About this tour
When Sarah from our BugBitten team tackled this scavenger hunt in Silverton, Colorado, it became less about ticking boxes and more about actually getting to know the place. You're paired with a local host who sends you and your crew around downtown on a two-hour mission: snap photos, record audio, chat to shopkeepers, hunt clues. It's collaborative rather than competitive — the town itself is half the puzzle. Silverton's a proper high-altitude mountain town with Victorian-era bones and genuine character, which makes the hunt feel less contrived than your typical tourist game.
Highlights
- Local host sends live clues via WhatsApp, adjusts missions on the fly
- Chat with real Silverton residents, hear genuine local stories
- Capture moments through photos and audio — creative brief, not just photos
- Two hours manages the altitude and keeps pace feeling natural
- Downtown loop is compact enough for families, loose enough for wandering
- Works best if you arrive hungry — time it around meals
What to expect
You'll start with your phone loaded and a host briefing you on the first set of clues. The actual hunting happens as you move through Silverton's main drag, mostly on foot, stopping to photograph buildings, record snippets of local chat, or solve riddles about the town's history. The host responds to your submissions in real-time, nudging you toward the next mission or asking you to dig deeper. It's surprisingly social — you'll find yourself talking to shopkeepers and locals who enjoy being part of the game.
The pacing works because Silverton is small. You're not rushing between distant landmarks; instead, you're encouraged to notice details — architectural quirks, the feel of a particular corner, how light hits a storefront. Sarah found the creative element (audio recordings, video clips) more engaging than the typical photo-and-move-on format. The altitude can catch you out if you're not acclimatised, so realistic fitness expectations help.
Good to know
This actually teaches you about Silverton rather than just ticking it off. Your host is responsive and personalises the hunt based on your group's vibe. It's flexible enough for mixed abilities and ages, and service animals are welcome. If you're arriving by train from Durango, the timing works if you grab food first — lines at lunch spots can eat into your hunt window.
You must have a fully charged smartphone with WhatsApp; there's no paper backup. The town sits above 9,000 feet, so moderate fitness matters more than it sounds. Weather swings fast in the mountains — bring layers. Two hours isn't long, so you're moving at a decent clip. The house rules are strict: no profanity in team names, photos, or submissions or the operator cancels with no refund — worth reading carefully before you book.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.