High in the rugged San Juan Mountains, Silverton, Colorado, offers unforgettable off-road terrain in the Rockies. Its rich mining history, high passes, and old Jeep and mining roads make it a top destination for ATV and UTV adventures. Whether you seek the thrill of driving on mountain switchbacks or a guided tour exploring the area's history and hidden stories, Silverton's side-by-side tours give an unforgettable experience.

Many travelers consider a side-by-side ATV or UTV tour the best way to explore the backcountry. These agile, powerful machines can climb high passes, navigate rocky terrain, and reach remote valleys inaccessible to cars. With half-day and full-day options, guided and unguided rentals, Silverton allows you to customize your adventure to your schedule and comfort.

Why Choose a Side-by-Side in Silverton?

When people think of off-roading in Colorado, Jeep tours often come to mind first. But ATVs and UTVs unlock a whole new level of adventure. Unlike a Jeep, a side-by-side gives you a more immersive connection with the landscape. You feel the cool mountain air, smell the pines, and see the panoramic views unobstructed as you drive. The machines are lightweight yet powerful, capable of climbing steep grades and handling rugged trails with surprising ease.

Another major advantage? Flexibility. Guided UTV tours in Silverton are perfect for visitors who want expert leadership, storytelling, and peace of mind navigating the terrain. Rentals, on the other hand, are ideal for independent explorers who want to take the wheel and set their own pace. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with access to high-alpine passes like Engineer, Cinnamon, and California, or the legendary Alpine Loop.

The Landscape: A Natural Playground

Silverton is surrounded on all sides by jaw-dropping wilderness. At over 9,000 feet in elevation, the town itself is perched in a dramatic valley, with trails leading up and out in every direction. Within minutes of leaving downtown, you’ll be on dirt roads winding through forests of spruce and aspen, climbing toward passes that reach over 12,000 feet.

Every turn seems to reveal something new — abandoned mining structures, sparkling alpine lakes, fields of wildflowers in summer, or golden aspens in fall. On clear days, you’ll see for miles across jagged peaks, with the distant horizon marked by the Grenadier and Needle Mountains. For photographers and adventure seekers alike, these trails are pure magic.

Popular Side-by-Side Routes in Silverton

The Alpine Loop

Perhaps the most famous route in the area, the Alpine Loop connects Silverton with Lake City and Ouray, climbing over Engineer and Cinnamon Passes. It’s a must-do for anyone with a full day and the stamina for a longer ride. Expect dramatic views, historic ghost towns, and plenty of rugged terrain.

California & Corkscrew Pass

This loop is ideal for half-day riders, offering a mix of steep climbs, tight switchbacks, and expansive vistas. The red rock of Corkscrew Pass contrasts beautifully with the green valleys below, making it one of the most photographed routes near Silverton.

Animas Forks Ghost Town

For history buffs, a ride to the Animas Forks mining town is unforgettable. Once a bustling community in the late 1800s, today it’s a remarkably well-preserved ghost town with cabins, a hotel, and a jailhouse you can still explore.

Maggie Gulch & Stony Pass

These lesser-traveled routes are perfect for riders who want a quieter backcountry experience. With fewer vehicles, you’ll feel even deeper in the wilderness while still enjoying technical and rewarding terrain.

Guided Tours vs. Rentals

Guided Tours
Guided side-by-side tours are perfect for first-timers or those who want a deeper appreciation of Silverton’s history and landscape. Local guides know the terrain like the back of their hand, and they’ll tailor the pace and route to your comfort level. Along the way, you’ll learn about Silverton’s mining heritage, geology, and ecology, all while focusing on the fun of driving rather than navigation.

Rentals
If independence is more your style, UTV rentals give you the freedom to create your own adventure. Rentals typically range from 2-hour jaunts to full-day or even multi-day outings. With GPS maps and suggested routes, it’s easy to craft an itinerary that fits your goals, whether that’s a scenic cruise to a ghost town or a full throttle push over the Alpine Loop.

Few places in the Rockies offer off-road opportunities as thrilling as Silverton, Colorado. With a side-by-side ATV or UTV, the possibilities are endless: climb to windswept mountain passes, visit ghost towns lost to time, and soak in views that will stay with you for a lifetime. Whether you choose a guided tour for the storytelling and expertise or a rental for the freedom of exploration, one thing’s for certain — the adventure will be unforgettable.