Old Dillon Reservoir Trail

There is a dedicated parking lot for the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail. The initial climb from the parking lot to the reservoir is gradual and covers about 0.5 miles.

Yes, the trail is considered easy to moderate and is very beginner-friendly, making it a popular choice for families. The loop around the reservoir itself is largely flat once you reach it.

The main Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is about 0.8 miles long. While the trail itself isn't a full loop around the entire reservoir from the trailhead, you can hike to the reservoir and enjoy a largely flat loop around its perimeter. The broader trail system in the area offers more extensive loop options.

Hikers are treated to spectacular panoramic views. You'll see the Tenmile Range, the Continental Divide (including Mount Guyot and Bald Mountain), and the Gore Range with Mount Buffalo. Expansive vistas of Lake Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne are also visible, especially from a sitting bench on the ridge. The Old Dillon Reservoir itself provides a serene focal point.

The trail features groves of picturesque birch trees and vibrant wildflowers in warmer months. In the fall, it's renowned for its bright golden aspen-lined trails. You might also spot local wildlife such as eagles and chipmunks. The Old Dillon Reservoir is partially surrounded by lodgepole pine and willows.

The trail is beautiful year-round. It's particularly famous for its stunning fall colors when the aspens turn golden. During warmer months, you'll see wildflowers. It's also a viable option for winter hiking, though you might encounter packed snow or ice.

Yes, the trail is very dog-friendly. However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail, as it is located within the White River National Forest. However, always check the official USDA Forest Service website for any updated regulations or alerts before your visit: usda.gov.

The path can be a mix of rocky sections and gravel. In colder months, packed snow or ice might be present. The initial climb from the parking lot is gradual, and the loop around the reservoir is largely flat.

Yes, the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is part of a larger system. The route also passes through sections of the Dillon Reservoir Recpath, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the TransAmerica Trail (Colorado), Mishler Trail, and Teller Trail, offering opportunities for longer excursions.

Yes, with its manageable difficulty and moderate elevation gain, the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is an excellent choice for those coming from lower altitudes to acclimate to the higher elevation of Summit County.