Colorado River recreation and rural living in Silt
Along the northern banks of the winding Colorado River, Silt is a quaint Garfield County town within a short drive of mountainous hiking trails and state parks. Panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains can be seen from nearly every corner of Silt, giving the community a rural, isolated feel while being less than a mile from Interstate 70. Named for the soil prominent in the region, Silt began in the late 1800s as a farming community, with sugar beets as the staple crop.
Today, the quiet town draws in nature lovers and those looking to get away from the active city atmosphere found in Denver and Grand Junction. “It’s a peaceful bedroom community,” says Gary Hubbell, Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) and owner of United Country Colorado Brokers. “A lot of people here commute to Glenwood Springs or Carbondale for work. Some of the biggest draws are the quiet atmosphere and proximity to fishing and hiking spots.”
A diverse housing scene in Garfield County
Silt’s housing scene is a combination of old and new. Many bungalows and ranch-style homes were built between the 1940s and 1980s, while other modern traditional builds and craftsman-style homes were constructed as recently as 2025. Most single-story homes with around 1,500 square feet or less range from $350,000 to $510,000, while larger, newer homes can go for $530,000 to $790,000. Prices also increase with property size, with lots ranging from 5,000 square feet to 8 acres. “You get two types of housing in this area,” says Hubbell. “Close to town, you have your standard single-family subdivisions while, to the north and south, you get multi-acre properties that attract people wanting more privacy or land for horses and livestock.”
Recreation-based clubs at Coal Ridge High School
Most local students attend Cactus Valley Elementary School, which earns a C-plus overall grade from Niche. Riverside Middle School is a short drive away in New Castle and receives a B-minus. The B-rated Coal Ridge High School has a variety of extracurricular offerings, including Fly Fishing Club, Future Farmers of America and Climbing Club. The high school also has a large selection of unique elective courses, from mythology to history of rock and roll, and partners with Colorado Mountain College for its dual enrollment offerings. Along with thousands of loanable books and media, the Silt Branch Library hosts events and programs like story times, craft workshops and guided Tai Chi.
Fly fishing on the river and nearby State Parks
The Colorado River lies just south of the community, and Silt Island Park offers picnic tables, a boat ramp and riverside walking trails where anglers can cast a line to fish for rainbow trout and catfish. “Fly fishing is top tier in the Silt area,” Hubbell says. “A couple of years ago, my buddy and I drifted from Glenwood Springs to New Castle, and there were around 20 times where we both had fish on our lines simultaneously.” The Silt River Preserve encompasses over 130 acres of land south of the river and is a popular spot among walkers and bird watchers, with an active bald eagle nest along the water. Around 6 miles north of town, Harvey Gap State Park is home to the 200-acre Grass Valley Reservoir. In the summer, visitors can swim, kayak and fish in the park, while colder weather draws in ice fishers and cross-country skiers. Rifle Falls State Park has picnic sites and hiking trails that lead to towering, 60-foot waterfalls. Back in town, the Stoney Ridge Pavillion area is home to a baseball diamond, a skate park and a disc golf course. “There’s also a big hunting community in Silt,” Hubbell says. “You can hunt for mule deer, moose, and elk in the nearby national forest or public Bureau of Land Management land.”
Local eateries in Silt
Silt has a small selection of businesses along United States Route 6, including Wild Coffee, which offers tea, espresso and baked goods. Miner’s Claim is a local favorite eatery serving classic American fare from seafood to burgers and a large cocktail menu, including a selection of over 50 martinis. LeMora Pizzeria serves fast-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas, calzones and pasta in a laid-back atmosphere. In town, locals can pick up some essentials at Family Dollar or Dollar General. Around 8 miles east, Rifle has Walmart and City Market for a larger selection of groceries.
Driving along Interstate 70
Grand Junction is the closest major city, located roughly 70 miles southwest via Interstate 70. Denver is about 175 miles northeast. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is used for private flying and charter flights, while the nearest major airport is Grand Junction Regional Airport. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority operates a bus stop along U.S. 6 with service to New Castle and Rifle.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
