Dillon Reservoir, often called Lake Dillon by locals, is a gorgeous high-mountain reservoir nestled between the towns of Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne.
Lake Dillon has many things to do and is best known for its water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
Lake Dillon can be easily accessed via the Dillon Marina or the Frisco Bay Marina. We offer vacation rentals both in Dillon, and Frisco, to make visiting the lake on your next Summit County vacation a must!
PADDLE BOARD
One of the fastest-growing watersports in the world is standup paddleboarding, and one of the best places to do it is on Lake Dillon. Lake Dillon is ideal for paddleboarding since you can enjoy the water and incredible views that you just don’t get anywhere else while getting good exercise and a tan!
KAYAK
Kayaking is popular on the lake as well. There’s nothing like waking up early and putting your boat in the water for a sunrise paddle. Your bow cuts silently through the water’s silvery surface, the sun cresting the 14,000-foot peaks around you, the birds calling each other as the town of Dillon slowly wakes up for the day. It’s medicine for the soul. Whether you’re experienced or brand new to the sport, Lake Dillon can provide a fantastic experience you’ll remember for years.
RELAX ON THE BEACH
You can relax beachside to cool down and recover when you’ve gotten off the boat or finished exploring the area at Frisco Bay Marina Park. Complete with a children’s playground, large grassy areas, and a new super-beach, this park has it all! You can find a cozy space to enjoy a picnic, or try the Island Grill, with sweeping views of the lake and ocean-inspired cuisine like fish tacos and shrimp po’boys.
On the Dillon side of the lake, check out the Marina Park and Marina Park Pavilion, located between the Dillon Amphitheater and the Dillon Marina. Here, you will find incredible views of the Ten Mile and Gore Ranges, plus an updated playground, fishing opportunities, a beautiful pavilion with a fireplace and lots of sandy and rocky shoreline. Enjoy lakeside dining at Pug Ryan’s Tiki Bar – the Best Beach Bar in Colorado!
HIKING AROUND THE LAKE
If you’re not feeling up for watersports, there is a paved bike path that encircles the entire lake, great for cycling or hiking and exploring the local nature. Called the Dillon Reservoir Loop, the multi-use trail is almost 19 miles in length and is open to pretty much all passive uses, meaning bikes, in-line skating, running, walking, roller skiing, etc. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and train for the coming winter sports.
On the Dillon side of the lake, check out the Marina Park and Marina Park Pavilion, located between the Dillon Amphitheater and the Dillon Marina. Here, you will find incredible views of the Ten Mile and Gore Ranges, plus an updated playground, fishing opportunities, a beautiful pavilion with a fireplace and lots of sandy and rocky shoreline. Enjoy lakeside dining at Pug Ryan’s Tiki Bar – the Best Beach Bar in Colorado!
FISHING
Lake Dillon is a fisherman’s paradise. Stocked with rainbow trout, browns, smallmouth bass, and even arctic char, the lake has something for everyone. This is also one of the only naturally occurring Kokanee salmon runs in the states and the only reservoir in Colorado that has an Arctic Char fishery. So, if you want to land either of these prized fish, you must book your vacation at Lake Dillon soon!
BOAT RENTALS
To make the most of your time on the water, consider renting a boat! Both the Dillon Marina and Frisco Bay Marina offer boat, kayak, and SUP rentals, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own. Several launch sites around the reservoir make it easy to get your boat in the water. Hanging out on your boat is a great way to get some sunshine and waste the day away relaxing with the flow of the waves.
WHERE TO STAY
With so many things to do in Dillon and Frisco, whether you’re looking to relax or adventure, our vacation rentals will have something for you! Summit County Mountain Retreats is here to help you plan the Colorado trip of a lifetime.
