Lake Dillon
Lake Dillon, officially Dillon Reservoir, is the sparkling heart of Summit County, a sprawling mountain lake ringed by the Tenmile Range, the Gore Range and peaks such as Buffalo Mountain. Sitting at about 9,017 feet when full, it is one of the most scenic places in Colorado to sail, paddle, fish, bike or simply watch the sun set behind the summits.
Lake Dillon in Dillon, CO
Denver Water completed the reservoir in 1963, and it is still the utility’s largest storage reservoir, with room for 257,304 acre-feet of water, 3,233 surface acres and 26.8 miles of shoreline. To build it, the entire old town of Dillon was relocated, with the final move in 1961, and the remains of the original town now lie beneath the water. The earth-fill dam stretches 5,888 feet and carries Dam Road between Dillon and Frisco, offering one of the best roadside views of the lake.
Dillon Marina and Frisco Bay Marina are the main hubs for boat rentals, sailing and paddle sports in summer, and the shoreline is laced with campgrounds, picnic areas, beaches and the paved Summit County Recreational Pathway. For a short, easy walk with a huge payoff, head to Sapphire Point Overlook above the south shore. Ski days pair perfectly with the lake, too, with Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge Ski Resort both a short drive away.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: Lake Dillon, in Colorado, in October 2011 by Hogs555 (CC BY-SA 3.0); Dillon Reservoir by Runningonbrains (CC BY 4.0); Dillon Reservoir dam and boating by Dicklyon (CC BY-SA 4.0); Dillon reservoir, Frisco, CO, DJI 0114a by Garth Weals (CC BY-SA 4.0); Dillon Reservoir, Colorado by Mcphail492 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Mount Guyot (Colorado) viewed from Dillon Reservoir July 2016 by Thomson200 (CC0); Frisco Bay Marina, Colorado, US by Clyde Charles Brown (CC BY-SA 4.0); Frisco Bay Marina Lighthouse by CodeJeffrey (CC BY-SA 4.0); Heaton Bay, Sentinel Island, and Dillon Reservoir, Colorado, US by Clyde Charles Brown (CC BY-SA 4.0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
Drought and low water shaped the 2026 season on Lake Dillon. Frisco Bay Marina’s public ramp and slips stayed closed all summer and its rentals ended early, and all customer boats had to be off the water by Sept. 13. Dillon Marina boat rentals are now closed for the season and reopen April 1, 2027. The lakeshore trails and overlooks remain open year-round; check townofdillon.com and Denver Water for current conditions and rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Lake Dillon?
- Boating: Rent a pontoon, sailboat or kayak from the marinas in summer.
- Biking: Ride the paved recreational pathway around the shoreline.
- Sapphire Point: Walk a short loop to a sweeping overlook.
- Fishing: Cast for trout and kokanee salmon from shore or boat.
- Camping: Stay at lakeside national forest campgrounds.
Can you swim in Lake Dillon?
Swimming and body contact with the water are not allowed in Dillon Reservoir, which is a drinking water supply for Denver. Boating and fishing are allowed under Denver Water rules.
How big is Lake Dillon?
When full, Dillon Reservoir covers 3,233 surface acres with 26.8 miles of shoreline and holds 257,304 acre-feet of water, sitting at about 9,017 feet above sea level.
When is the Dillon Marina open?
The Dillon Marina is busiest from late May through September. Boat rentals are closed for the 2026 season and are scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2027. Call 970-468-5100 for current office hours.
Why was the town of Dillon moved?
The original town of Dillon sat in the Blue River valley where the reservoir now lies. When Denver Water built the dam, the town was relocated to its current site on the shore, with the final move in 1961.
The Dillon Marina is located at 150 Marina Drive, Dillon, CO 80435. Call 970-468-5100 or visit townofdillon.com to plan your visit.