Cty Rd 6 - Christ of the Mines Shrine

This scenic, entry-level drive on the north side of Silverton, Colorado, is perfect for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a quick, high-reward excursion with spectacular views of the historic town. Starting near the San Juan County Courthouse on 15th Street, County Road 6 (also known as the Silverton Town Trail) climbs gently along the hillside, offering an easy-going 1.2-mile dirt and gravel route suitable for virtually any high-clearance vehicle. As the graded road winds upward, it delivers sweeping, unobstructed vistas of the town basin below, making it an exceptionally popular spot for watching the sunset paint the surrounding peaks of the San Juan Mountains. While the route gains only about 220 feet of elevation, reaching a maximum altitude of 9,506 feet, the road does narrow in a few spots but remains wide enough for easy passing. The primary highlight of this short drive is the Christ of the Mines Shrine, a towering 12-foot statue of Christ carved from Italian marble that serves as a monument to the region's rich mining heritage and those who worked underground. Navigable during the snow-free summer and early autumn months, this route requires no technical off-road driving experience but provides an excellent introduction to the area's history and alpine beauty before heading deeper into the surrounding rugged backcountry.