Top 5 Lakes in Summit County

For families, Echo Reservoir is a great choice, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and the Union Pacific Rail Trail running along its banks. View of Rockport Lake, located within Rockport State Park, also offers campsites and trails suitable for families. Additionally, Lily Lake is noted as family-friendly, and Sawmill Reservoir provides an easy 1.3-mile walk perfect for all ages.

Yes, Summit County offers numerous hiking opportunities around its lakes. The 18-mile paved bike path encircling Dillon Reservoir is ideal for cycling and hiking. For a more challenging alpine experience, the Mohawk Lakes System near Breckenridge features an 8.6-mile round trip hike to several alpine lakes, including Mayflower Lake, Lower Mohawk Lake, and Upper Mohawk Lake, with waterfalls and historic mining ruins. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking in Summit County guide.

Beyond hiking, the lakes in Summit County offer a wide range of activities. Dillon Reservoir is popular for motorized and non-motorized boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and fishing. Green Mountain Reservoir allows all types of boating, including water skiing and jet skiing, and is a great spot for swimming. Fishing is also popular at Mohawk Lakes and Lower Crystal Lake. For cycling enthusiasts, explore routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Summit County guide.

Dillon Reservoir is a prime fishing spot, home to brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and arctic char. Green Mountain Reservoir also offers brown trout, rainbow trout, and salmon. For serious alpine fishing, Upper Mohawk Lake is known for its depth, while Lower Crystal Lake is stocked with cutthroat, brook, and rainbow trout.

The lakes are a year-round destination. Warmer months (late spring to early fall) are ideal for boating, swimming, hiking, and cycling, with wildflowers abundant in summer. During winter, activities shift to ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowkiting, especially around Dillon Reservoir, which also hosts ice castles.

Yes, for a more secluded experience, Lily Pad Lake, tucked away in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, is known for its lily pads and peaceful atmosphere. The Mohawk Lakes System, while popular, offers a more challenging hike to reach its stunning alpine lakes, providing a sense of discovery.

Yes, paddleboarding is very popular, especially on Dillon Reservoir and Maggie Pond, which offers calm waters ideal for first-timers. For wild swimming, Green Mountain Reservoir is a notable option as swimming is permitted there, unlike Dillon Reservoir.

Summit County's lakes are set against breathtaking mountain backdrops, including the Gore and Tenmile ranges. Scenic overlooks like Sapphire Point provide panoramic views of Dillon Reservoir. The Mohawk Lakes System features stunning waterfalls and historic mining ruins. Blue Lakes are particularly 'Instagram-famous' for their waterfall views. Kamas Lake is situated in a rocky depression at the foot of Scout Peak, offering majestic views.

Many trails in Summit County are dog-friendly, including those around Lily Lake. It's always recommended to check specific trail regulations and leash laws before heading out, as rules can vary by area, especially within wilderness areas or protected lands.

Dillon Reservoir has six campgrounds and day-use areas along its expansive shoreline. Green Mountain Reservoir offers seven campgrounds with beautiful views. Additionally, View of Rockport Lake, located within Rockport State Park, also provides campsites.

The areas around Summit County lakes are rich in wildlife. Near Lower Crystal Lake, you might spot pikas, moose, deer, and marmots. The White River National Forest surrounding Green Mountain Reservoir also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Yes, for an easy walk, Sawmill Reservoir offers a pleasant 1.3-mile trail, perfect for families. Rainbow Lake, accessible off the Peaks Trail in Frisco, features a mostly flat, 1.5-mile trail with stunning aspen views, making it another great easy option.