Photograph Moose of the Animas River

Silverton, Colorado

Description

Great wildlife viewing just outside of Silverton, CO

Between the city of Silverton and prior to reaching the ghost town of Animas Forks a wonderful area of alpine beaver ponds that are teaming with trout, many species of ducks, beavers, and moose.

Along the forest road in the early morning and evening many moose can be easily seen from the road way foraging for food, playing in the water, or crossing from the Animas River up into the San Juan Mountains.

Bring a tripod and your best long lens to capture the largest member of the deer family. Don't approach the wildlife here and maintain at least a 200 yard distance.

Also, several species of birds of prey can be present including bald eagles and osprey. Elk also call this valley home.

If you want more adventure then pair this trip with several off road trails or a visit to the former city of Animas Forks.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

ADA Accessible

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore Placer Gulch and Sound Democrat Mill

Placer Gulches 4WD trail is a gorgeous route offering scenic vistas of the San Juan Mountains and traverses an area rich with mining history. This area provides gorgeous wild flowers in the peak season of late July/ early August. Some of the best preserved mine structures in Colorado can be found along this trail. The Sound Democrat Mill is one of the finest examples and still possesses all of ...

Explore Hurricane Pass and Lake Como

Spending much of the trek above tree line, Hurricane Pass is situated at 12,730 feet above sea level and offers up views of Poughkeepsie Gulch (a more extreme off-road trail) and sapphire blue mountain lakes, such as Lake Como. One of the most beautiful roads in the lower 48 states, Hurricane Pass, which is also a great spot for lunch can be paired with other 4WD roads like California Pass. Lo...

Drive to California Pass

California Pass’s summit is a jaw dropping 12,960 feet above sea level. A long way from the valley floor, California Gulch, but, as drivers start their trek, the valley floor starts to shrink and gives way to steep climbs and switchbacks. Off road vehicles are needed to reach the top, and drivers begin to climb up and above tree level with rocky mountainsides and seemingly endless elevation gai...

Fly Fish the Animas River

While the Animas River runs for miles in the San Juan National Forest, a beautiful (and accessible) stretch runs right through Silverton, CO. Here, you can fish, hike, or chill. The river is fast with very few pockets for the trout to hide; however, if you search around enough, you'll find a fish or two (at least I did!). There are also a number of trails that take you around the train tracks a...

Explore Animas Forks

The ghost town of Animas Forks, CO is located in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 11,200 feet. There are several original buildings remaining. The best way to explore the region is by Jeep or other high-clearance 4×4. The cabins began being built by prospectors in 1873. Three rivers meet nearby, one of them being the Animas River, leading to the name Animas Forks. By 1876, Animas Forks...

Drive Cinnamon Pass

Along Colorado’s Alpine Loop, Cinnamon Pass sits 12,640’ above the San Juan Mountains. A high clearance vehicle preferably with 4WD is needed to reach the pass, but the breathtaking views along the challenging journey make it worth the ride. During the gold rush in Colorado, Cinnamon pass was used to reach what would soon be the town of Silverton. In the late 1800's a wagon road was installed...