Cities and Towns in San Juan County, Colorado
Founded on 1876-01-31, San Juan County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. Historically, San Juan County was split from Lake County. The city of Silverton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 111, San Juan County has a population of 733 and area of 388.99 square miles (1,007 km²).
List of all cities in San Juan County, CO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Silverton, CO | 81433 | 970 |
Major Cities and Towns in San Juan County, Colorado
Silverton
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 650 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81433
- Latitude: 37.8113° N
- Longitude: 107.6642° W
City Location and History
Silverton, the county seat and only incorporated town in San Juan County, is located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 9,318 feet. The town was founded in 1874 following the discovery of rich silver veins in the surrounding mountains, quickly becoming a bustling mining hub. Silverton’s location in a high-altitude valley surrounded by rugged peaks made it a challenging but prosperous center for mining, with the town’s name reflecting its rich silver deposits. The arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1882 further boosted the town’s growth, enabling the efficient transport of ore and goods. Silverton’s economy thrived on mining until the early 20th century, when the decline in silver prices led to the closure of many mines. Today, Silverton is a National Historic Landmark District, known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and rich mining history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Silverton is served by the Silverton School District, which operates the Silverton School, a K-12 institution that serves the town’s small student population. The town’s major landmarks include the Silverton Historic District, which features numerous 19th-century buildings that have been meticulously preserved, offering a glimpse into the town’s mining past. The Silverton Museum, located in the historic jailhouse, provides exhibits on local history, including the town’s role in the mining industry and the lives of early settlers. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a popular tourist attraction, offers scenic train rides through the mountains, connecting Silverton with Durango and providing breathtaking views of the San Juan wilderness. The nearby San Juan National Forest offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and exploring old mining sites. Silverton’s blend of historical significance, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm makes it the focal point of San Juan County.
Animas Forks (Ghost Town)
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: Not applicable (ghost town)
- Population: 0 (abandoned)
- Zip Codes: None
- Latitude: 37.9325° N
- Longitude: 107.5831° W
City Location and History
Animas Forks is a historic ghost town located about 12 miles northeast of Silverton, at an elevation of 11,200 feet. The town was established in 1873 during the height of the Colorado silver mining boom. Animas Forks was once a thriving mining community, home to several hundred residents who worked in the nearby mines extracting silver and other precious metals. The town was named for its location at the confluence (or “forks”) of the West, Middle, and East Forks of the Animas River. Despite its remote and harsh environment, Animas Forks grew quickly, with the construction of homes, businesses, and a post office. However, the town’s high altitude made it difficult to sustain a permanent population, and it was largely abandoned by the early 20th century as the mining industry declined.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a ghost town, Animas Forks does not have schools or a resident population, but it remains a significant historical site. The town’s major landmarks include several well-preserved buildings, such as the Duncan House, which was a prominent residence during the town’s heyday. The remains of the town’s general store, boarding house, and other structures provide a fascinating glimpse into life in a remote mining town. Animas Forks is accessible via a rugged mountain road and is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, history buffs, and photographers. The town is part of the Alpine Loop, a scenic byway that connects several historic mining towns and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Animas Forks stands as a testament to the boom-and-bust cycle of Colorado’s mining history and is a must-visit site for those exploring San Juan County.
Eureka (Ghost Town)
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: Not applicable (ghost town)
- Population: 0 (abandoned)
- Zip Codes: None
- Latitude: 37.8866° N
- Longitude: 107.5765° W
City Location and History
Eureka is another historic ghost town located along the Animas River, about 8 miles northeast of Silverton. Established in the early 1870s, Eureka served as a key mining and milling center during the height of the silver boom in the San Juan Mountains. The town was strategically located near several productive mines, and it became a bustling community with a population that swelled to several hundred at its peak. Eureka was home to the Sunnyside Mill, one of the largest and most important ore-processing facilities in the region, which played a crucial role in the extraction of silver and gold. However, like many mining towns in the area, Eureka’s fortunes declined as the price of silver dropped and the mines began to close. By the early 20th century, the town was largely abandoned, leaving behind a collection of ruins that tell the story of its brief but intense period of prosperity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Eureka, now a ghost town, does not have any active schools or a population, but it remains an important historical site. The town’s major landmarks include the remnants of the Sunnyside Mill, which was the heart of the town’s mining operations. The foundations of homes, businesses, and the mill can still be seen, offering a haunting reminder of the town’s past. Eureka is a popular destination for those interested in Colorado’s mining history, and it is accessible via a rugged four-wheel-drive road that follows the Animas River from Silverton. The town is also a key stop on the Alpine Loop, a scenic route that showcases the rugged beauty and historical significance of the San Juan Mountains. Visitors to Eureka can explore the ghost town and imagine what life was like during the silver rush, making it a fascinating and evocative site in San Juan County.
Map of Cities in San Juan County, CO
