| Elevation | ~8,730 ft |
|---|---|
| Nearest resorts | Keystone, Arapahoe Basin (~15–20 min); all others close |
| Best for | Value stays, fly fishing, outlets, longer trips |
| From Denver | ~1.5 hrs on I-70 (Exit 205) |
| Known for | Gold Medal fishing (Blue River), the Outlets |
Silverthorne is where most Summit County trips pause — the outlet mall and services cluster right off I-70 — but it’s quietly become a destination in its own right. The Blue River runs straight through town as Gold Medal trout water, the dining scene has grown up, and it’s the gateway north toward the Gore Range and Kremmling.
Fishing in town
Below the Dillon Dam, the Blue River is designated Gold Medal water — a rare tier reserved for Colorado’s best trout fishing — and it’s walkable from the outlets. That combination of world-class outdoor access and everyday convenience is very Silverthorne, and it pairs well with Gore Range hiking.
Shopping & gateway
The Outlets at Silverthorne are the county’s main retail hub, handy for anything you forgot to pack. From here it’s a quick hop to Keystone, A-Basin, Dillon, and Frisco, and the doorway to quieter country to the north.
Lift tickets & passes
Silverthorne has no ski hill of its own, but it’s a value gateway minutes from Epic Keystone and Ikon Arapahoe Basin, and central to every Summit County mountain. If you’ll ski more than a few days, a season pass usually beats day-of window tickets. Our Epic vs. Ikon guide covers which mountains each pass includes and when to buy for the best price. Direct lift-ticket and pass links are coming as we finalize our booking partners.
Getting there
Silverthorne sits right at I-70 Exit 205, about 90 minutes from Denver, next to Dillon at the north end of the reservoir. It’s an easy on/off the interstate — just watch I-70 traffic on peak weekends.
What to do & what to pack
Summer or winter, you’re minutes from Summit County’s best hiking, the nearby 14ers, and camping, plus four ski resorts in season. Gear up with our base layers, gloves, and goggles guides and the full ski packing list — and mind the altitude up here.
Hiking here? See our full guide to hiking in Silverthorne.
Silverthorne FAQ
Is the fishing in Silverthorne really that good?
Yes — the Blue River runs right through town below the Dillon Dam and is designated Gold Medal water, meaning some of Colorado’s highest-quality trout fishing is quite literally steps from the outlet mall.
What are the Outlets at Silverthorne?
A large outlet shopping center right off I-70 — the main retail hub for Summit County and a common stop on the way to or from the resorts, handy for anything you forgot to pack.
Where is Silverthorne and which resorts are near?
Just off I-70 at Exit 205, next to Dillon at the north end of the reservoir. Keystone and Arapahoe Basin are about 15–20 minutes up US-6, and it’s the gateway north toward the Gore Range and Kremmling.
Is Silverthorne a good value base?
Often yes — lodging here and in neighboring Dillon tends to run cheaper than the resort villages, while staying central to every Summit County mountain. See our where to stay guide.
What is there to do in Silverthorne besides shopping?
Gold Medal fly fishing on the Blue River, a performing-arts pavilion, riverside trails and parks, and quick access to Gore Range hiking and the rest of Summit County.
How high is Silverthorne?
About 8,730 feet — a touch lower than its neighbors but still high enough that the altitude applies.
Nearby Summit County towns: Breckenridge · Frisco · Keystone · Copper Mountain · Dillon · Silverthorne · where to stay