Hike to Old Dillon Reservoir

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 is now covered by the Lake Dillon Reservoir. You can hike to the original reservoir by taking this easy trail just outside of Frisco town limits.

To access the trailhead, take the Dillon Dam Road east from the Town of Frisco (this will be the first exit you come to if you're exiting from I-70). About 1.5 miles from the intersection keep an eye out for a parking lot on the left hand (north) side of the road. The turnoff is easy to miss because it's partially obscured by greenery, so just keep a watchful eye.

From the trailhead, you will start out on an open hillside and immediately start the incline up to the reservoir. The grade is mild, but you aren't treated to any flat warm-up sections on this trail. Pretty soon you will start to hike through pine trees, aspens, and willows which offer a pleasant respite from the sun. If you're hiking during the early summer, you will be treated to plentiful varieties of colorful wildflowers. Throughout the trail you will have spectacular views of Lake Dillon and Frisco.

About 0.75 miles from the trailhead you will exit the trees and come to the Old Dillon Reservoir. Take in the view because you will have a sweeping panorama of the surrounding area. The Tenmile Range can be seen to the southwest as well as Mt Guyot and Bald Mountain to the south. Hike around the lake to the north shore to get views of Silverthorne to the north, Buffalo Mountain to the northwest, and Ptarmigan Peak to the northeast.

The lake is open to fishing with a valid Colorado fishing license. There are several social trails around the top, so you can extend your hike if you're not quite ready to head back to the trailhead. Even if you only hike to the reservoir, the views from the top are definitely worth completing this short little trail.