Photo courtesy of Dillon Marina

 The Sunny
Side of Dillon
by Rebecca Sahr

The reflection of the setting sun dances on the water as if moving in time to the music emerging from the outdoor amphitheater.  The silhouette of a sailboat joins the sun in the last dance of the day.  Families with laughing children and couples holding hands stroll along the tree-lined paths near the water.  A young man throws a stick into the water as his barking dog, tail wagging, jumps in to retrieve the floating branch. 

This is the beginning of a typical summer night in Dillon, Colorado. 

This sleepy burg, nestled in the middle of Colorado ski country, offers a summer experience that rivals its well-known winter wonderland.  But summer is different.  Gone is the glitz of winter, pricey lift tickets and flashy ski outfits.  Instead, Dillon’s guests experience a laid back lifestyle with a variety of sun-loving activities just waiting to be enjoyed.

Lake Dillon is a high country reservoir offering breathtaking views to those who love to sail, fish or generally rock along with the waves in the middle of landlocked Colorado. With the help of the Dillon Yacht Club, the Dillon Marina offers many more enjoyable events.

The Fourth of July brings on a water-based parade.  Festively decorated boats of all shapes and sizes cruise by as jovial sailors call out friendly greetings to the spectators on the shore.  The Labor Day Dog Show is an animal lover’s delight offering prizes in such categories as “owner look-alike” and “best howl”.  

For those part-time water lovers, the Marina offers motor, sailboat and pontoon rentals. But, please no water skiing.  Lake Dillon, at 9,000 feet above sea level and fed by the run off from the snow-covered mountains, is too cold.

Summit County’s vast network of hiking and biking trails are for those who prefer to stay with their feet firmly planted on the ground.  These paved trails make it fun for all to “bike in the mountains” versus just “mountain biking."  The Dillon to Keystone ride is easy enough for most family members. This trek provides outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy the high country beauty as it winds along a six-mile picturesque path of the lake, mountain flora, and the Snake River.

Choosing to take the other direction out of town provides a more challenging ride along Lake Dillon to the Dam and then through national forest land. (CONTINUE...)