Silver City
Silver City
3.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
21 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Bill R
Kuna, ID1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
It's painfully obvious that the locals resent the intrusion of tourists into their private little domain. From the ominous warning sign at the entrance to town, to the strategically posted matrons warily scanning for any transgressions, the vibe is clear. "We can't keep you out, but we've got our eye on you."
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
June P
10 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
NOT WORTH THE EXTRA 4 HOURS to drive in and back out. All buildings are privately owned so you can't even explore. There is junk and modern vehicles so that ruins the spirit of pictures. The roads are very narrow, not fun to meet oncoming traffic with drop offs on the edges.
Scenic views on the way in/out. But the town itself is a bust. Locals that live there are not exactly inviting or friendly.
Scenic views on the way in/out. But the town itself is a bust. Locals that live there are not exactly inviting or friendly.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia G
55 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Took a day trip with a couple families. The drive is beautiful, but you definitely need a pick up or SUV, glad I didn’t take the family van. We parked at the far end of town and walked around. It’s a shame pretty much everything was closed, the kids would have loved to see the inside of buildings, especially the school! We checked out the cemetery, which was very interesting. We brought lunch with us, because you can’t find much in terms of food on the spot. The little campsite we stopped at was right next to the stream, so it was nice for the kids to wade in there. Looks like there is some awesome hiking around, but we couldn’t do much cuz of the littles.
Looking forward to returning to Silver City!
Looking forward to returning to Silver City!
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristina P
Meridian, ID1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
A good place to view the hidden history of Idaho and silver. Silver city is more about the travel, the hike, and the unexpected.
Advice: except under managed roads, renovating homes, and bring good shoes.
Advice: except under managed roads, renovating homes, and bring good shoes.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe B
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Weird town with unfriendly people that don’t want you there. Sitting on the porch of the hotel and got chewed by the hotel owner for parking our atvs in front of the hotel making it harder to unload supplies. He did this AFTER all the supplies were unloaded. If he would have asked before he started I would have been more than happy to move. I think he was just looking for an excuse to yell at someone.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sorensonsox
21 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
First, others giving bad reviews based on the roads is coming from, apparently, people who don't bother to look at a map. The main road to Silver City is mostly dirt, yes. The road condition will vary, depending on the time of year you go. I'm an Idahoan, so maybe my road judgement is more in tune with the road than others, but it's a dirt road. If you let a (sometimes) bumpy dirt road keep you from leaving a good review about an old, amazing historic town, I wouldn't want to live in your world.
Silver City is an absolutely astounding, real-life old mining town. People still reside there and take fantastic care of what's left of the old structures. The Hotel is still operational, but keep in mind you've stepped back in time, so don't expect the Hilton. What you CAN expect is awesome people, though!
Take the time to park at the Hotel and walk around town. You can FEEL the activity that used to fill the town in it's prime! And if you're adventurous, and can handle some even bumpier trails, get off the main road and explore the surrounding areas. You'll run into old, blocked off mine shafts, machinery, you name it. If you're into old, cool stuff, this is it. If you own a Mercedes that you want to take on a Sunday cruise, skip this trip.
Also, there's a campground at the end of town, but it's not much of one, in comparison to today's camping facilities. Still, it works.
Silver City is an absolutely astounding, real-life old mining town. People still reside there and take fantastic care of what's left of the old structures. The Hotel is still operational, but keep in mind you've stepped back in time, so don't expect the Hilton. What you CAN expect is awesome people, though!
Take the time to park at the Hotel and walk around town. You can FEEL the activity that used to fill the town in it's prime! And if you're adventurous, and can handle some even bumpier trails, get off the main road and explore the surrounding areas. You'll run into old, blocked off mine shafts, machinery, you name it. If you're into old, cool stuff, this is it. If you own a Mercedes that you want to take on a Sunday cruise, skip this trip.
Also, there's a campground at the end of town, but it's not much of one, in comparison to today's camping facilities. Still, it works.
Written November 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdcastle
Boise, ID26 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
While one reviewer complained about the lengthy ride down a dirt road to get to Idaho City, it must be remembered that when you are driving out into the middle of nowhere, you get there by dirt road. It has always been by dirt road. The town of Silver City was the county seat until just a few years ago, even as only about 4 people live in this ghost town full time and county business is conducted elsewhere. All dwellings and out-buildings are original to the town. No new structures are permitted in Silver City, so all of the buildings were put in place in the 1880s and earlier. All dwellings are privately owned, most by descendants of people who lived there in the early days of the town. There is an interesting pioneer cemetery to walk through. There are religious services conducted by the Roman Catholic Church weekly. There are miles and miles of hills to hike or ride ATVs through. Most of the people who visit Silver City are bringing their toys with them and either spend the day or camp overnight. There is no organized campground. You find a spot and park your camper and drop anchor. There is no cost to visit this ghost town, but you should be aware there are almost no amenities in the town at all. You need to arrive with plenty of fuel to return to civilization or it will be a long walk. It is a beautiful little piece of Idaho history, one that boasted of almost 3000 people or so during its heyday. Mining was its primary reason for being. Go there and enjoy the town and serene surroundings. Bring a good pair of hiking shoes or boots, and walk among the surrounding hills. When you get at the top, you will smile at the view you see in any direction.
Written May 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom & Rebecca M
58 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Not worth a visit. It will ruin your vehicle, even if it is an all terrain vehicle or four wheel drive. Very few passing places. Horrible twisting mountainous road to get there. Town itself not very interesting, few places to park. It's not a ghost town as advertised, people live in the old shacks and buildings. No trespassing and no parking signs everywhere. Seemed really unfriendly. No cell phone service the whole way.
Written January 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soiled
1,105 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We took a day trip to Silver City in June 2019. Silver City is somewhat of a ghost town but it still has a few residents. It has the most existing buildings than any other ghost town in Idaho. It was a nice, cool day! Many buildings to walk around and take pictures. The only buildings you are allowed to go into are two gift shops and the bar/hotel.
**Things to know:
-The gift-shops have great historical books about the town. The other buildings are no trespassing because they are homes that belongs to the residents. Just look for the signs if you’re not sure. We loved the old school, church and cemetery.
-Trucks or SUV are the best vehicles to drive up there. It is a slow drive with lots of ruts/dips in the narrow road.
-4 wheelers or side by side smaller vehicles are great to use when touring the town (of the side roads are too narrow for your vehicle)
-There is a small campground in the town near the river. A few picnic tables are available but not much shade.
-There are 3 public restrooms to use throughout the town (two in the campground and one right before you go into the town).
-The bar/small restaurant does serve drinks and pie.
-
**Things to know:
-The gift-shops have great historical books about the town. The other buildings are no trespassing because they are homes that belongs to the residents. Just look for the signs if you’re not sure. We loved the old school, church and cemetery.
-Trucks or SUV are the best vehicles to drive up there. It is a slow drive with lots of ruts/dips in the narrow road.
-4 wheelers or side by side smaller vehicles are great to use when touring the town (of the side roads are too narrow for your vehicle)
-There is a small campground in the town near the river. A few picnic tables are available but not much shade.
-There are 3 public restrooms to use throughout the town (two in the campground and one right before you go into the town).
-The bar/small restaurant does serve drinks and pie.
-
Written June 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich B
West Valley City, UT23 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
THIS IS NOT A GHOST TOWN as promoted. It is a town that people still live in. There are no abandoned buildings and everywhere you look there are “No Trespassing” signs. The people who live there generally seem annoyed that you are in their town. THE ROAD IS HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE
Written September 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing