Silt: Local History and Nature on the Colorado River

Silt offers several distinct highlights for a stay: local history at the Silt Historical Park and Museum, nature along the Colorado River, and outdoor activities. The topics range from the history of settlement to hiking, horseback riding, and rafting, helping you narrow down the purpose of your trip before choosing a hotel.

Local History in Buildings and Dates

The Silt Historical Park and Museum features recreated historic buildings containing historical artifacts. These include a sheep herder's camp, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a general store, a cowboy camp, an office, a saloon, a residence, and a railroad building. The different types of buildings represent various aspects of everyday life: education, craft, commerce, housing, and railroads. The school, blacksmith shop, store, and residence bring these topics to life; the saloon, cowboy camp, and railroad building add further places from life at the time.

During the summer months, guided tours of log cabins, a cow camp, a country store, a workshop, and an old schoolhouse are offered at the Silt Historical Park and Museum. This is a seasonal activity. Check before your visit to see whether a tour is available on your travel dates.

Silt grew out of George Furguson's ranch after Ute land was opened to homesteaders for settlement in 1881. A ferry is also part of the area's early history: a ferry operated by Mr. Ferguson carried the first settlers across the Grand River, now called the Colorado River. The first bridge was built in 1908. These dates place the start of settlement and the later construction of the bridge in historical context. Another historical reference is Hey Day: Silt's first festival began in 1969.

River Landscapes and Outdoor Activities

Bald eagles nest at the Silt River Preserve, and mule deer graze along a scenic stretch of the Colorado River. A trail in the preserve provides access to the river. This brings wildlife and a specific trail access point to the water together: the preserve combines a habitat with an opportunity to reach the river area on foot.

Near Silt, the Silt Mesa Extensive Recreation Management Area lies below the Grand Hogback. Visitors can drive off-highway vehicles, hike, and ride horses there. These three activities involve different ways of getting around and offer different starting points for planning a stay that includes time outdoors.

Other river-related experiences are each associated with specific places and activities. Silt Island Park has a boat ramp used by anglers; conditions for launching a boat may vary. During rafting trips on the Colorado River near Silt, participants can stop at a small riverside park. Heron's Nest RV Park is an access point to a heron colony right along the Colorado River. Check access to the colony before visiting. This lets you distinguish between river-related options based on whether you're interested in fishing, a possible stop during a rafting trip, or the heron colony.

Find a Hotel in Silt That Suits Your Trip

Consider which of these topics matter for your stay and use them to guide your choice. Before booking, check the location, amenities, and availability listed for each hotel for your travel dates.

Explore more destinations: Parachute, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, New Castle.

View the broader travel overview: Garfield.