Meckenzie Donnell / Updated May 29, 2024
The Town of Dillon was originally established in 1881 where Lake Dillon currently sits. The town was relocated twice and in 1963 a dam was constructed and Lake Dillon was created to supply the City of Denver’s water. Not only does Lake Dillon supply most of the water for Denver, it also spans across three Summit County towns and offers a day full of fun activities on the water. Here’s our rundown of all the activities to enjoy while spending a day on and around Lake Dillon.
Rent a Boat
The Frisco Marina and the Dillon Marina offer boat rentals by the hour. You can choose from different sized pontoon boats or dust off those sailing skills and rent a Catalina sailboat. Cruise the lake and set sail surrounded by views of the Ten Mile Range and Gore Range.
Go Fishing
What’s more memorable than a day on the lake fishing with friends and family? You can bring your own gear or rent poles and tackle from the Frisco Marina and wade on the shores. Another option is a guided fishing trip on a pontoon boat. If you’re looking for a guided fishing adventure, book your trip with Alpine Fishing Adventures.
Take a Scenic Boat Tour
Want to enjoy Lake Dillon without renting a boat? Book a guided tour around the lake and kick back with the beautiful Ten Mile mountain range. Choose from a variety of Lake Dillon boat tours, including daytime or a sunset tour on a sailboat. Or learn the history of Lake Dillon on a historic boat tour. You can book any of these tours at the Frisco or Dillon marinas.
Paddleboard, Kayak or Canoe
If you enjoy stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking or canoeing, you’re going to love adventuring on Lake Dillon. There are plenty of ways to enjoy these activities on the lake. Rent a SUP, kayak or canoe from the marina or try a guided trip and cruise the channels and islands that dot Lake Dillon. To book a guided kayak tour, visit Adventure Paddle Tours.
Take a Boat Taxi
If you are looking for a quick inexpensive ride on the lake, try taking a boat taxi from Dillon to Frisco. Locals tip: Grab a drink at the Dillon Marina tiki bar and then head over to the Frisco Marina via taxi and check out the beachside Island Grill Restaurant.
Go Camping
There’s something special about camping on a lake and waking up to the views of the pristine glassy water and the famous Ten Mile mountain range. Find Lake Dillon camping at any one of these campgrounds:
Bike Around the Lake
One of the more popular activities to enjoy at Lake Dillon is biking. There is an 18-mile-long paved bike path that goes around the entire lake. You may bring your bike and head for a cruise or rent a bike in Dillon or Frisco and ride alongside the lake and surrounding mountain range. Tip: Find deals on bike rentals when you stay at Grand Timber Lodge.
Have a Picnic
Pack a gourmet lunch and head to the dock for some fun in the sun and sand in your toes. A picnic at Lake Dillon is a great way to spend the afternoon outside. Check out some of our favorite scenic picnic spots:
- Dillon or Frisco Marina
- Dillon Amphitheater
- Windy Point Campground
- Prospector Campground
- Peak One Campground
- Pine Cove Campground
Have Happy Hour
Soak in the views of this high mountain lake with a refreshing beverage in your hand. There are restaurants at each marina that offer great menus and a full bar. Stop by the Tiki Bar at the Dillon Marina for lakefront seating or visit the Island Grill at the Frisco Marina for beachside deck and rooftop restaurant views of Lake Dillon.
There are endless ways to enjoy Lake Dillon, so pack the sunscreen, head to mountains and meet us at the lake! Book your Summit County lodging and enjoy special promotional rates at The Grand Colorado on Peak 8, Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and Grand Timber Lodge.
