Lake Dillon

Lake Dillon, technically known as the Dillon Reservoir, serves as a central geographic and recreational hub in Summit County, Colorado. Located just south of Interstate 70, this large body of fresh water covers 3,233 acres at a high elevation of 9,017 feet. The reservoir is primarily fed by the Blue River and the Snake River, creating a scenic backdrop for the surrounding community of Dillon.

Visitors often use the area as a basecamp for exploring the nearby Rocky Mountains, with popular ski areas like Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Breckenridge located in the vicinity. The shoreline offers accessible amenities, including the Dillon Marina, which is notable for being one of the highest deep-water marinas in North America. Recreational activities are abundant, ranging from boating on the lake to hiking and biking on the extensive trail networks that wind through the area.

The local community supports these activities with accessible public spaces. Parks in the area are open daily, with specific access times generally aligning with daylight hours, from sunrise until one hour after sunset. The area is also home to the Dillon Amphitheater, a cultural landmark that hosts events throughout the warmer months. The region’s history is rooted in the late 19th century, when the town of Dillon was incorporated, and the reservoir was later developed by Denver Water, which completed the dam in 1963 after the old town of Dillon was moved to make way for the water. This blend of natural beauty and community infrastructure makes the area a popular destination for both relaxation and outdoor adventure.