From the shores of the Dillon Reservoir, to white-water rafting through town on the Blue River, the communities of Silverthorne and Dillon in central-Colorado provide the ideal launching pad to explore the Rocky Mountains. Separated by the Dillon Dam, traveling between the two towns only takes about ten minutes though each offers a unique vibe for visitors at any time of the year.
Surrounded by the spectacular Tenmile and Gore mountain ranges, Dillon and Silverthorne both provide tremendous access to outdoor recreation, world-class ski resorts, and miles of wilderness. While Dillon transmits a more classic mountain-village feel, Silverthorne’s bustling activity offers major amenities year-round. Many visitors from across the region are further attracted to Silverthorne’s shopping, craft breweries, and top dining experiences.
Outdoor recreation defines the lifestyle in Dillon and Silverthorne. With immediate access to world-class skiing and snowboarding, these neighboring towns are centrally located for getting to major ski areas including Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Vail.
During warmer months, the Dillon Reservoir offers sailing, paddleboarding, and fishing. Along with its amphitheatre, Dillon’s main attraction is the deep-water marina at the reservoir. It’s located right on the waterfront and provides boat rentals, sup and kayak rentals, and more. The reservoir is also used during the winter months for both ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy that rainbow trout are a favorite here and kept stocked in the Dillon Reservoir by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. When the snow melts, this is the ideal place for those who want to get away for a fishing trip, with plenty of rental services in the area to help make that possible. And, don’t forget gold-medal fly fishing on the Blue River in Silverthorne.
History buffs will find fascinating stories throughout the area. The original town of Dillon was founded in the 1880s as a stagecoach stop and trading post. It actually relocated three times. The final move happened in the 1960s to make way for the construction of the Dillon Dam. Today, the original townsite sits entirely underwater, creating a unique historical fact beneath the reservoir's surface.
Whether you want to hit the slopes, explore high-altitude waterways, or uncover local history, this Summit County destination delivers.
