Top 20 Lakes in Summit County

Summit County offers diverse recreational opportunities. Dillon Dam and Reservoir is a major hub for boating, fishing, and summer concerts. Green Mountain Reservoir is excellent for motorboating, water skiing, and fishing, and uniquely permits swimming. For a more tranquil experience, Lily Pad Lake offers a peaceful alpine setting.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Dillon Dam and Reservoir is very family-friendly with amenities and activities for all ages. The Frisco Wetlands Bike Path, near Dillon Reservoir, is a flat, paved, and wheelchair-accessible route perfect for family strolls or bike rides. Sapphire Point Overlook and Lower Cataract Lake also offer accessible and enjoyable experiences for families.

The lakes in Summit County are surrounded by opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and even waterfall hikes. For example, there are easy hikes like the Lily Pad Lake Trail, moderate cycling routes such as Copper Mountain via Frisco, and waterfall hikes like the Lower Cataract Lake Loop. You can explore more options on the easy hikes guide, cycling guide, and waterfall hikes guide for Summit County.

Dillon Dam and Reservoir is a prime location for boating and sailing, featuring North America's highest deep-water marinas. You can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Green Mountain Reservoir is also excellent for motorboating, water skiing, and jet skiing due to its expansive waters.

While many lakes in Summit County are primarily for boating or fishing, Green Mountain Reservoir is a notable exception where swimming is permitted, offering a refreshing summer activity. Lily Pad Lake also allows swimming when the weather is warm enough.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Dillon Dam and Reservoir is well-stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and Arctic char. Green Mountain Reservoir is also known for excellent fishing, including trout and kokanee salmon, with a highlight being the kokanee salmon run in the fall. Both offer shore and boat fishing, and ice fishing in winter.

Summit County's lakes offer numerous scenic viewpoints. Dillon Dam and Reservoir provides panoramic views of the Tenmile and Gore Mountain ranges. Sapphire Point Overlook offers stunning vistas of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. Additionally, Sentinel Island View provides a great perspective of Sentinel Island within Dillon Reservoir.

Absolutely. The paved 18-mile path encircling Dillon Dam and Reservoir is perfect for easy walks and biking. The Frisco Wetlands Bike Path is another flat and easy option. For a short nature walk, the 2-mile loop trail around Lower Cataract Lake is easily accessible and offers beautiful scenery.

The best time to visit depends on your desired activities. Summer (mid-July through early September) is ideal for hiking to alpine lakes like Willow Lakes, enjoying wildflowers, and water sports on Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs. Fall offers beautiful foliage and the kokanee salmon run at Green Mountain Reservoir. Winter provides opportunities for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on the frozen lakes.

For a more serene experience, Green Mountain Reservoir is generally less crowded than Dillon Reservoir. Lily Pad Lake, tucked away in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, sees less traffic than other lake trails. Willow Lakes, accessible via a moderately challenging hike, also offer a stunning alpine escape away from the busiest spots.

Many trails and areas around Summit County lakes are dog-friendly. For example, Mayflower Lake is noted as a great place to cool off dogs on a hot day. Always check specific trail regulations and leash requirements before heading out with your pet.

The lakes are set against the backdrop of the Tenmile and Gore Mountain ranges, offering stunning alpine scenery. You'll find diverse ecosystems, from wetlands around Dillon Reservoir to dense forests and meadows leading to alpine lakes like Lower Crystal Lake and Rainbow Lake. Wildflowers are abundant in summer, and wildlife viewing is common, especially around Green Mountain Reservoir.