Silverton, Colorado, is a magnet for travelers craving rugged landscapes and authentic mountain experiences. Its remote location, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, makes it an ideal place for outdoor tours that really put you in the middle of the wild. We especially love how Silverton’s historic mines and colorful fall foliage come alive through guided jeep rides and off-road rentals, offering perspectives you simply can’t get from a car window. Whether you’re after a relaxing scenic drive or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Silverton is packed with options that bring this rugged town’s scenery and history directly to you.
For those new to the area, a half-day jeep tour offers a fantastic overview of the landscape with insightful guides, while more adventurous travelers might prefer renting a Polaris RZR to tear through mountain trails. Our favorite? The Silverton Half Day Jeep Tour because it combines knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and a chance to explore old mines and ghost towns—perfect for a quick but memorable experience. If you’re up for a full-day trip, the Durango, Silverton & Ouray Day Trip and Hike Tour offers a full immersion into the San Juan Mountains, blending scenic drives, hiking, and soaking in hot springs.
1. Silverton Half Day Jeep Tour
At number 1, the Silverton Half Day Jeep Tour provides an excellent snapshot of the area’s rugged beauty in just 3.5 hours. You’ll ride in a sturdy Jeep with guides who are experts in regional geology and history, sharing stories about Silverton’s old silver mines and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. This tour is perfect if you want a quick, informative taste of the backcountry without committing a full day. The guides know the area intimately, taking you to panoramic viewpoints, ghost towns, and the remnants of abandoned mines.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see gorgeous Colorado wildflowers in summer or spectacular aspen groves in fall. It’s a balanced mix of scenic views and historical interest, making it ideal for families or travelers with limited time. The cost is $162 per person, which is quite reasonable given the depth of experience and the personalized knowledge from guides with 25 years of experience. The trip is rated a perfect 5/5 with all reviews praising the professionalism and enthusiasm of the guides.
Bottom Line: If you want a short, well-guided journey into Silverton’s landscape with plenty of photo opportunities, this jeep tour hits the mark.
2. Durango, Silverton & Ouray Day Trip and Hike Tour
At number 2, the Durango, Silverton & Ouray Day Trip and Hike Tour is a long but rewarding 12-hour adventure. It’s perfect for those who want a full-day immersion into the San Juan Mountains, including scenic drives along the famous Million Dollar Highway. The tour starts in Durango, winding through lush mountain scenery over Molas Pass, passing the historic town of Silverton, then continuing to Ouray—the “Switzerland of America”—with its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
Highlights include soaking in the Ouray Hot Springs, hiking the Perimeter Trail for sweeping views, and exploring the Box Canyon Waterfall. The trip includes multiple stops for photos and leisurely exploration, making it great for outdoor lovers and photographers alike. Lunch isn’t included, but there’s ample opportunity to enjoy local eateries. The scenic drive itself—over the Red Mountain Pass—is a highlight, offering breathtaking views of Colorado’s rugged peaks.
This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of driving, walking, and sightseeing. It’s priced at $149 per person, offering excellent value given the comprehensive experience. The only downside might be the long day if you prefer a more relaxed pace, but for those wanting to pack in a lot of mountain scenery and adventure, it’s a fantastic choice.
Bottom Line: If you want a full day of mountain sightseeing, hiking, and driving along iconic Colorado routes, this trip covers all the bases.
$149 per person
3. Silverton: 4-Seat Polaris RZR/UTV Rental
For those who want to carve their own trail, the Silverton 4-Seat Polaris RZR/UTV Rental puts you behind the wheel for a private off-road adventure. For around $395, your group gets four hours of exclusive access to explore backcountry trails, including ghost towns and mountain vistas at over 10,000 feet. The rental includes fuel, GPS tracking, trail maps, and safety gear, making it a self-guided but supported experience.
What sets this apart is the flexibility: you can choose your own route, stopping wherever you want, whether that’s a remote mountain pass or a hidden mine site. The guided support and GPS make it suitable even for those new to off-road driving. It’s perfect for families, friends, or small groups seeking an adrenaline rush in a safe setting. Many reviews highlight how this rental allows for a personalized adventure—some guests even say it’s “the best way to see Silverton’s wild side.”
While it’s a more expensive option, it offers unmatched independence and the chance to explore off the beaten path at your own pace. The experience is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with driving in rugged terrain, and it’s a great way to see spots inaccessible by other tours.
Bottom Line: For thrill-seekers who want total control over their mountain adventure, renting a Polaris RZR is hard to beat.
$395 per group up to 1
How to Choose Your Ideal Silverton Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and activity level. If you prefer a quick, guided overview, the jeep tour offers a balance of scenery and storytelling. For a full day packed with sightseeing and hiking, the Durango and Ouray trip is ideal. If you’re craving freedom and off-road fun, the Polaris RZR rental puts you in the driver’s seat.
Think about your fitness level if hiking or mountain driving is involved, and plan your visit during the summer or fall for the best wildflower displays or fall foliage. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your spot and get the most out of your mountain adventure.
Final Thoughts
Silverton offers a rich range of tours for every type of traveler. The Half Day Jeep Tour is perfect for a quick but immersive taste of the landscape, while the Full-Day Scenic Drive is suited for those wanting a comprehensive mountain experience. For the ultimate freedom, renting a Polaris RZR allows you to carve your own trail into the Colorado wilderness.
Whether you’re interested in history, scenery, or off-road thrills, these tours will help you see Silverton in a whole new way. Book early to guarantee your spot, and prepare yourself for some of Colorado’s most stunning mountain scenery.