Dillon Dam and Reservoir

Dillon Dam and Reservoir

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

Dillon Dam and Reservoir

Road cycling

5.0

(15)

This Highlight goes through a protected area

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White River National Forest

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Location: Dillon, Summit County, Colorado, United States

Tips

May 16, 2025

Road cycling

This is a scenic spot to look out over the reservoir. The dam itself was built in the early 1960s and required relocating the original town of Dillon, which is now sitting beneath the water. Today, the reservoir holds Denver’s largest water supply and sends it through a tunnel under the Continental Divide. Surrounded by mountain towns, Dillon Reservoir is a popular locale for boating, fishing, and summer concerts at the lakeside amphitheater.

Fred Urrutia

June 3, 2022

Road cycling

Here's a nice view of the Dillon Reservoir. Take a moment to enjoy the landscape.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Dillon Dam and Reservoir

5.0

(6)

379

riders

#1.

Dillon Reservoir Recpath Loop

32.7km

01:38

300m

The Dillon Reservoir Recpath Loop offers a fantastic road cycling experience, circling the expansive Lake Dillon with constant views of the Tenmile and Gore Ranges. You'll pedal through diverse landscapes, from wetlands and forested sections alongside the Blue River to the panoramic vistas from Sapphire Point Overlook. The route is mostly paved, making it ideal for road bikes, but expect some rolling hills and a notable climb over Swan Mountain, adding a good challenge to the 20.3 miles (32.7 km) journey.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with plenty of free parking available along the path and access via the Summit Stage bus system. The full loop, with its 981 feet (299 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hours and 38 minutes, making it a manageable yet rewarding outing. Keep in mind that while the official difficulty is easy, the high altitude (over 9,000 feet) and the Swan Mountain climb can make it feel more moderate, especially if you choose the steeper counter-clockwise direction.

This loop is a central part of Summit County's extensive paved recreational pathway system, connecting to other trails like the Snake River and Blue River Recpaths for longer adventures. It's renowned for its early season accessibility, often being one of the first trails to clear of snow in the spring. The continuous, dramatic views of Dillon Reservoir and the unique experience of riding across the Dillon Dam are major highlights, making this a must-do for road cyclists in Summit County, Colorado.

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