Silverthorne
Summit County's riverside hub, framed by the jagged Gore Range and steps from Lake Dillon.
About Silverthorne
Silverthorne sits at about 8,790 feet in Summit County where the Blue River flows north out of Dillon Reservoir, right off I-70. The town lies between the Gore Range to the west and the Continental Divide to the east, which means big mountain backdrops in almost every direction.
It is a practical base for photographers working Summit County: Lake Dillon is minutes away, Loveland Pass and Keystone are close, and the Gore Range's rugged peaks rise directly over town. The Blue River runs through Silverthorne with a riverside path and plenty of foreground for sunrise and sunset shots.
Winter brings snow-covered peaks and frosty river scenes, while summer and fall open trailheads into the Gore Range just north of town.
One of the three towns ringing Dillon Reservoir, with direct lake access and the Gore Range rising immediately to the west — genuinely one of the more convenient bases in Summit County for a sunrise shoot, since you're often parked and shooting within minutes. Balsamroot and other wildflowers fill the open slopes below the range through June, giving you a foreground layer most reservoir shots elsewhere in the state don't have.
History
The town is named for Judge Marshall Silverthorn, who served on the miners' court in Breckenridge and claimed a stretch of the Blue River in 1881, finding little gold.
The area served as a workers' camp while Dillon Reservoir was built from 1961 to 1963, and Silverthorne incorporated in 1967. Its spot on I-70 later turned it into one of Summit County's main commercial centers.
Photographing Silverthorne
Best light: Sunrise lights the east-facing Gore Range peaks to the west of town, best after a fresh snow; at sunset look east toward the Continental Divide for alpenglow. Late September adds aspen color on the hillsides along CO 9 north of town.
Shots to look for
- Gore Range peaks at sunrise from the hills on the east side of town, telephoto to isolate the jagged ridgeline
- The Blue River with steam rising on cold winter mornings, slow shutter for silky water
- Lake Dillon from the dam road or nearby overlooks with the Tenmile Range behind
- Aspen and ranch scenes along CO 9 north of town toward Green Mountain Reservoir in fall
Photo tips
- Fresh snow plus clear skies on the Gore Range is the time to go.
- Traffic on I-70 can be heavy on weekends; plan to stay locally for sunrise.
- Drones may not launch or land on Denver Water property around the reservoir.
- Respect private ranch land along CO 9; shoot from public pullouts.
Know before you go
- Altitude is about 8,800 ft; take it easy if coming from sea level.
- Winter driving on I-70 and nearby passes can be challenging; check CDOT conditions.
- Silverthorne is a good base with lodging and food for Summit County shoots.
Prints from Silverthorne
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
What is Silverthorne's elevation?
About 8,790 feet.
Where is the best place to photograph the Gore Range near Silverthorne?
The hillsides and open areas east of town look straight at the Gore Range; sunrise after fresh snow is ideal.
How did Silverthorne get its name?
It is named for Judge Marshall Silverthorn, a miners' court judge in Breckenridge who claimed land on the Blue River in 1881.
Combine it with
Lake Dillon · Gore Range · Loveland Pass · Keystone
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · denverwater.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.