Trifter

Looking for an outdoor oriented, scenic and fun place to vacation? Follow the highway signs as you enter Summit County, Colorado to “Colorado’s Playground”. No matter what the season, there is always something to do, something new to try, a new discovery to be made.

No matter where you travel in Summit County, you’re bound to pass one of its shining jewels – Lake Dillon. In the late 1800’s, Dillon was a sleepy town, made up of trading posts and cabins. Two monumental construction projects were begun in the 1960’s that changed this town and the rest of Summit County forever.

The Denver Water Board, in order to meet the needs of a growing metropolitan area, started construction of a reservoir on the site of the original town of Dillon. Just up the road, the Eisenhower Tunnel was being constructed to ease traffic congestion and provide a safer way through the Rocky Mountains.

Always resourceful, the people of Summit County saw the potential in providing both locals and visitors alike a unique recreation area around the reservoir. Today there are two active marinas that make their home on Lake Dillon.

Dillon Marina is located on the east side of the lake and is home to the Dillon Yacht Club. At just over 9,000 feet, it’s the highest yacht club in North America. You can rent almost any type of boat there. If you’re not an experienced sailor, instruction and crews are available to help. On the other side of the lake is Frisco Marina. This is also a full service marina, specializing in canoe and kayak rentals. Both marinas have eating and drinking establishments overlooking both the water and the Ten Mile Range.

Summer activities include regattas, classic boat shows, boat parades and fireworks displays over the lake. On the Dillon side of the lake a Friday Farmers’ Market features Colorado grown fruits and vegetables and gourmet foods. The Dillon Amphitheatre regularly sponsors concerts by local musicians such as Leon Littlebird and John Adams. The Rangers from the National Forest System present outdoor education programs during the summer.

The west side of the lake, where the Frisco Marina is located, is a bit less hectic, but no less engaging than the Dillon Marina. A great summer bicycle trip is to bike from Breckenridge to Frisco, picking up the Water Taxi at the Frisco Marina for an overview of the lake. After enjoying the bike trails around Lake Dillon and the Dillon Marina, stop for a picnic along the lakeshore. Then, bike back to Breckenridge, or take the Water Taxi back to Frisco for a head start on your trip home.

Surrounded by campgrounds, great hiking trails and scenic overlooks, exploring the area provides something of everyone. The secluded shoreline provides great fishing spots for the brown and rainbow trout that are resident there. Open from late Spring to early Fall, Lake Dillon is a treasure.

The scenic views, though, are not confined to Dillon and Frisco. A trip around the lake will let you discover unforgettable vistas. For example, Sapphire Point, just off of Swan Mountain Road is favorite spot for outdoor weddings. Its broad and even walking path, along with the comfortable overlook area is easily accessible. Don’t forget your camera.

But, in Summit County, the fun at the lake doesn’t stop at the end of the summer season. Once the lake is frozen over, Colorado Kite Force is out playing at their favorite sports – snow kiting, kite skiing and kite snowboarding. Their activities take place at the south end of the lake, just off of Swan Mountain Road and Highway 9. It’s worth a stop, just to watch their colorful kites as they take off from the ice and smooth snow. Watching them soar into the sky, framed by the snow covered mountains is simply amazing.

All in all, Lake Dillon is a year round recreational attraction. For more information or to book reservations, the Dillon Yacht Club can be reached at 970-468-5100 and the Frisco Marina can be reached at 970-668-4334. Contact Colorado Kite Force at 970-485-3300 to book a lesson or rent a kite.