Dillon, Colorado

Ptarmigan Trail, not to be confused with Ptarmigan Peak, is a 5 mile out-and-back, scenic trail that offers unparalleled vistas of Summit County, Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains(including Quandary Peak, Red Mountain, and the ​Decalibron Loop). Located just outside of Silverthorne a...

Today, Lake Dillon is one of the biggest attractions in the Dillon Valley, attracting boaters, anglers, and campers. However, the large reservoir we know today was not the first one in the area.  The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which...

This short, 0.6 mile loop hike gives a beautiful view of Lake Dillon and is an easy, family-friendly hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. The trail is clear cut and descends a few feet while looping around the side of the mountain to the overlook point.  It is definitely a worthwhil...

Start at the Willowbrook Trailhead. You’ll hit a “Y” in the trail pretty quickly - go left and you’ll soon be at the first log bridge. There are quite a few water crossings on the trail, but they are easy to maneuver. After hiking in the Willow Creek Open Space for a bit, you’ll enter Eagle’s Ne...

Lily Pad Lake is a well known destination just outside of Silverthorne and in the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. The trail may be heavily trafficked on the weekends, but solitude can still be found in the early mornings or during the weekdays. The trail starts at the Lily Pad Lake Trailhead, just to t...

To get to the southern end of the lake from Denver, head west on 70 until you reach 9. Take 9 for a few miles until you find the spot on the lake where you want to get started. On the south side of Lake Dillon, there was an abundance of old stumps lining the beach, which would occasionally drift ...

Starting at the Meadow Creek Trail head just off the turn off to Frisco this hike connects the stunning Eccles Pass and Gore Creek trails.Passing over Eccles Pass (11,917') and Red Buffalo Pass (11,742') this spectacular hike passes through dense forest, serene lakes and bubbling creeks.The Vail ...

Starting at just over 9,000ft the Meadow Creek trail follows the path of the similarly named Meadow Creek. Through a canopy of aspens and pines the trail climbs at a steady, moderate rate. After a few water crossings the trees give way to an alpine meadow that offer a view of the final approach t...

Starting at the Meadow Creek trailhead in Frisco, you'll find yourself ending up in East Vail at Gore Lake Trailhead. See all photos here.  The trail in Meadow Creek starts to climb at a gradual pace for the 3-4 miles, after a mile or so, take a look back upon the views of Lake Dillion. You'll ar...

To access the trailhead, drive 4 blocks South to the end of 2nd Avenue from Frisco's Main Street. The trailhead is located around 9,075 feet.Being a popular hike, the trail is clear in the summer months and usually populated by boot prints and snowshoe tracks in the winter. Follow the trail from ...

Mount Royal Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Frisco, Colorado.

You can do this hike two different ways: 1- Start from the Peaks Trail Trailhead for an out and back hike, distance is a little over 2 miles roundtrip. 2- Start along the Summit County Recreational Trail (as marked on this map), also out and back hike, total distance just over 3 miles, and provid...

There are 24 sites at the Blue River Campground that have access to well maintained vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. The campsites range in size, from single tent to multi-tent use (however no RV hookups).This campground is popular in the summer and can fill up every weekend, so I rec...

Starting from the Rock Creek Trailhead parking lot, it is an up and down trek to Upper Slate Lake. The trail map states 10 miles each way, but accounting for switchbacks it ends up being closer to 14 long, hard miles.You will be among aspens and pines for the first half as you have a few moderate...

Loveland Pass is often very busy during the winter as people move through the pass to access the nearby ski areas and just as popular for tourists admiring the beauty of the continental divide in the summer. It is also the start of some great hiking trails like the Mount Sniktau Trail.  However, ...

Mount Sniktau is a great beginner 13er. This hike offers a fun ridge walk with amazing views! Make sure you come prepared, the wind can be pretty relentless. Parking is limited so make sure you arrive early.This hike will get your blood pumping from the moment you exit your vehicle. You will cli...