Things to Do in Silverthorne, CO
While many Summit County visitors know this mountain town for its massive outlet mall, there’s so many exciting things to do in Silverthorne, CO outside of retail therapy. Explore the paved trails along the Blue River or relax in the serenity of Lake Dillon; no matter how you choose to explore the town, you’ll find enjoyable day-trip activities waiting for you. When you’re staying in Copper Mountain for a week or more, a change of scenery adds a refreshing list of outlet shopping, outdoor recreation, and plenty of dining options to your Copper Mountain vacation.
In This Blog:
- Hiking
- Lake Dillon
- Oulet at Silverthorne
- Fishing at Blue River
- Silverthorne Dining
- Where to Stay in Copper Mountain
Try These Top 5 Silverthorne Activities
Find Hiking Trails for Every Skill Level
Silverthorne may be the most accessible trailhead town in Summit County. Here, you’ll find trails ranging from lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes. There’s a trail for families, beginners, and seasoned explorers alike! Here are the best trails broken down by difficulty:
Easy:
Lily Pad Lake Trail
- Distance: 3.3 mi round trip
- Elevation:~600ft
- Best Time: Summer & Fall
Blue River Trail
- Distance: 5.3 mi
- Elevation: ~118ft
- Best Time: Year-Round
Moderate:
Ptarmigan Trial
- Distance: 4.8 mi
- Elevation: ~1,161 ft
- Best Time: Summer & Fall
Tenderfoot
- Distance: 7.7 mi
- Elevation: ~900ft
- Best Time: Summer & Fall
Difficult:
Buffalo Mountain
- Distance: 8 mi
- Elevation:~2700 ft
- Best Time: Summer
Surprise Lake
- Distance: 6 mi
- Elevation: ~1500 ft
- Best Time: Summer
Get some air, see new sites, and explore nature in the nearby town with access to plenty of trailheads. If you don’t want too much of a workout, there’s also plenty of relaxing things to do in nature as well. Visit the lake, take a stroll around downtown, or get in some much needed retail therapy.
Explore Dillon Reservoir
Lake Dillon is one of the largest alpine lakes in Colorado, sitting right at Silverthorne’s doorstep. In the summer, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing for rainbow trout are popular activities. You can rent a boat from the Dillon Marina and also take on sailing lessons. In the winter, the frozen landscape is perfect for scenic drives or walks along the shore.
Shop the Outlets at Silverthorne
The Outlets at Silverthorne are one of the most visited non-ski attractions in Summit County. This is the perfect place to gear up or just explore with stores like Everything Colorado being the perfect souvenir shop, and fun new additions like the Peak Sim Racing offering elite indoor excitement. It's a practical stop for anyone who forgot a layer, blew out a glove, or simply wants to browse after a morning on the mountain. Outlet shopping in a ski town is genuinely one of those rare experiences that makes practical sense.
Cast a Line on the Blue River
The Blue River running through Silverthorne is one of Colorado's designated Gold Medal fisheries, meaning it’s one of the state’s most exceptional trout streams. Several local outfitters offer guided half-day and full-day trips that include all gear and instruction, making it accessible even for first-time anglers. This is a standout activity for guests looking for something beyond skiing or hiking that still feels authentically Colorado.
Dig Into Local Dining Options
Silverthorne has a surprisingly strong dining scene for its size, meaning you can enjoy an entire day tasting local favorites. Start with Mountain Lyon Cafe, one of Summit County’s top breakfast spots serving standouts like the ultimate skillet and tasty pancakes.For lunch, the Bluebird Market satisfies any appetite. The chef-run food hall hosts 15 culinary concepts such as Lazo Empanadas, Ginger Palace, and Chef Daddy’s Grill to name a few. Cap the day with dinner at Windy City Pizza & Pub, a local pizzeria bringing house-made dough, sauces from scratch, and delicious pies to the rockies.
There are plenty of other Silverthorne restaurants to explore, too! Get to know all of them during your Copper Mountain vacation.
Make the Most of Your Copper Mountain Stay
Next time you’re in Copper Mountain, take a day trip to Silverthorne, CO. Whether you're here in July chasing wildflower hikes and cold lake swims, or in February looking for a Nordic ski day and a warm bowl of ramen, you won’t be disappointed. Browse our vacation rentals in the Copper Mountain ski resort and choose from a selection of ski-in/ski-out options, condos with access to a hot tub, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far is Silverthorne from Copper Mountain?
Silverthorne is about 12 miles from Copper Mountain, making it one of the closest and easiest day trips in Summit County. Under normal conditions the drive takes roughly 14–16 minutes via I-70 East to Exit 205.
How do I get from Copper Mountain to Silverthorne without a car?
Summit County’s free public transit, The Summit Stage, connects Copper Mountain and Silverthorne with a transfer at the Frisco Transit Center. The Summit Stage runs seven days a week, year-round, from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM, and it's completely free. Check current schedules at summitcountyco.gov or download the TransitApp for real-time tracking.
Should I worry about altitude sickness in Silverthorne?
Silverthorne's high-altitude, arid climate means visitors are susceptible to altitude sickness, sunburn, and dehydration, even on a quick day trip. To stay comfortable: drink plenty of water throughout the day, go easy on alcohol, wear and reapply sunscreen, and take it slow on your first day or two. If you feel lightheaded, those canisters of oxygen sold in many local shops are genuinely helpful, not just a tourist gimmick.