Living close to a body of water was something important when deciding where exactly I wanted to relocate to in my move to the Colorado Rockies over 15 years ago. As someone who was born and raised in Minnesota, "The Land of 10,000 Lakes", the idea of living more than a hop, skip, or jump away from a lake made me uneasy. Lake Dillon is different than the lakes I grew up making so many memories in and around, but it is likely the number one reason why, I landed in Summit County, Colorado.
How is it so different? Lake Dillon vs. Lakes in Minnesota:
1. You can't water ski, wakeboard. or jet ski on Lake Dillon
2. Lake Dillon isn't a lake at all...it's actually a reservoir managed by Denver Water that was created by a dam which makes up part of the Dillon Dam Road.
3. Lake Dillon is not the sandy beach warm water type of lake I grew up with. The surface temperature of Lake Dillon very rarely gets above the mid 60s and until 2012 it was actually against the law for humans to have contact with, or swim in, Lake Dillon's water.
Although some of the typical lake activities are restricted, dangerous, or frankly just uncomfortable to partake in on Summit's own Lake Dillon there are still plenty of things to do both on the water and near the shore to keep you entertained!
10 Summer Activities At Lake Dillon
Captain a Boat
Get out on the water and explore! Sailboats, pontoon boats, single and double kayaks, SUPs, outrigger canoes, and fishing boats are all available for rent at the Dillon Marina, and/or the Frisco Bay Marina!
Fish
Home to Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and Arctic Char, Lake Dillon can be a fun place to cast a line from either the shoreline, aboard a boat rental, or with a small and personalized fishing charter. The most popular fishing spots tend to be where both the Snake River and Blue River feed into the lake. It is important to remember that any person aged 15 and over must have a valid Colorado fishing license. These can be purchased at several Summit area retailers. Fishing pole rentals available at the Frisco Marina!
Take a Boat Tour
Boat tours in several forms! Daytime and sunset sailing tours, Women & Wine on the Water, & Historical Lake Dillon Boat Tours can all be scheduled through Dillon Marina with Frisco Bay Marina offering Catamaran tours and various Sail Boat Lake Tour options.
Camp
Lake Dillon camping is available at 6 different campgrounds. Prospector, Pine Cove, and Windy Point are more basic with vaulted toilets and water on site where Heaton Bay has 1 loop with RV electric hook ups. Peak one has flush toilets and water available. Lowry campground is in close proximity to Lake Dillon, but not right on the shores. Vaulted toilets are available and most Lowry sites have electric hook ups.
Bike
Mountain bike the Frisco Peninsula Lake Loop or take a ride on the Oro Grade or Tenderfoot trail system located between Dillon and Keystone for more distant but breathtaking lake views. Biking on a paved surface more your thing? Well you are in luck! 18 miles of paved rec path circles Lake Dillon. Keep in mind that, although paved, this is not a flat easy ride especially for anyone who isn't accustom to cadio at elevation. Retailers across Summit County offer many options to rent all sorts of different sizes and styles of bikes, including e-bikes!
Listen to Live Music
Dillon Amphitheater offers
both free and ticketed concerts from mid-June to mid-September. The music is great and so are THE VIEWS!!!
Picnic
I can't tell you how often I choose to have my lunch somewhere with views of the lake. It is totally up to you whether you grab some take-out or pack your own basket of goodies. You could also kayak, canoe or SUP to an island on the Frisco end of the lake and have a "private island" picnic!
Disc Golf
Surround yourself with stunning Peaks on one side and Lake Dillon on the other at Frisco's free 27 hole Peak One Disc Golf Course located at the Frisco Adventure Park! Dillon also has a free 18 hole course alongside a 12 hole beginner or family course. Arguably some of the best views of Lake Dillon in the foreground with mountains in the background can be seen from the back nine of Dillon's 18 hole course.
Eat and Drink
The shores of Lake Dillon are host to both The Island Grill and Pug Ryan's Tiki Bar, both summer seasonal outdoor bar and grills. The Island Grill, located at the Frisco Bay Marina is open from 11:30a-7p seven days a week and offers a full food and drink menu, daily happy hour from 4-7, and free live music during happy hour on Fridays. Pug Ryan's Tiki Bar is located right atop the shores of the lake at the Dillon Marina. The Tiki Bar is known for their simple setting that offerings magnificent panoramic views of the Ten Mile Range. You also have to try a World Famous Rum Runners and an order blackened fish tacos.
Hike
Several hikes ranging from short and easy to much more adventurous offer some of the best views of the lake. I recommend everyone take some time to check out Saphire Point on the top of Swan Mountain Road. This 0.6 mile well maintained mostly flat gravel loop is a must see, however be warned that it is also highly trafficked and many small weddings take place at the viewpoint, so plan your visit accordingly. For more killer lake views I also recommend hiking Old Dillon Reservoir, Oro Grande, & Peak 1 if you are really looking to challenge yourself!
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