Silverthorne
Silverthorne’s story begins in 1859 when Judge Marshall Silverthorn settled along the Blue River and staked a mining claim known as the Silverthorn Placer. Although gold was scarce, the land laid the foundation for a thriving mountain community. The town’s name gained an “e” in the 1930s, and Silverthorne was officially incorporated on September 5, 1967. Nestled in the Lower Blue River Valley, approximately 70 miles west of Denver and sitting at an elevation of 8,730 feet, Silverthorne is framed by towering peaks exceeding 12,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the Gore Range. It’s surrounded by pristine wilderness areas, including the Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Mountain Wildernesses, with the Blue River flowing through town, serving as its heart and soul.
Silverthorne’s prime location offers unparalleled access to outdoor adventures year-round. Hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fishing are all just minutes away, allowing residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning alpine environment. Since incorporation, Silverthorne has expanded its boundaries through annexations of large areas like Eagles Nest, Maryland Creek Ranch, and Smith Ranch, fueling growth while preserving open spaces.
In recent years, Silverthorne has welcomed several exciting new projects that enhance its appeal to both residents and tourists. The newly completed Silverthorne Performing Arts Center has become a cultural cornerstone, hosting concerts, theater productions, and community events in a state-of-the-art venue. The revitalized Pavilion area offers a vibrant outdoor gathering space with dining, live music, and seasonal festivals. For outdoor enthusiasts, expansions to the Raven Golf Club and the addition of new trails around town provide even more recreational options. Families and adventure seekers alike enjoy the upgraded outdoor ice rink and skate park, perfect for winter fun and year-round activities.
Silverthorne also boasts an impressive collection of parks and community spaces. Town parks such as Arctic Placer Park, Maryland Creek Park, North Pond Park, Rainbow Park, River’s Edge Park, Trent Park, and Willow Grove Open Space offer playgrounds, picnic areas, and serene natural spots. The town’s world-class recreation center is a hub for fitness and sports, while the Nordic Center caters to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts. The nine-hole disc golf course and popular outlet mall round out the diverse attractions that make Silverthorne a destination for both locals and visitors.
Silverthorne’s growing seasonal event calendar is filled with highlights like the Sunset at the Summit Concert Series, drawing music lovers each summer, as well as regular performances at the Performing Arts Center and Pavilion. This lively mix of cultural, recreational, and shopping experiences makes Silverthorne an exceptional mountain town to call home or visit.
