Dillon Reservoir is the 7th largest lake in Colorado with an area of more than 3,200 acres and a volume of more than 250,000 acre-feet. It has several bays and inlets. Water flows out of Dillon Reservoir via the Blue River which connects to the Colorado River near Kremmling, Colorado.
While staying at Pine Cove Campground, in the town of Frisco, we enjoyed kayaking around Frisco Bay, Heaton Bay, and Giberson Bay. I would have liked to make it all the way around the Blue River Arm, the Snake River Arm, and Dillon Bay. But, even in my Hobie Mirage Lynx peddle kayak, that would take all day. And, if there’s one thing we learned during our eight days at Dillon Reservoir, assume afternoon thunderstorms! We’re not complaining though. The reservoir is beautiFULLy overflowing with water!
In this GoPro Video, I kayaked from Pine Cove Campground, following the shore counter-clockwise to the end of the peninsula. From there I went northwest past the islands to follow the shore back along Heaton Bay, Giberson Bay, and Frisco Bay before returning to Pine Cove Campground. According to Alltrails, it was 9.33 miles and took me 2 hours and 50 minutes. I was moving at a good pace almost the entire time… except when I stopped to take pictures of a moose on one of the islands!
Pine Cove Campground
Since we stayed at Pine Cove Campground, we always launched our kayaks from there. It’s a great cove to paddle around because it’s relatively protected if the wind kicks up.
Pine Cove has a Day Use area. So, you can park, have a picnic, use the vault toilets and launch your kayak even if you aren’t camping there.
Kayak carts and PFDs (personal flotation devices) are available for you to borrow, if needed. They’re located near the boat ramp and PFDs are required on the lake! I wear a PFD belt which isn’t easy to see. I was stopped several times by the lake patrol to ensure I had one on.
Dillon
Kayaking from Pine Cove Campground toward Dillon Bay leads past several small islands before opening to the main part of Dillon Reservoir. Dillon Dam and the city of Dillon are visible in the distance. I saw several boats, but no kayaks, as I cut across the reservoir toward Heaton Bay.
Heaton Bay
Heaton Bay has a beautiful campground on the hills between Heaton Bay and Giberson Bay.
A small cove between the bays offers easy access to the campground from the water. And, because it’s relatively protected, the water can look like glass.
Giberson Bay
Giberson Bay has a Day Use area with a parking lot and vault toilets. It’s a great place to launch kayaks or to take a break from kayaking. But, with easy access from Dillon Dam Road, Giberson Bay can get quite crowded.
Moose Island
You won’t find it on other maps, but this is my blog post so I can name this small island whatever I want. And, to me, it will always be Moose Island.
When I first saw the dark lanky legs on one of the small islands, I thought it was a big dog taking a kayaking break with his humans. As I got close, I was thrilled to see it was a huge bull moose!
Tenmile Creek Inlet
Tenmile Creek runs through the town of Frisco and enters Dillon Reservoir at Frisco Bay. It’s a popular fishing spot from kayaks as well as from the shore.
Frisco Bay
Frisco Bay is the most popular area to kayak on the south side of Dillon Reservoir. The Frisco Bay Marina has a large parking area, is a short walk from downtown Frisco, has a beautiful beach and a restaurant. If you don’t have your own kayak you can rent them or join a kayaking excursion.
Islands
The southern half of Dillon Reservoir has plenty of coves and islands to explore on a kayak without venturing too far from your launch site.
Returning safely
During our eight days on Dillon Reservoir in early July, every morning was beautiful with relatively still water. However, the wind picked up every afternoon and was often followed by short rainstorms. Being a large reservoir, the waves can get rough and the water is cold. It's important to watch the sky and plan ahead for a safe return to shore!
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