Elopement Destination: Silverton, Colorado

Trade in your stilettos for boots and your limo for a jeep. If the wild western frontier is where your heart is, the San Juan Mountains are calling.

The Adventure Begins

Exchanging your vows with the awe-inspiring backdrop of natural splendor is an intensely moving experience. Your photos will tell the story of adventurers in love and will be anything but ordinary!

All photos courtesty of adventure elopement photographer, Julie Haider  www.juliehaider.com 

AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMPERATURE

When to go

The area around Silverton and nearby Ouray is awe-inspiring. The snow is melted enough in June to hike and off-road, but still covers the peaks. Vast fields of wildflowers cover the landscape in July and August, golden aspens dazzle in mid-to-late September. Snow arrives in October and a winter is nothing short of a wonderland through May!

Cautionary note: the weather may shift dramatically in colder months dropping well below freezing. Be prepared!

Mountain Charm

Nestled at the tail end of the Rockies, beautiful Silverton is a remote and quaint Colorado mountain town with authentic rustic charm in a stunningly dramatic setting.

This former mining town is most easily reached from Durango. History enthusiasts can book a ride on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The vintage steam train includes the Silver Vista, a glass-topped observation car. Road trippers will enjoy a drive to Silverton. The ‘Million Dollar Highway’ is a winding road through spectacular mountain passes, tunnels, and past waterfalls. The breathtaking views come with a steep drop – so keep your eyes on the road until you reach an overlook.

Either journey brings you through arguably one of the the most magnificent mountain ranges in the U.S.

All photos courtesty of adventure elopement photographer, Julie Haider  www.juliehaider.com 

What to see

Extend your elopement with a honeymoon on the San Juan Skyway loop. This 236-mile circle includes five mountain passes, old mining and ghost towns, lakes, waterfalls and more. Stop in Ouray, called the ‘Switzerland of America’ to enjoy hot springs. A short side trip brings you to Monument Valley National Park and the Grand Canyon as well as Mesa Verde National Park where you can explore ancient cultural cliff dwellings.

Hidden Gems

• Hike to Blue Lake just below Mt. Sneffels