Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 9,066 ft - 9,193 ft
Elevation Gain: 127 ft
Dogs: Off Leash
Tags: #snowshoe, #lakedillon, #summitcounty, #coloradooutdoors
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| Buffalo Mountain seen from the trail around the Old Dillon Reservoir near Frisco CO. |
The trail to the Old Dillon Reservoir near Frisco CO is a short excursion to the top of a ridge with stunning views of Lake Dillion and all the peaks that surround the lake. In winter the shores of Lake Dillon are covered with snow and a hush seems to have fallen over the area because the outdoor enthusiasts have abandoned the water for the ski slopes.
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| Map showing the Trailhead location and general route |
The trailhead for this snowshoe is located off of the Dillon Dam Road just north of the Heaton Campground. There is no signage for the parking lot, which can be easily missed. The Forest Service has recently culled many of the beetle kill trees around the parking lot, making the area look empty and torn up. It is rare to see more than two cars in the parking lot.
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| A snowy Lake Dillon |
The route switchbacks up the hillside through Lodgepole Pine and Aspen, with plenty of open areas with views of the lake. In 2014, the Old Dillon Reservoir itself was completely redone and it is much easier to circumnavigate the area. This area is windy, which can mean large drifts on the south side of the ridge.
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| Looking back across the reservoir |
