Trail Running in Dillon Reservoir

Trying to find the best running in Dillon Reservoir ? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Colorado, Summit County

01 :58 hrs
1.8 mi
74.67407 ft
Moderate

This adventure begins on Glacier Drive and connects to the main trail system (Keystone Aqueduct Trail) via the Soda Ridge Trail. It is a fun and easy adventure with big views and some creek crossings. Aspens line the way creating impressive colors in the fall. Near the end of the path it connects to the Keystone Gulch trails.

2

Colorado, Summit County

00 :18 hrs
0.6 mi
22.62622 ft
Easy

Easy loop around the top of a small hill, trailhead is just off of Swan Mountain Road. Cant miss it. Great views, easy hike.

3

Colorado, Summit County

01 :05 hrs
3.9 mi
49.86377 ft
Easy

Summit Count rec path, fairly flat and easy riding in either direction.

4

Colorado, Summit County

08 :46 hrs
5.9 mi
1029.8423 ft
Expert

Ptarmigan Peak Trail begins by climbing the hillside through an open meadow with sagebrush and wildflowers in June. Beyond the meadow, the trail winds through an aspen grove and a thick forest of evergreens that briefly obscure views yet give a sense of remoteness. The final stretch to the summit climbs along a grassy ridge where elk herds are often found grazing. On this trail you'll find views of Gorge Range, Ten Mile Range, Dillon Reservoir, and the lower Blue River Valley.

5

Colorado, Summit County

03 :36 hrs
8 mi
38.248535 ft
II

This was a great day on Lake Dillon, from the Gibberson Bay day use area, over to the Dillon Marina, and back. I was actually on my SUP board, so if your wary of deep water, dont take this route! Or if the weather is bad, windy, etc, this would be a very tough and dangerous route. On this day, it was fairly calm, maybe 5mph winds. Sunny with a few puffy clouds. The day use parking area is very close to the water, and makes for a great hand launching spot. Please dont leave trash- I picked up a pile in less than 5 minutes. Between the lake and parking lot. So please, pack it in, pack it out.

6

Colorado, Summit County

00 :16 hrs
0.5 mi
29.097412 ft
Easy

Trail going through the golf course, and national forest to connect to the Flume Trail, and then connect to the Soda Ridge and Aquaduct Trails.

7

Colorado, Summit County

01 :12 hrs
2 mi
212.62573 ft
Moderate

Challenging starting section of uphill, but lots of families and older folks. There is a cut off trail to Lily Pad lake, but we stayed on Meadow Creek Trail. Went up a ways and had to turn back for time constraints.

8

Colorado, Summit County

00 :18 hrs
0.7 mi
4.3637695 ft
I

When camped at Heaton Bay, boat can be shored very near your site. We are about 150 yards from our camp. Launch and store from small sand beaches. Today has been rainy and cloudy, with a few windows of sunshine. But the fishing has been fair. So worth having layers on. And rain gear. Great day on the lake for father's day!

9

Colorado, Summit County

00 :56 hrs
1.9 mi
76.416016 ft
Moderate

Great climb for a green, or really fast downhill.

10

Colorado, Summit County

04 :09 hrs
15 mi
581.48926 ft
Extreme

For some reason after biking as far as i could, I thought I could hike the ridge covered in snow and the other side of the trail would be better. This was a huge mistake and turned into a grudge match between mother nature and I. I started downhill through snow covered downed trees carrying my bike. At one point caught my ankle and slowly flipped over my bike hanging upside down from my ankle. Note to self- turn around when there was obviously too much snow at the top of the ridge. Continue on and pedal through pain to miraculously make it home before total exhaustion. Bloody, beaten up, bruised but never quit. Made a bad decision and had no choice but to get myself out. Learned a good hard lesson yesterday. This trail in the summer is amazing- but wait until SUMMER

11

Colorado, Summit County

04 :00 hrs
8.9 mi
7.901123 ft
I

This beautiful stretch has lots of views, cliffs with large homes on top, the Dillon Amphitheater, which is currently being renovated, and lots of lake. Great for almost any size boats, sailboat, Paddle board, kayak, temps stay chilly for most water sports but wetsuits in the middle of summer are an option. And I've seen diving clinics and training going on as well. Fishing and birdwatching, bike path that surrounds the lake. Campgrounds as well. Lots of recreation options!

12

Colorado, Summit County

00 :43 hrs
1.4 mi
60.652344 ft
Moderate

Loop of trails on Summit County Open Space and Trails, connects to Soda Creek Trail.

13

Colorado, Summit County

00 :16 hrs
0.9 mi
14.790039 ft
Easy

Rec Path to connector, through underpass, and to tenderfoot open space trails.

14

Colorado, Summit County

02 :38 hrs
5.9 mi
14.279053 ft
I

Our bday pontoon on Lake Dillon, went to pirates cove and back to Dillon marina!

15

Colorado, Summit County

00 :25 hrs
0.3 mi
47.825928 ft
Easy

Access from Summit Cove to Aquaduct and Red trails.

16

Colorado, Dillon

02 :00 hrs
2.2 mi
4.1936035 ft
I

Lake Dillon is a fresh water reservoir that is bordered by the towns of Frisco, Silverhorne, and Dillon. This large high mountain lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. The crystal clear waters have many islands that are accessible by canoe or kayak. There is plenty of wildlife and birds to see. Windy Point Campground is hand launch only. It is an ideal place to paddle, enjoy a picnic, or go for a bike ride. The views of the surrounding mountain ranges are beautiful. There is very little shade and no drinking water.

17

Colorado, Summit County

02 :27 hrs
5.5 mi
33.611084 ft
I

Starting from public dock 3 on Lake Dillon, and going for a cruise/fish to the islets.

18

Colorado, Summit County

04 :25 hrs
8 mi
327.7566 ft
Hard

This popular trail begins on the Blue River Bike Path and turns into a singletrack route. It parallels the Ten Mile Range to Breckenridge. The terrain is through thick aspens and pines and offers amazing views. There are some rocky sections but no significant climbing. The trail can get crowded on weekends.

19

Colorado, Dillon

02 :09 hrs
2.4 mi
12.505859 ft
I

Lake Dillon is a fresh water reservoir that is bordered by the towns of Frisco, Silverhorne, and Dillon. This large high mountain is considered one of the most beautiful lake in the state. The crystal clear waters have many islands that are accessible by canoe or kayak. There is plenty of wildlife and birds to see; hiking, biking, and picnicking. The Dillon Marina is on the North end of the lake and has full services.

20

Colorado, Summit County

04 :40 hrs
5.2 mi
0.19946289 ft
I

Lake Dillon is a fresh water reservoir that is bordered by the towns of Frisco, Silverhorne, and Dillon. This large high mountain lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The crystal clear lake has many islands that are accessible by canoe or kayak. There is plenty of wildlife and birds to see. Pine Cove Campground is located on the south end of the lake. There is fishing, hiking, biking but no swimming or water contact is allowed.

21

Colorado, Summit County

01 :21 hrs
2.8 mi
76.2959 ft
Moderate

This is a well maintained trail that travels through forests and meadows.

22

Colorado, Summit County

00 :27 hrs
1.7 mi
66.02881 ft
Moderate

One of the loops possible on whispering pines trails. All connect to soda creek trail. Moderate climbs and downhill. Either direction.

23

Colorado, Summit County

02 :38 hrs
9.2 mi
138.77905 ft
Moderate

This adventure is a great connection of trails including Soda Ridge Trail, Soda Ridge Neighborhood Trail, Keystone Aquaduct Trail, Keystone Gulch, Granny Trail, Snake River Rec Path, Summit Drive, Vail Circle. There is some singletrack, some double, some rec path, with lots of views and pedaling.

24

Colorado, Summit County

01 :60 hrs
2.5 mi
571.3408 ft
S3-

Back in the 1960s through 1990s the nearby highschools used the Mount Royal area for ski jump competitions. In 1989 it was also used for a Junior Olympic qualifying tournament. It offers close and easy access right from town. The approach heads up to the north ridge and above Masontownsite to a obvious avalanche chute. There are other possible descents that don't pose as much avalanche danger, but skiing the chute is an excellent vertical run.

25

Colorado, Summit County

00 :41 hrs
1.7 mi
12.01709 ft
Unknown

Located in White River National Forest, Heaton Bay Campground offers 86 sites next to Dillon Reservoir that can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. There is little to no shade because of the pine beetle infestation. Sites can be reserved and some are saved for first come, first serve guests. Electrical hookups are available as well as water to fill your tanks. Each site contains a picnic table, and campfire ring. Several trails are nearby for hiking and exploring as well a boat ramp access at marinas in Frisco and Dillon. The nightly rate is $22-26.

26

Colorado, Summit County

00 :32 hrs
1 mi
22.543213 ft
Easy

Easy trail behind the school, through summit cove, next to the stream

27

Colorado, Summit County

02 :06 hrs
7.3 mi
120.36719 ft
Easy

Starting at the trail head across from the Elementary school, heading back on Soda Ridge to Soda Creek and back on the Ranch Road. Then back down to Summit Cove and Vail Circle. Great quick ride to start the day, finish the day, or just get a pedal in quick.

28

Colorado, Summit County

01 :11 hrs
2.6 mi
32.878662 ft
I

Paddle around the big island to the small islet and around back to the Frisco marina.

29

Colorado, Summit County

01 :36 hrs
5.6 mi
113.94116 ft
Hard

Challenging loop until the very end. The right at groovie uvi got me on a different trail than normal. A single track that has not been maintained much at all, may be an old trail for some of it? But only 2 down trees to cross. Lots of tight trees, maneuvering and handlebar skills challenged, leads to a large grassy meadow which could be muddy during some seasons. Then onto the rec path and back on to road, to the start.

30

Colorado, Summit County

05 :10 hrs
3.6 mi
128.49634 ft
Expert

The Mesa Cortina Trail begins in Silverthorne and travels through aspens and meadows into the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. The route follows South Willow Creek and is ungroomed but sometimes tracked by other skiers and snowshoers. It has very mild elevation gain and offers amazing views of the Silverthorne and Ptarmigan Mountains. The destination ends in a charming meadow perfect for lunch. Beyond the meadow lies a steep climb for the adventurous explorer.

31

Colorado, Summit County

00 :55 hrs
3.3 mi
98.23389 ft
Moderate

Quick ride over to a friends place at Corinthian Hills, from Summit Cove. Used the Rec Path, disc golf course, and Oro Grande trails. Lots of views of the lake, decent climb with a few good downhills.

32

Colorado, Summit County

03 :29 hrs
4.6 mi
858.80444 ft
S3-

Back in the 1960s through 1990s the nearby highschools used the Mount Royal area for ski jump competitions. In 1989 it was also used for a Junior Olympic qualifying tournament. It offers close and easy access right from town. The approach heads up to the north ridge and above Masontownsite to a saddle. It heads south and over to Peak One. This is a high risk avalanche area but if you can catch it during the right time in spring the skiing is awesome.

33

Colorado, Summit County

05 :15 hrs
8.9 mi
98.48682 ft
Moderate

Took the Summit Rec path to Keystone, and then the dirt trails on the way back. Good mix of easy path and some tough rocks and bridges on the trails. Can keep speed fairly well on the way back. And the uphill on the path is easy.

34

Colorado, Frisco

02 :44 hrs
12.4 mi
466.22583 ft
Hard

The ride from Frisco to Vail Pass is on a bike path almost the entire route. The beauty is endless and the ride offers a nice gentle grade until the last section before the pass which has some steep switchbacks. From Frisco to Copper Mountain Resort the path is tucked in the woods in Ten-Mile Canyon as it parallels the river.

35

Colorado, Dillon

01 :46 hrs
3.1 mi
40.908447 ft
Easy

The Tenderfoot Mountain Trail follows a maintained path through sage, aspen and pine forests. There are beautiful wildflowers during the summer months. It is easy with no real elevation gain. Be cautious of others recreating as this trail is used year round.

36

Colorado, Summit County

00 :17 hrs
2.3 mi
1334.357 ft
Unknown

Democrat Mountain is a little hidden gem that ends at Buckeye Lode Mine. It will challenge stock vehicles and offers some pleasant scenery. There is a lot of climbing with occasional rocky sections so plan on a bumpy slow ride. Do not go beyond the mine. Stock vehicles with high clearance and 4 low.

37

Colorado, Summit County

00 :09 hrs
0.4 mi
12.4279785 ft
Unknown

Windy Point is a group campground located near Dillon Reservoir that can accommodate tents or trailers up to 100 people. There is little to no shade but a covered picnic shelter is provided. Picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets are also available for guest use. The shelter is handicap-accessible and a boat ramp is available in Frisco and Dillon. Visitors enjoy fishing hiking, biking and relaxing. The fee for the shelter is $250 and $200 for the campground.

38

Colorado, Frisco

01 :58 hrs
17.6 mi
130.15259 ft
Moderate

Beginning at Frisco Marina this ride travels up and over Swan Mountain with an enjoyable descent and then around Dillon Reservoir. It is good for intermediates. The most challenging climb is over Swan Mountain. There are nice views at Sapphire Point.

39

Colorado, Summit County

00 :35 hrs
1.5 mi
7.897949 ft
Unknown

Peak One Campground is a prime location for recreation in a peaceful and quiet setting. It sits on the south end of Dillon Reservoir where a variety of wildlife roam the area. There are a total of 80 sites that can accommodate tent or trailers, although there are no hookups available. Each site contains a picnic table and fire ring. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided as well. The towns of Frisco and Dillon have boar ramps and full services. The cost per night is $22-$26.

40

Colorado, Summit County

00 :41 hrs
1.7 mi
12.01709 ft
Unknown

Located in White River National Forest, Heaton Bay Campground offers 86 sites next to Dillon Reservoir that can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. There is little to no shade because of the pine beetle infestation. Sites can be reserved and some are saved for first come, first serve guests. Electrical hookups are available as well as water to fill your tanks. Each site contains a picnic table, and campfire ring. Several trails are nearby for hiking and exploring as well a boat ramp access at marinas in Frisco and Dillon. The nightly rate is $22-26.

41

Colorado, Summit County

00 :46 hrs
1.9 mi
11.083008 ft
Unknown

Located at 9,000ft. in White River National Forest, Prospector Campground is a prime location for recreation. There is little to no shade and the roads and parking spurs are dirt/gravel. A total of 105 sites are available that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs but no hookups are provided. Sites each contain a picnic table, campfire ring and vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The cost per night is $21-25.

42

Colorado, Dillon

01 :25 hrs
6.5 mi
94.26123 ft
Moderate

This route begins at Dillon Reservoir and follows the Summit County bike path. It borders the lake for a while and then parallels along US Hwy 6 but far away enough you still have the sense of being in the outdoors. It offers incredible scenery over the Tenmile Range.

43

Colorado, Summit County

01 :36 hrs
5.6 mi
113.94116 ft
Hard

Challenging loop until the very end. The right at groovie uvi got me on a different trail than normal. A single track that has not been maintained much at all, may be an old trail for some of it? But only 2 down trees to cross. Lots of tight trees, maneuvering and handlebar skills challenged, leads to a large grassy meadow which could be muddy during some seasons. Then onto the rec path and back on to road, to the start.

44

Colorado, Frisco

01 :39 hrs
7.5 mi
96.727295 ft
Moderate

This route begins at the Frisco Marina and follows the path through marshes around Dillon Lake. It crosses the Dam and on to Silverthorne. There are fantastic views of the lake and has just little a series of up and down hills. Take caution when crossing roads once your leave the dam and head towards Silverthorne.

45

Colorado, Summit County

00 :08 hrs
0.3 mi
7.686035 ft
Unknown

Located in White River National Forest, Lowry Campground sits close to Dillon Reservoir with lots of recreation around. 27 sites are available for tent or trailer camping with a max length of 32 feet. Some of the sites offer electric hookups and 3 of the sites are tent-only sites and available on a first come, first serve basis. There is a ton of wildlife in the area and fishing, boating, and hiking are popular among campers. The nightly rate is $21.

46

Colorado, Summit County

02 :23 hrs
8.3 mi
94.17407 ft
Easy

Lots of flowing terrain, up hills and down. Some treacherous uphill at the beginning and coming back to loop the other direction. Pretty much the start of each loop requires you to climb a hill next to water holding tanks, and then flow down towards the lake in many directions.There are many paths, many ways to ride, and can be as challenging as you would like to make it. Well maintained. Great views of Lake Dillon, Frisco, and the peaks around the lake.

47

Colorado, Summit County

05 :24 hrs
2.4 mi
895.62695 ft
Hard

From the town of Frisco, Buffalo Mountain is one of the more prominent features in the area. The trail, recently constructed in 2004, meanders through a forest of pines and past remnants of Buffalo Cabin to the talus slopes of Buffalo Mountain. From here, it climbs to and follows a ridge to the summit. There are excellent views of Red Peak and East Thorn from the summit, but views of the more scenic Gore Range are just beyond this point. Beyond the summit, the trail makes a short scramble down a rocky ridge to a viewpoint overlooking the Gore Range.

48

Colorado, Summit County

00 :24 hrs
0.8 mi
17.35791 ft
Easy

Easy trail through open space park, back to or forth from Summit Cove Wetlands Trail

49

Colorado, Summit County

02 :19 hrs
1.6 mi
59.754883 ft
Hard

The trail to Lilly Pad Lake is a beautiful and serene winter trail. It begins to climb quickly to the water tower and then winds through lodgepole forest and open meadows. As you approach the lake the trail levels out and is almost flat till you reach the lake.

50

Colorado, Summit County

06 :40 hrs
12.2 mi
845.32495 ft
Extreme

The Continental Divide Trail stretches a whopping 3,100 miles from the border of Mexico all the way north to the border of Canada. This trip follows a section of the Continental Divide Trail from the town of Frisco to the Copper Mountain Ski Resort area. The trail climbs up a canyon and follows Tenmile Creek through a thick forest of tall evergreens before heading due south above timberline and into an alpine tundra terrain. It climbs up and over Uneva Pass as it descends to Lost Lake where evergreens begin to reappear. Beyond the lake, the trail meanders through a mix of open meadow and evergreen forests toward the Copper Mountain Ski area. This can be done as a long day hike, but its best enjoyed as an overnight backpacking trip.

51

Colorado, Summit County

00 :29 hrs
1 mi
73.05078 ft
Easy

Quick trail from summit rec path to soda ridge trails. Goes through some of the Ranch Golf Course.

52

Colorado, Summit County

01 :08 hrs
2.2 mi
100.90088 ft
Easy

From just below the Summit Shooting Range, and just above the landfill, there lies a small trail marker. The trail continues on beyond my tracks but I veered off to get some great views and see some fall colors!

53

Colorado, Summit County

08 :19 hrs
5.1 mi
464.05127 ft
Extreme

North Tenmile Creek is an excellent winter adventure into the backcountry. Wichita Mountain and Chief Mountain tower around you as you travel through the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. The trail begins climbing steeply and quickly right in the beginning but this is the steepest section. Ski poles for snowshoers is a good idea and if you are skiing skins will be helpful. Plan on a full day for this adventure.

54

Colorado, Summit County

02 :57 hrs
10.4 mi
156.8269 ft
Moderate

Lots of uphill challenges, some log piles to go over on Blair Witch, lots of very fast downhill sections as well. This was a great ride, about 2 hours with breaks and waiting for people. Beginning at the trail merge near Keystone Ranch, taking Soda Ridge Trail behind the Ranch, and a loop around on Blair Witch. Then back on Soda Ridge.

55

Colorado, Summit County

00 :11 hrs
0.9 mi
81.886475 ft
Hard

A fast downhill or hard climb, depends which direction you choose. Either way, great views above the river, if you stop to appreciate, or just rip through to the highway. Can cross the hwy to the Summit County Rec Path.