Dillon Reservoir

Dillon Reservoir was created by damming the Blue River and its tributaries in the high valley, forming the large lake seen today. Its main purpose is to store water for the Front Range, and that water is carried by tunnel beneath the Continental Divide toward the thirsty cities to the east.

The filling of the reservoir reshaped the valley, and the town of Dillon was relocated to higher ground above the new shoreline. Today the lake and the towns around it form the hub of Summit County, blending a working water supply with a beloved mountain playground.

Dillon is prized as one of the highest sailing lakes in the country, and in the warm months its surface is dotted with sails. Marinas at Dillon and Frisco rent boats and offer moorings, and paddlers take to the water in kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, all against a backdrop of high peaks.

Because the reservoir supplies drinking water, swimming is generally not permitted, so the focus stays on boating and shoreline recreation. The cold, clear water and the mountain winds make for lively sailing, though boaters keep a close eye on the fast-changing high-country weather.

A paved recreation path traces much of the shoreline, linking the towns around the lake and offering miles of easy walking and biking with the water and peaks always in view. It is a favorite way to take in the reservoir at a gentler pace, with plenty of spots to stop and picnic.

The towns ringing the lake add to the appeal. Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne offer marinas, parks, an amphitheater, shops, and restaurants, and the whole area serves as a base for exploring Summit County's mountains, trails, and nearby ski resorts.

Spring is slow to arrive at this elevation, with the lake often still partly frozen and cold, changeable weather as the snow melts out.

Summer is the prime season, with sailing, paddling, and shoreline biking under long, mild days, though afternoon winds and storms can build quickly.

Fall brings crisp air and golden aspen on the surrounding slopes, a beautiful and quieter time around the lake before winter sets in.

Winter blankets the high valley in snow and can freeze the reservoir, turning the area into a base for skiing and other cold-weather recreation in Summit County.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Dillon Reservoir, also known as Lake Dillon, is a large and scenic mountain reservoir in Summit County in central Colorado, ringed by the towns of Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne and framed by the surrounding peaks, including the Tenmile and Gore ranges. A beautiful centerpiece of the area, the reservoir is popular for sailing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, with marinas and a scenic paved recreation path circling much of the shoreline for biking and walking. Set at high elevation amid stunning mountain scenery, Dillon Reservoir offers wonderful water recreation and beauty, making it a beloved summer destination in the heart of Colorado's high country.

You can sail, boat, kayak, paddleboard, and fish on the reservoir, launch from the marinas at Dillon and Frisco, bike or walk the scenic paved recreation path that circles much of the shoreline, picnic in the lakeside parks, and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and views. Note that swimming and body contact are generally not allowed since it is a drinking water source, so recreation focuses on boating and shoreline activities. With its sailing, boating, fishing, and scenic recreation path amid stunning mountain scenery, Dillon Reservoir offers wonderful water and outdoor recreation in central Colorado's Summit County.

No, swimming and full-body contact with the water are generally prohibited in Dillon Reservoir because it serves as a drinking water source for the Denver area, and additionally the water is extremely cold year-round at the high elevation, which would make swimming dangerous regardless. So recreation focuses on boating, sailing, paddling, and fishing rather than swimming, with paddlers and boaters advised to be cautious of the cold water. Enjoying the reservoir from a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, or along the shoreline recreation path, is the way to experience it, keeping in mind the no-swimming rule and the cold water.

Summer is the prime season for sailing, boating, paddling, fishing, and enjoying the recreation path in the warm weather, though even summer is cool at this high elevation, while late spring and early fall are pleasant and quieter, with fall bringing golden aspen color to the surrounding mountains. Winter freezes the reservoir, with the area serving as a base for nearby skiing. For water recreation and the recreation path, aim for summer, and for fall color, visit in autumn. The reservoir's beauty and recreation make it a rewarding summer destination in the high country.

Dillon Reservoir is in Summit County in central Colorado, ringed by the towns of Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, near the ski town of Breckenridge with its Peak 8, and within reach of the Interstate 70 mountain corridor and its ski resorts including Keystone and Copper Mountain, along with the surrounding peaks. That makes Dillon Reservoir a scenic recreational stop to combine with Breckenridge, the Summit County towns, and the mountain attractions of central Colorado on a visit to the state.