Dillon Reservoir
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Dillon Reservoir Colorado

4.8
·290 reviews·, United States

A stunning Colorado reservoir surrounded by mountains, offering hiking, biking, boating, and breathtaking scenic views year-round.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Golden aspens & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Dillon Reservoir

Dillon Reservoir Colorado

Best Time

Fall mornings

Golden aspens & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Colorado reservoir surrounded by mountains, offering hiking, biking, boating, and breathtaking scenic views year-round.

4.8
(290 reviews)

"This remarkable lake with an awesome view left us in awe, a true hidden gem."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for Unpredictable Weather

Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, even in summer. :cloud:

Check Water Levels

Late summer can mean high water, impacting shoreline access. :wave:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sapphire Point Overlook

Sapphire Point Overlook

Near Dillon

Panoramic views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding Tenmile Range. A must-see for photographers!

Old Dillon Reservoir Trail

Old Dillon Reservoir Trail

Near Dillon

A popular, relatively easy trail offering beautiful fall colors and reservoir views. Great for leaf-peeping!

Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path

Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path

Around the reservoir

An 18.7-mile paved path perfect for biking or walking, connecting Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

While Dillon Reservoir Colorado offers stunning scenery year-round, consider visiting during fall for vibrant leaf-peeping or summer for water activities. Be aware that late summer can mean high water levels, potentially limiting shoreline access. Check the weather forecast, as it can be unpredictable in the mountains.

Embrace the Trails

With over 20 miles of trails, Dillon Reservoir Colorado is a hiker's and biker's paradise. The Dillon Reservoir Recpath offers an 18.7-mile loop with incredible views. For those seeking shorter, scenic walks, the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is a popular choice, especially during fall.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Golden aspens & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Water activities & warm weather
Crowd
High
When
Winter weekdays
Why
Snowy landscapes & quiet
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I could lay here forever 🌧️ 🏔️ Volume up #anniversary #colorado #bluelake #breckenridge #getaway #vaca ##cabin##blueriver##nature##mountains
@rfbsbjgemy
109.2K likes • 901K views

Pack for Unpredictable Weather

Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, even in summer. :cloud: Reddit

Check Water Levels

Late summer can mean high water, impacting shoreline access. :wave: Reddit

Lake Dillon in Frisco Co #lakedillon #dilloncolorado #dillonreservoirlakecolorado❤️ #friscocolorado⛷️❄️🎄 #beautifulview #naturevibes #coloradomountains #Mountainview #traveltok #traveltiktok
@b3aut1fu1disast3r
18.8K likes • 380.8K views
Enjoy this 30 second clip of the breathtaking fall beauty on the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail! 🍂 This hidden gem in Summit County offers stunning panoramic views of golden aspen groves and peaceful waters, all with a backdrop of the Rockies. Perfect for a quick autumn adventure, it’s a short hike with unbeatable scenery. Ready to soak in the colors of the season? 🍁 Follow us for more! #FallInCo...
coloradofamilytravel
115 likes • 3.3K views

Bike the Recpath

The 18.7-mile loop offers stunning views. Rent bikes in Frisco or Dillon! :bicyclist: Instagram

No Swimming Allowed

Enjoy the views, but you can't swim in Dillon Reservoir. :noentrysign: TikTok

Just a happy girl with her crisp fall colors 📍 old dillon reservoir, Colorado @instakanmani #fallcolorsincolorado #fallcolors #coloradofall #coloradofallcolors #coloradofallfoliage #fallcolors #septemberfallcolors #colorado #coloradovlogger #dillon #dillonreservoir #olddillonreservoir #silverthorne
instakanmani
93 likes • 3.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for Unpredictable Weather

Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, even in summer. :cloud: Reddit

Check Water Levels

Late summer can mean high water, impacting shoreline access. :wave: Reddit

Bike the Recpath

The 18.7-mile loop offers stunning views. Rent bikes in Frisco or Dillon! :bicyclist: Instagram

No Swimming Allowed

Enjoy the views, but you can't swim in Dillon Reservoir. :noentrysign: TikTok

Leave No Trace

Stay on trails and pack out everything you pack in. :deciduous_tree: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(290 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Dillon Reservoir Colorado for its spectacular mountain and lake views, calling it a 'remarkable lake with an awesome view' and a 'hidden gem.' The extensive trail system for biking and hiking is a major draw, offering endless exploration. While the beauty is undeniable, some note that swimming is prohibited and water levels can impact shoreline access in late summer.

"As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I have the joy of sharing some of Colorado's most beautiful scenery with my couples. Lake Dillon is always one of my favorite spots to bring couples who want an easily accessible alpine lake. Not only is this spot gorgeous, but it is ever-changing with the seasons. From the lake's frozen surface in winter to the vibrant sunsets of spring, this is one location that never disappoints. As a heads up, the water level can be high in late summer, covering the shoreline and making it difficult to walk up to the water's edge in many locations around the lake."

Stephanie Robinson

"Yeah... people feom all over the World come to spend time by this lake. It is definitely 5 star. Google for more photos)))"

Yevgeniy Androsyan

"List in top 10 ! We visited this remarkable lake with an awesome view that left us in awe. Make sure to check the weather before heading there, as it can be unpredictable. My family absolutely fell in love with it, and we can't wait to tell everyone about how beautiful it was!"

Kathy Duong

What People Like

Spectacular mountain and lake views
Extensive trail system
Beautiful fall foliage

What People Dislike

No swimming allowed
High water levels in late summer

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dillon Reservoir Colorado is easily accessible by car, located off I-70. It's about a 1.5-hour drive west of Denver. Several towns like Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne surround the reservoir, offering various access points and parking. :car: TikTok+1

Yes, the Summit Stage bus system provides free public transportation throughout Summit County, including routes that serve areas around Dillon Reservoir. This is a great option if you're staying in nearby towns like Breckenridge or Frisco. :bus: TikTok

For exploring the reservoir itself, biking the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path is highly recommended. If you're staying in nearby towns, the Summit Stage bus is convenient. For accessing trailheads, a car is often necessary. :bike: Instagram

Yes, numerous parking areas are available at various points around Dillon Reservoir, including trailheads, marinas, and recreation areas. Popular spots like Sapphire Point Overlook can get busy, so arriving early is advised. :parking: TikTok

You can drive along the roads that encircle Dillon Reservoir, offering scenic viewpoints. The Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path provides a dedicated route for biking and walking around the lake. :road: Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Dillon Reservoir Colorado itself is a public space and does not require tickets for general access. Entry to the reservoir and most surrounding trails is free. Some specific activities or facilities, like boat rentals or event venues, may have associated fees. :ticket: TikTok

Dillon Reservoir is generally accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific facilities like marinas, visitor centers, and campgrounds will have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. :clock: TikTok

General access to Dillon Reservoir and its surrounding public lands is free. However, some parking areas or specific recreation sites might have day-use fees, especially during peak season. :moneybag: TikTok

Yes, venues like the Marina Park Pavilion on Dillon Reservoir can be reserved for events, including micro-weddings, starting at around $500. It's advisable to book well in advance. :calendar: TikTok

Dillon Reservoir is open in winter, offering beautiful snowy landscapes. While water activities are not possible, it's a great time for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on nearby trails. :snowflake: TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular hiking trails include the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail for fall colors,Instagram+1 the Sapphire Point Overlook trail for stunning views,TikTok and sections of the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path for a more leisurely walk.Instagram For longer hikes, consider trails in nearby national forests. :hiking_boot: Reddit

No, swimming is not permitted in Dillon Reservoir as it is a city water-storage reservoir. Visitors can enjoy other water activities like boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. :no_swimming: TikTok

Activities include boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, biking, and enjoying scenic viewpoints. In winter, nearby areas offer opportunities for snowshoeing and tubing. :kayak: TikTok+1

Absolutely! Dillon Reservoir offers spectacular photo opportunities, especially at Sapphire Point Overlook TikTok and during fall foliage season.Instagram+1 Sunsets over the water and mountains are also breathtaking. :camera: TikTok

Yes, there are several picnic areas and pavilions around Dillon Reservoir, particularly near marinas and recreation sites. The Marina Park Pavilion is a popular spot for gatherings. :picnic_table: TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the towns surrounding Dillon Reservoir, such as Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Breckenridge, offer a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining. :restaurant: TikTok

You'll find diverse culinary options including American cuisine, pizza, cookies, and local Colorado fare. Many restaurants offer scenic views of the reservoir or mountains. :pizza: TikTok

Several restaurants and cafes in Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne boast views of Dillon Reservoir. Check out establishments near the marinas for prime waterfront dining experiences. :viewfinder: Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy picnics at designated picnic areas around Dillon Reservoir. Grills are also available at some locations. :sandwich: TikTok

Yes, grocery stores are available in the towns surrounding Dillon Reservoir, such as Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, making it easy to stock up for picnics or self-catered meals. :shopping_cart:

📸 📸 Photography

Sapphire Point Overlook is a top spot for panoramic photos.TikTok The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is fantastic for fall colors,Instagram+1 and the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path offers continuous scenic shots.Instagram Sunsets are also incredible. :camerawithflash:

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at Dillon Reservoir. Midday can be harsh, but offers clear views of the water. :sunriseovermountains:

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant peaks. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. :tripod:

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area for current rules and restrictions regarding drone operation to ensure compliance. :drone:

Fall is spectacular for the vibrant aspen colors.Instagram+2 Summer offers lush greenery and clear blue skies. Winter provides a serene, snow-covered landscape. Each season offers unique photographic opportunities. :maple_leaf:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dillon Reservoir offers fantastic family-friendly experiences. The Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path is perfect for biking with kids, as it's paved and relatively flat in many sections. Tubing at the nearby Frisco Adventure Park is a huge hit for all ages, offering thrilling rides with stunning mountain views. TikTok

Picnic areas are abundant, providing great spots for family lunches with a view. While swimming isn't allowed, kids can enjoy playing near the shoreline (under supervision) and participating in other water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. The overall scenic beauty and accessible trails make it a wonderful destination for outdoor family fun. TikTok

💍 Couples & Elopements

Dillon Reservoir is a picturesque setting for romantic getaways and intimate elopements. Sapphire Point Overlook provides a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos and ceremonies, with its sweeping views of the lake and mountains. TikTok

Many couples choose to elope here due to the stunning scenery and relatively affordable venue options, such as the Marina Park Pavilion, which can be reserved for a modest fee. The serene atmosphere and ever-changing seasonal beauty make it a truly magical location for a special occasion. TikTok+1

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists & Hikers

For cycling enthusiasts, the 18.7-mile Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path is a must-do. It offers a challenging yet rewarding ride with constant scenic beauty. Bike rentals are available in nearby towns. Instagram

Hikers will find a variety of trails, from easy strolls like the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail Instagram to more moderate options. The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is particularly popular in the fall for its vibrant foliage. Instagram+1 Remember to check trail conditions, especially after winter or during periods of high water. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path

The Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path is an 18.7-mile paved loop that encircles the entire reservoir, connecting the towns of Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco. This path is a dream for cyclists and walkers alike, offering continuous, breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. It's well-maintained and generally considered easy to moderate, with some gentle inclines. Instagram

Along the path, you'll find numerous access points, parks, and viewpoints. It's a fantastic way to experience the scale of the reservoir and its diverse landscapes. Many visitors opt to bike a portion of the path, stopping at different towns or scenic overlooks. Bike rentals are readily available in Frisco and Dillon, making it easy to embark on this adventure. Instagram

Whether you're looking for a leisurely afternoon ride or a more challenging cycling excursion, the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path delivers an unforgettable experience. Remember to bring water and snacks, and be mindful of other users on the path. Instagram

Fall Colors at Old Dillon Reservoir

The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail has become a must-visit destination for photographers and nature lovers during the fall. This relatively short and accessible trail offers stunning panoramic views, especially when the aspen trees turn their brilliant shades of gold. It's a popular spot for leaf-peeping, so expect some company, particularly on weekends. Instagram+2

Travelers rave about the vibrant foliage and the serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a scenic hike. The trail provides a beautiful backdrop of golden aspens against the backdrop of the reservoir and mountains. It's a great option for those seeking impressive fall scenery with a moderate effort. Instagram+2

To make the most of your visit, consider going on a weekday to avoid larger crowds. Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of this natural area. The fall colors are fleeting, so timing your visit is key to experiencing this spectacle. TikTokInstagram

Water Activities on Dillon Reservoir

While you can't swim in Dillon Reservoir, it's a hub for a variety of other water-based activities during the warmer months. Boating is a popular pastime, with marinas offering rentals and services. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are also excellent ways to explore the calm waters and enjoy the mountain vistas from a unique perspective. TikTok+1

Several rental outfitters operate around the reservoir, providing kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. These rentals are ideal for individuals, couples, or families looking to spend a day out on the water. The reservoir's size means you can find quiet coves and enjoy the tranquility of the alpine environment. TikTok

Fishing is another activity enjoyed by many at Dillon Reservoir. Anglers can cast their lines for various species of trout and salmon. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before you go. TikTok

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