Dillon Reservoir | ||||
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July 1, 2008: Zebra mussel update May 16, 2008: Security at Dillon Reservoir Owned and Operated by Denver Water
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Reservations: Required for various activities. Elevation: 9,017 ft (2748m) Capacity: 254,036 acre feet* |
* 1 acre foot=325,851 gal. |
Completed in September 1963, Dillon Reservoir is the largest water storage facility in the Denver Water system. Building the dam required relocating the entire town of Dillon, Colorado, and a hydroelectric plant. The project diverts water from the Blue River Basin through the Harold D. Roberts Tunnel under the Continental Divide into the South Platte River Basin. Dillon Dam is an earth-fill dam, 5,888 feet long by 231 feet above the Blue River stream bed. Dillon Reservoir's surface area of 3,233 acres and 26.8 miles of shoreline support many recreational activities.
Getting There: From Denver take Interstate 70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Dillon. To access the Dillon Marina, take Silverthorne exit 205 to Hwy 6 and take Hwy 6 to Dillon. Follow the signs to the marina. To access the Frisco Bay Marina, take the Frisco exit 203 to Hwy 9. Take Hwy 9 to Main Street and turn left (east) to the marina.
Recreational Rules and Regulations
Seasonal Information |
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| Description | Start Date | End Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open year round | |||
| Special Events | Dillon and Frisco Bay Marinas host several regattas and other special events. Fireworks shows highlight the Fourth of July and winter Gold Rush activities in Frisco. Event permits are required from the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Committee for all special events and commercial activities. Call Summit County (970-668-4213) to get a permit application. | ||
Recreation Opportunities | |
|---|---|
| Activity | Remarks |
 Scenery |
Several overlooks are available around Dillon reservoir to view the dramatic backdrop of the Gore, Williams Fork and Ten Mile mountain ranges. See area map. |
 Boating |
Boating includes boat fishing, sail boating and recreational boating. Boaters must observe the Summit County and Colorado Boating Statues and Regulations. |
 Boat Ramps |
Marinas are operated from the towns of Dillon and Frisco. The reservoir's high water elevation is 9017'. Dillon Marina's boat ramp is unusable for most motorized craft when the water is at elevation 8971'. Frisco Bay Marina's boat ramp is unusable for most motorized craft when the water is at elevation 9009'. |
 Canoeing |
Canoe rental is available. Other portable crafts allowed include kayaks, canvas boats, and inflatables. |
 Fishing |
Both lake and stream fishing are available, as well as ice fishing in winter. Below the dam, the Blue River is Gold Metal waters. Check the CDOW for special regulations above the reservoir. |
 Camping |
Dillon's 344 campsites accommodate tents, pickup campers, RV's, and trailers. All campgrounds have a drinking water supply. Camping is allowed in designated sites only. Most campgrounds are provided by Forest Service. Reservation number: 1-877-444-6777. |
 Rentals |
Fishing boats, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes can be rented at the area shops. Sailboat tours originate from the Dillon Marina. Canoe tours, rental canoes and fishing boats also launch at the Frisco Bay Marina. |
 Dump Stations |
Dump stations are located at the Breckenridge Sanitation Plant and on-water at the Dillon Marina for watercraft. |
 Trails |
The recreation area provides a variety of hiking and bicycle trails, including 7.5 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Sapphire Point trail follows a half-mile path to the scenic overlook. The Old Dillon Reservoir trail connects to the lake which supplied the drinking water for the old town of Dillon. |
 Winter |
Ice fishing and Nordic skiing are allowed in the recreation area. Frisco Nordic Ski area provides a trail system and rents skis. |
 Sailboarding |
Sailboarding is permitted with full wet or dry suits. |
| Note: Water contact sports such as swimming, water skiing, wading, and scuba diving are prohibited. | |
Recreational Rules and Regulations
Phone Numbers: Dillon Marina – 970-468-5100 |
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Looking south into the old town of Dillon, soon to disappear beneath the waters of the reservoir, around 1960. |