Dillon Reservoir - Dillon, CO - a man made natural wonder

Denver Water owns and operates the Dillon Reservoir which the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Committee manages. The reservoir was completed during September of 1963 and it is the Denver Water system's largest facility for storing water. In order to build the damn the relocation of the town of Dillon and one hydroelectric plant had to be moved to make room.

The purpose of the Dillon dam was to redirect the water through Harold D. Roberts Tunnel from the Blue River Basin. The South Platte River Basin under the Continental Divide is where it was redirected to. Over five thousand feet long and two-hundred and thirty-one feet high over the stream bed for the Blue River is the earth filled Dillon Dam. The shoreline of the reservoir is over twenty-six miles and the surface of the reservoir is over three thousand acres.

Dillon Reservoir operates twenty-four hours a day and is open all year long. There are a variety of special events hosted by the Frisco Bay and Dillon Marinas at the Dillon Dam each year. The July 4th celebration includes fireworks display and Frisco holds Gold Rushes in the winter. Commercial activities and special events at the reservoir are required to have a permit issued by the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Committee.

Activities at the Dillon Reservoir include both motor and sail boating; fishing from boats may also be done at the reservoir. Those participating in these activities are asked to follow the regulations and statues for both Summit County and the state of Colorado regarding these activities. Dillon and Frisco operate the marinas. The boat ramp at Dillon Marina is not usable by the majority of motorized craft during times when the elevation of the water reaches 8971 feet, at Frisco this occurs when the elevation reaches 9009 feet.

The reservoir also allows for canoeing, kayaking and small water craft to be used. Inflatable craft are also permitted at the Dillon Reservoir. Windsurfing or sailboard usage may also be done with either full dry or wet suits. Fishing can be done in the stream and the lake. When the weather allows ice fishing can be participated in at the reservoir. Those wishing to ice fish should be aware however that the ice conditions on the reservoir are not monitored by Denver Water and they are responsible for their own safety when ice fishing.

Dillon Reservoir also offers its visitors the option of camping on one of the three hundred and forty-four campsites. The sites are designed to accommodate trailers, RVs, pickup campers and tents. There is a water supply to all of the campgrounds; camping may only be done in designated areas. In addition Dillon Reservoir offers a recreation area for visitors' enjoyment.

There are trails for bicycles and hiking that include a number of paved trails. There is also a scenic overlook and a trail leading to the lake that once supplied water to Dillon's original location. The scenic outlooks offer views of the surrounding mountain areas. The hunting of waterfowl is only allowed in limited areas of the recreation area and the boundaries are strictly enforced.

With all that the Dillon Reservoir has to offer it is the ideal place to visit if you are in the mood for true relaxation while in the Dillon, Colorado area.