How to Make the Most of Lake Dillon Summer Activities

Lake Dillon summer activities bring together paddleboarding near Breckenridge, scenic boat tours, biking the 18.7-mile rec path, lakeside dining, live music, and crisp mountain views at 9,017 feet in Summit County.

Lake Dillon: One of the Best Summit County Lakes in Summer 

When summer arrives in Summit County, Lake Dillon becomes a playground for outdoor activities. At 9,017 feet, this alpine reservoir, created in 1963 to supply water to Denver, stretches between Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, framed by the Ten Mile and Gore Ranges. 

The lake's water stays refreshingly cool (rarely climbing past the mid-60s), swimming is prohibited, and jet skis are nowhere to be found. However, there are plenty of Lake Dillon summer activities where you can have fun, relax, and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.

Here's a little something to get you excited:

1. Paddle at Sunrise: Calm morning SUP and kayak sessions.
2. Rent a Pontoon or Sailboat: Easy cruising with mountain views.
3. Scenic Boat Tour: Daytime or sunset lake cruises.
4. Fish the Inlets: Trout and salmon near river mouths.
5. Bike the Rec Path: 18.7-mile paved loop around the lake.
6. Camp by the Shore: Six scenic lakeside campgrounds.
7. Picnic or Island Lunch: Marina lawns or paddle-out spots.
8. Hike & Overlooks: Sapphire Point and Peak 1 views.
9. Lakeside Dining: Fish tacos, Rum Runners, sunset patios.
10. Live Music: Summer concerts at Dillon Amphitheater.

In this blog post, I've rounded up a list of the best Lake Dillon summer activities, including paddleboarding near Breckenridge, scenic boat tours, and summer evening fun with great food, refreshing drinks, and lake views.

Let's dive into the details!

On the Water

Among Lake Dillon summer activities, getting out on the water stands out as a highlight for both visitors and locals. This off-the-beaten-path destination is one of the best spots to experience paddleboarding near Breckenridge, along with boat tours, fishing, or even captaining your own sailboat.

While swimming and high-speed watersports aren't allowed, Lake Dillon shines in other ways, especially if you're willing to wake up early, enjoy the cooler morning temperatures, and settle into the slower alpine rhythm.

1. Paddle at Sunrise

The early morning hours at Lake Dillon are the most serene, and in summer, the most comfortable temperature-wise. It's the ideal time to drift across by stand-up paddleboard, single or tandem kayak, or canoe.

Both Frisco Bay Marina and Dillon Marina offer paddle rentals, and guided trips are available if you'd prefer local insight on hidden coves and island routes.

Pro tip: Kayaks are the most beginner-friendly option at altitude — less balance required, and easier if the wind picks up.

2. Rent a Pontoon or Sailboat

If paddling sounds a bit too active, consider renting a pontoon instead.

Often described as "floating couches," pontoons are spacious, comfortable, and easy to operate, ideal for larger groups or anyone with limited boating experience. You'll also find runabouts and fishing boats available, as well as Catalina sailboats for those looking for a more hands-on sailing experience.

Local tip: Boat rentals are especially popular in July and August, so reserving ahead of time is a smart move.

Here's what to expect:

• Crisp mountain air.
• Sweeping views of the Gore and Ten Mile Ranges.
• Surprisingly vast stretches of open water.

3. Take a Scenic or Historic Boat Tour

Not interested in captaining your own vessel? Let someone else steer.

Lake Dillon offers a variety of boat tours where all you have to do is get on board and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Here are some of the types of boat tours available:

• Daytime sailing tours.
• Sunset sail tours.
• Historic reservoir tours.
• Themed events like "Women & Wine on the Water."

Local tip: Catamaran options are also available out of Frisco. Sunset tours are especially beautiful; the peaks shift from bright alpine clarity to golden silhouettes within minutes.

4. Fish the River Inlets

Summer fishing at Lake Dillon is a delightful and relaxing activity to include in your itinerary, and one of the easiest ways to experience fishing near Breckenridge Colorado. You'll find brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and even Arctic char in these waters, and the sweet spots are usually near where the Snake and Blue Rivers flow into the reservoir. Early mornings tend to be best, thanks to cooler air, calmer water, and a better shot at a bite.

You can keep it low-key and cast from shore, or rent a boat and head farther out. If you'd rather not figure it out on your own, guided trips are available, and you can rent a rod at Frisco Marina. 

Heads up: Don't forget that anyone 15 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license, which is easy to pick up locally.

Around the Shore

5. Bike the 18.7-Mile Recreation Path

Biking is one of the best Lake Dillon summer activities in Summit County. The paved recreation path loops roughly 18–19 miles around the reservoir, offering nonstop views of the water and surrounding peaks. It's fully paved and well maintained, but keep in mind you're at elevation; the ride includes steady climbs that feel more noticeable in the summer sun. One of the most convenient aspects of the trail is that you can start from Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, or Silverthorne.

Here are three local tips worth remembering:

• E-bikes are easy to rent and make the hills much easier, especially if you're turning it into a half-day outing.
  
  
• Be sure to stop at Sapphire Point Overlook above Swan Mountain Road for one of the most iconic lake views. 
  
  
• Even in peak summer, bring a light layer; mountain weather can shift quickly once clouds roll in.

6. Camp Along the Shoreline

There's nothing like stargazing along the shoreline and then waking up to glassy alpine water and mountain silhouettes. Camping is definitely one of the most immersive ways to experience the reservoir.

There are six main campgrounds around Lake Dillon:

• Prospector
• Pine Cove
• Windy Point
• Heaton Bay (electric hook-ups in one loop)
• Peak One (flush toilets + water)
• Lowry (close to the lake, partial electric sites)

Heads up: Reservations are highly recommended for summer weekends.

7. Have a Picnic Or Claim an Island

Want a simple sandwich or snack to feel elevated? Plan a picnic around the lake with your loved ones and savor your favorite treats while soaking in the scenic views. For a twist, paddle out to one of the small islands near the Frisco end of the lake and stage your own private-island lunch. It doesn't get much more scenic than that!

Picnic spots include:

• Dillon Marina.
• Frisco Marina.
• Windy Point.
• Peak One Campground.
• Dillon Amphitheater lawns.

8. Explore Scenic Hikes & Overlooks

Lake Dillon is surrounded by trail systems that range from casual strolls to demanding ascents. Choose the one that fits your level, make sure to stay well hydrated, and for a cooler experience, plan an early morning hike, since summer temperatures can climb by late morning.

Here are the most popular hikes and overlooks around Lake Dillon:

• Sapphire Point: A 0.6-mile mostly flat gravel loop with sweeping reservoir views. Extremely popular, especially for small weddings.
  
  
• Old Dillon Reservoir: Quieter, less trafficked, and equally scenic.
  
  
• Oro Grande Trail: Elevated views with fewer crowds.
  
  
• Peak 1: For those seeking a challenge, this hike delivers real vertical gain and commanding perspectives over the entire basin.

9. Enjoy Food, Drink & Summer Evenings

Yes, the biggest reason to visit Lake Dillon is to enjoy nature, outdoor activities, and big views, but if you add some social energy to the mix, you've got a winning formula for amazing summer evenings.

Around the lake, you'll find a couple of local gems serving up great food, refreshing drinks, and front-row lake views.

Here are two summer standouts:

The Island Grill (Frisco Marina)

• Full food and drink menu.
• Daily happy hour.
• Live music on Fridays.
• Rooftop and deck views.
• The blackened fish tacos are a ritual for many locals.

Pug Ryan's Tiki Bar (Dillon Marina)

• Panoramic Ten Mile Range views.
• Casual lakeside seating.
• Known for Rum Runners.

10. Dance to Live Music at the Dillon Amphitheater

For more high-energy vibes by Lake Dillon, from mid-June through mid-September, the Dillon Amphitheater hosts free and ticketed concerts, making it a unique and vibrant way to experience this beautiful, low-key Colorado attraction at its most lively. This is one of the few Summit County lakes in summer that hosts concerts just steps from the water.

Heads up: Make sure to bring layers. Even in July, evenings cool quickly.

Bonus: Practical Tips for a Smooth Summer Visit

• No swimming or water-skiing: This is a protected reservoir and drinking water source for Denver.
  
  
• Morning is best for water activities: Wind and storms often develop after noon.
  
  
• Altitude awareness: You're above 9,000 feet. Hydrate and pace physical activity.
  
  
• Book early: Boat rentals, camping sites, and weekend concerts fill fast.
  
  
• Layer up: Summer afternoons can feel warm, but evenings drop quickly.

Make the most of summer in Summit County