During certain times of the year, community festivals are held at Rainbow Park’s amphitheater. Personal events like birthdays and reunions can also be held here.
9. Ride a horse through nature
Experience being a cowboy or cowgirl for a day! Surrounded by mountains and forests, Silverthorne provides the perfect backdrop for an exciting horseback riding trail. In this town, you can join groups such as Gore Range Outfitters, which accept up to 11 people per trip. These horseriding excursions take you to meadows filled with wildflowers, hillsides offering panoramic views, and creeks surrounded by lush vegetation. Best done in the summer, horseback riding can either be be a private or a joint activity. It is an interesting alternative for those who are not into hiking but interested in exploring the mountains. However, it is not recommended for children and for people with back problems.
10. Practice your golf skills
Thanks to Silverthorne’s mountainous and forested terrain, golf courses were easily built around the town. One of them is the Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks, which boasts lush rolling fairways surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped mountains. There are also creeks nearby, and a lake filled with trout. During certain times of the year, they hold local and international competitions. For your golf equipment needs, Raven Golf Club has a Pro Shop where you can avail yourself of new golf clubs and other related merchandise. Meanwhile, novice golf players who want to sharpen their skills can enroll in a private class.
11. Watch a production by the Lake Dillon Theater Company
In 1993, the Lake Dillon Theatre Company was established to address the lack of cultural programs in the country. It was only in 2014, however, that it became a professional theater company, but throughout the years it has already been recognized for its exceptional musical shows and talented performers. The theater itself is “black box” style (a basic performance area), providing an intimate atmosphere for the audience. Seating arrangements vary from one production to another. Depending on your preference, you can buy either individual tickets or season passes. The theater company also conducts workshops both for teenagers and adults. Lessons include Improvisation, Scene Study, Character Building, and Creative Writing.
12. Join classes at Silverthorne Recreation Center
Located near to Rainbow Park is the Silverthorne Recreation Center, an indoor facility where both locals and visitors are welcome to spend time for entertainment and relaxation. They have a wide array of facilities that can be accessed whether you opt for a day pass or a membership. For health buffs, take advantage of the yoga and pilates classes, as well as the indoor track, pools, and gym. Meanwhile, those who are interested in learning a new skill can attend tap dancing classes and ballet lessons for an additional fee. If you’re bringing kids, you can take them to Kids Korner, a supervised area for children aged six months to six years.
13. Treat yourself to something tasty at Sunshine Cafe Restaurant
Sunshine Cafe Restaurant is one of the local favorites in Silverthorne because of its American breakfast meals. Their menu includes delicious breakfast items like waffles, pancakes, French toast, eggs benedict, and breakfast burritos. They also offer smoothies and a variety of pastries, including muffins, bread pudding, and cinnamon roll. Meanwhile, for lunch, their menu consists mostly of soups, salads, burgers, and hot gourmet dishes. For kids and vegetarians, there is a special menu that caters to their respective food choices. Sunshine Cafe has been in business for over 35 years, satisfying hungry customers one plate at a time.
14. Shop ‘til you drop in Outlets at Silverthorne
A prime destination for shoppers, Outlets at Silverthorne houses over 70 top designer brands in three separate villages. Many of these retail stores offer discounts and other promotional offers all year round. Some of the brands include Nike, Gap, Levi’s, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Banana Republic, J. Crew, and Calvin Klein. Of course, there are also various restaurants catering to the needs of hungry shoppers. There’s Chipotle and Starbucks, for instance, as well as Beef Jerky Outlet and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
To make shopping more convenient, they provide a free shuttle service that runs around the villages. For those who are not interested in shopping, you can still enjoy your visit here because the outlets are located just right next to the Blue River where there are plenty of fly-fishing activities.
15. Get pampered at Elan Life Spa
How about a relaxing spa treatment in Silverthorne? Great for couples, solos, and groups, Elan Life Spa offers a fully-integrated and modern luxury spa experience for guests. You can reserve services in advance, including facial and skin care procedures, foot treatments, massages, manicures, and pedicures. Included in the spa’s facilities are treatment rooms, locker rooms, infrared saunas, a meditation area, and a crepe cafe. They also offer spa parties, a nice way of celebrating while pampering yourself at the same time. In case you want a makeover during your vacation, you can have your hair styled by one of their staff members and have your makeup done too!
Go to Silverthorne for fun and recreation
Despite the small size of this town, Silverthorne has interesting recreational activities that can keep guests occupied and entertained. It is perfect for groups of friends and families who just want to chill and have a good time!
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