Top 20 Lakes around Silverthorne

For a wide range of water activities, Dillon Reservoir is a prime choice, offering boating, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It has two marinas in Dillon and Frisco. Green Mountain Reservoir is another excellent option, being one of the few lakes where swimming is permitted, alongside wakeboarding, tubing, and waterskiing.

Yes, several lakes cater to families. Dillon Reservoir is family-friendly with paved recreation paths for biking and walking. Lily Pad Lake offers a family-friendly hike, about 1.4 miles one-way, with swimming possible when warm. Lower Cataract Lake also features a relatively flat 2-mile loop trail leading to Cataract Falls, making it accessible for families.

Both Dillon Reservoir and Green Mountain Reservoir offer excellent fishing opportunities. At Dillon, you can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Green Mountain Reservoir is known for producing large rainbow and brown trout, as well as lake trout and kokanee salmon, with good fishing year-round, including ice fishing in winter.

The Frisco Wetlands Bike Path, located along the western side of Dillon Reservoir, is a flat, paved, and wheelchair-accessible cycle way offering stunning mountain scenery. Additionally, Sapphire Point Overlook provides an easily accessible trail to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Dillon and the surrounding mountain ranges.

For a more tranquil experience with less traffic, consider Lily Pad Lake, nestled in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. The Ophir Mountain Trail System also offers a sense of nature just at the edge of town, with intertwining trails that are not as popular as some others in the area, providing open views of the lake and mountains.

Yes, the region offers several rewarding alpine lake hikes. Lily Pad Lake is an accessible alpine lake within the Eagles Nest Wilderness. For more challenging and scenic options, consider the hike to Willow Lakes in the Gore Range, a 12-mile round trip, or the 5-mile trail to Surprise Lake, both offering pristine alpine beauty. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Silverthorne guide.

During winter, North Pond Park in Silverthorne is a local favorite for ice skating and ice fishing. Green Mountain Reservoir also transforms into a popular spot for ice fishing. Dillon Reservoir is also a destination for ice fishing and ice skating when conditions allow.

The diverse ecosystems around Silverthorne's lakes support various wildlife. While specific sightings vary, you might encounter deer, elk, various bird species, and smaller mammals. The Eagles Nest Wilderness, where lakes like Lily Pad Lake are located, is a protected habitat for numerous species.

Yes, Dillon Reservoir has significant historical context. It was created by the Dillon Dam, completed in 1963, which notably submerged the original town of Dillon. The reservoir now serves as Denver’s largest water supply, sending water through a tunnel under the Continental Divide. Green Mountain Reservoir's dam was built between 1938 and 1942 and also generates electricity.

The Frisco Wetlands Bike Path offers a flat, paved route along the western side of Dillon Reservoir, perfect for cycling with mountain views. The entire Dillon Reservoir is encircled by paved recreation paths ideal for biking. For more cycling routes, explore the MTB Trails around Silverthorne guide.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning mountain scenery and the wide array of outdoor activities available. The panoramic views from spots like Dillon Reservoir and Sapphire Point Overlook are highly appreciated. The opportunity for boating, fishing, hiking, and cycling, combined with the natural beauty, makes the area a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Yes, the Ophir Mountain Trail System is situated in a forest, providing open views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Sapphire Point Overlook also features a trail that winds through a forest, leading to expansive lake views.