High‑country Jeep Run to Animas Forks: 2.5 Hours Above Silverton

FRUITA JEEP FIELD GUIDE

High‑country Jeep Run to Animas Forks: 2.5 Hours Above Silverton

A 2.5‑hour Jeep Trail tour that climbs above Silverton to the historic ghost town of Animas Forks, led by a knowledgeable guide—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

High‑country Jeep Run to Animas Forks: 2.5 Hours Above Silverton.

Duration
2.5 Hours
Location
Fruita
Operator
Durango Rivertrippers
Category
Jeep
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Board an open‑air Jeep, Wrangler or RZR and climb into the high country for a compact, scenic loop that visits the famous ghost town of Animas Forks and multiple mountain viewpoints above Silverton. The guide-driven tour combines vehicle access, local history and wide alpine vistas in a family‑friendly format.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Animas Forks — A Ghost Town Interrupted by the Sky
THE HISTORY

Animas Forks — A Ghost Town Interrupted by the Sky

The tour makes a priority stop at the historic mining settlement of Animas Forks, where a guide provides the local history that animates the weathered buildings and old road corridors.

Alpine Vistas Above 11,000 Feet
THE VIEWS

Alpine Vistas Above 11,000 Feet

Expect sweeping mountain panoramas and high‑elevation viewpoints—the route climbs into the mountains above Silverton, where the scale of the landscape is the central attraction.

Open‑air Jeep and RZR Access
THE RIDE

Open‑air Jeep and RZR Access

The small fleet may include Jeep Wranglers, open‑air vehicles or RZRs, offering direct, tactile access to the dirt trails and viewpoints that frame the trip.

What the day feels like

What the 2.5‑Hour Tour Feels Like

The rhythm is compact and focused: board the vehicle, climb the trail into the high country, spend roughly two hours exploring the mountains and the ghost‑town ruins with a guide’s narration, then return to the pickup point. Wind and altitude punctuate the ride, and the guide moves the group between viewpoints and historic stops so you experience both landscape and story in a single outing.

Animas Forks — A Ghost Town Interrupted by the Sky

THE HISTORY

Animas Forks — A Ghost Town Interrupted by the Sky

The tour makes a priority stop at the historic mining settlement of Animas Forks, where a guide provides the local history that animates the weathered buildings and old road corridors.

Alpine Vistas Above 11,000 Feet

THE VIEWS

Alpine Vistas Above 11,000 Feet

Expect sweeping mountain panoramas and high‑elevation viewpoints—the route climbs into the mountains above Silverton, where the scale of the landscape is the central attraction.

Open‑air Jeep and RZR Access

THE RIDE

Open‑air Jeep and RZR Access

The small fleet may include Jeep Wranglers, open‑air vehicles or RZRs, offering direct, tactile access to the dirt trails and viewpoints that frame the trip.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this short jeep tour suits — and why.

1
Active FamiliesFamily groups work well: the tour is explicitly described as suitable for children ages 3 and up, making it a family‑friendly way to visit a ghost town and mountain viewpoints.
2
Families with Young ChildrenParents traveling with toddlers should note the minimum age—children must be at least 3 years old to join.
3
History‑minded SightseersVisitors seeking concise historical context will appreciate the guide‑led stop at Animas Forks and the tour’s narrated approach to local mining history.
4
Groups Mixing ActivitiesThis short, 2.5‑hour outing fits into a day of other activities and is offered by an operator that also runs rafting and kayak options—suitable for travelers combining shorter adventures.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including about two hours exploring the mountains above Silverton.

What to Bring

Bring a camera, sunscreen, water and dress in layers. Bring a jacket season‑round—trips travel to high elevations over 11,000 feet and it can get windy. The operator carries extra jackets and blankets but you may need to ask.

Logistics & Meeting Point

Guests meet at 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite 200, Durango CO 81301 prior to departure.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Silverton Express Ghost Town 4x4 Tour?

The tour duration is 2.5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meeting location: 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite 200, Durango CO, 81301.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring a camera, sunscreen, water and dress in layers; a jacket is recommended year‑round because the tour travels to high elevations.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes—ages 3 and above are welcome on this trip.

What sort of vehicle will we ride in?

The operator’s fleet may include a Jeep Wrangler, an open‑air vehicle, or an RZR.

Will I need a jacket or will the operator provide one?

The operator carries extra jackets and blankets, but you may need to ask; if you get cold easily, bring a jacket.