Dillon Reservoir

Dillon Reservoir is a mountain reservoir in Summit County, Colorado, sitting between the towns of Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne. The water body covers 13 square kilometers (8 square miles) with a shoreline of 43 kilometers (27 miles).

The dam was built during the 1950s and forced residents of old Dillon to leave their homes and move to higher ground. The original town now rests completely underwater, a reminder of when water supply for the big city took priority over local settlements.

The lake draws sailors who meet regularly through a local yacht club that organizes races during warm months. These competitions bring together water sports enthusiasts from across the state and add life to the shoreline communities.

Between June and September, visitors can rent boats at marinas in Dillon or Frisco Bay, while fishing remains open year-round from shore or vessel. The lake sits above 2700 meters (9000 feet) elevation, so weather conditions can shift quickly and warm clothing is advisable even in summer.

Water flows through a tunnel beneath the Continental Divide, supplying Denver with 40 percent of its drinking water. This underground passage is named after a former water manager and ranks among the longest of its kind in the Rocky Mountains.

Location: Summit County

Elevation above the sea: 2,748 m

GPS coordinates: 39.60740,-106.05510

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24