DILLON
DESTINATION
DILLON, CO
Have you ever dreamed of waking up in the morning and stepping to the window with your coffee to see white capped peaks surrounding you? If the answer is yes, then Dillon is the perfect place for you. With views of Peak One, Buffalo and Lake Dillon you will feel like you are on a cloud nine. With lodging right on the lake or facing the exquisite mountain ranges you will feel rejuvenated and ready to go conquer your own mountain. Be sure to say hi the locals as Dillon has the local feel and plenty of great hidden gems.
LODGING IN DILLON
Looking for some of the best views of Lake Dillon without having to travel? Do you also desire a great quiet, serene mountain location? Ptarmigan Lodge has it all. Just a short walk to the Lake Dillon Amphitheatre and the Lake, this cozy Best Western is perfect for a family who wants to be able to let the kids outside to play in the snow while they pack up the gear for the day or couple looking to spend some quality time together.
800-780-7234 | VISIT SITE
If you are looking for convenience,Comfort Suites is the epitome of the word. Located right off the highway and close to all the major resorts of Summit County, as well as near quite a few great restaurants. You will also be able to pick and choose your next adventure without the stress of a large commute. Enjoy relaxing in the pool or hit the hot tub to relax your muscles before heading out to the slopes!
970-513-0300 | VISIT SITE
Want a nice place to stay that is centrally located? The Dillon Inn is right off Highway 6 on your way towards Keystone. This location is near a few great spots to eat dinner as well as Christy Sports if you needed to rent your ski equipment. Be sure to enjoy the pool and hot tub during your stay,without spending an arm and a leg.
970-262-0801 | VISIT SITE
Looking for a place to stay that is a bit more like a stay in your own Condo? Lake Cliffe Condo provides you with all that you will need from kitchenware to a steam shower. There is also laundry in the building as well a club house with the largest pool in Dillon. You are also close to a grocery store if you would prefer home cooked meals, but next to several great places to eat if you would prefer to relax.
719-338-3922 | VISIT SITE
Do you want to feel like you have a second home in the mountains, without having to spend the money on actually owning a second home? Call Seymour Lodging and see what they have available for you. With 2-bedroom duplexes to 5-bedroom homes they will be able to accommodate those looking for a romantic stay to large families wanting to have quality time together.
800-750-1657 | VISIT SITE
Want to stay away from the crowds but still be close to the resorts? Do you enjoy waking up to incredible scenery? Look no further, for Chateau Claire Condominiums is centrally located and right on Lake Dillon. You will be moments away from the major ski areas but not have to worry about large crowds and checking into a busy hotel. Also located near some great places to have dinner, or head to the grocery and make a nice home cooked meal at the condo.
970-468-2760 | VISIT SITE
Do you have a large group coming up to the mountains and you do not want to have to spend a fortune on a place to stay? The Carolina Lodge In The Pines will take your breath away. With 12 rooms to spread out, this unit is absolutely immaculate in every way. Visit the web-page as they have several elegant homes to book for your group to escape to. Located near all the major resorts you will not want to leave this mountain paradise.
970-393-2271 | VISIT SITE
HIKING IN DILLON
1.5 miles/ vertical 150 ft.
Dillon Reservoir attracts visitors year after year with a variety of activities from sailing, canoeing, and stand up paddling to biking the recreation path that runs along the shore. However the old Dillon Reservoir is not far and provides a great family hike. The hike is about three quarters of a mile and has less than 200 ft of elevation change. Some highlights are the beautiful wildflowers and spectacular views of the old reservoir and Summit County.
2.5 miles/ vertical minimal
Tenderfoot Mountain Trail offers views of Dillon Reservoir and the peaks of Tenmile Range as it weaves through alpine meadows. The south-facing slope the trail follows makes this easygoing hike perfect morning and evening hikes as you explore groves of aspens and lodgepoles. The one-and-a-quarter-mile trail climbs through wildflowers alternating with forest up until the end of the hike where you’ll reach an overlook of the lake and surrounding peaks.
The Ptarmigan Trail travels through almost every type of natural environment that Summit County offers. A short drive from downtown Dillon brings you to the trailhead in a thick pine forest. When you begin the hike the forest obstructs most of the views but there are some open areas that have great views of the lower Blue River Valley. As you ascend towards the tree line the forest thins out and there is more variation to the trees. Once you pass the tree line the views of the Ten Mile Range, Lake Dillon, and the Gore Range from Ptarmigan are second to none. Be sure to keep a lookout for the elk herd known to graze on the peak. The full length of the trail is 12 miles with and 3,400 ft elevation change and there are shorter loops if you do not feel like taking on the entire distance.
The Ptarmigan Trail travels through almost every type of natural environment that Summit County offers. A short drive from downtown Dillon brings you to the trailhead in a thick pine forest. When you begin the hike the forest obstructs most of the views but there are some open areas that have great views of the lower Blue River Valley. As you ascend towards the tree line the forest thins out and there is more variation to the trees. Once you pass the tree line the views of the Ten Mile Range, Lake Dillon, and the Gore Range from Ptarmigan are second to none. Be sure to keep a lookout for the elk herd known to graze on the peak. The full length of the trail is 12 miles with and 3,400 ft elevation change and there are shorter loops if you do not feel like taking on the entire distance.
15 miles/ 2532 ft.
One of the lesser known hikes but one of the best in Summit County is Mesa Cortina. Mesa Cortina stretches 15 miles over the Gore Mountain Range going up and over Red-Buffalo Pass. The route is great because the total elevation change is only 2,500 ft making the long hike a little easier for less experienced hikers. Mesa Cortina goes through the full spectrum of Summit County environments and provides a different viewpoint for hikers as most of the popular hiking looks towards the Gore Mountain Range. Another perk of hiking Mesa Cortina is that you can hike as long or as short as you would like. Camp halfway through, split it over a few days, or make it one seriously long day hike. Mesa Cortina was in consideration to become Interstate 70, but you’ll be glad it was left as a hiking trail when you explore its many vistas and alpine meadows.
DINING IN DILLON
Do you love sushi? Or do you want to have your food prepared in front of you by a teppanyaki chef? Nozawa offers the solution to both! Located right in the heart of Dillon, Nozawa will satisfy all your hunger cravings. Try the Shredder roll or the Sunset roll which will melt in your mouth. If you are in the mood for teppanyaki, the fried rice is absolutely mouth-watering.
970-262-6600 | VISIT SITE
Enjoy a variety of food at this Asian favorite. With options from Sushi, Thai, and Chinese, Bamboo Garden will be sure to not disappoint. Their Sesame Chicken and Sesame Tofu are delicious. Along with their signature Bamboo Garden roll, you will enjoy being able to try quite the selection of food. If you do not feel like leaving your condo, they also deliver!
970-468-6888 | VISIT SITE
Want to dine somewhere with a great alluring atmosphere and excellent food? Red Mountain Grill is elegantly decorated, and its huge windows provide stunning views while you dine. The food is incredible, from oven-fired pizzas, to scrumptious pasta dishes, and sandwiches. Everyone will be sure to find just what they are looking for to satisfy their palates.
970-468-1010 | VISIT SITE
A favorite for locals and visitors alike, the Dillon Dam Brewery has quite a selection of microbrews and a menu to please the whole family. Their happy hour offers great deals on appetizers, while entrees range from salads and sandwiches to steaks and pastas. If you are looking for a great dessert the Monster Brownie will hit the spot and is plenty for the family. Feel free to come in straight from the ski hill in your snow gear; they will not mind!
970-262-7777 | VISIT SITE
If you are looking for a fresh and filling breakfast, or a fantastic lunch or dinner, go where the locals go! With their great barbeque and steaks plus the perfect, scenic location near the lake, Arapahoe Cafe will be sure to make your list more than once. Be sure to check on the nightly special, as well! The “A-Café” offers great seating for families and those looking for peace and quiet as well as “The Pub Down Under”, where the locals go to play pool and grab a bite to eat while catching up on sports.
970-468-0873 | VISIT SITE
Do you want to take it easy in the morning and have a great breakfast before hitting the slopes? Sunshine Cafe is a hidden gem of Dillon and a great spot to have an excellent breakfast. They have quite a variety of breakfast items including plenty of great options for kids. Are you looking for lunch instead? Not to worry! Sunshine Cafe also has a great selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and more to satisfy your appetite.
970-468-6663 | VISIT SITE
Are you a fan of Chipotle or Qdoba? Well, make room for Chimayo! This fantastic, locally owned restaurant has made a name with their amazing fish and shrimp burritos. They have a variety of food on their menu and can also accommodate children. Be sure to try a churro as well!
970-262-6734 | VISIT SITE
TRIPS AVAILABLE NEAR DILLON
The Gauntlet White Water Rafting – Pine Creek & Numbers
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Browns Canyon Half Day + Zipline Package
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The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata
This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This [...]
The Numbers Half Day + Rock Climb
Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best mountain activities! On this multi-adventure package, you’ll have the opportunity to raft the iconic Arkansas [...]
24 Hours in Browns Canyon
Experience Colorado’s best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country [...]
Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite
Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above [...]
Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure
Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting [...]