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Lake Dillon Reservoir Loop
Cycling Route
Details
18.39 mi
1,137 ft
A scenic loop around the lake almost entirely on dedicated bike paths.
This scenic loop circumnavigates Lake Dillon Reservoir, passing through the towns of Silverthorne and Frisco along the way. While portions of this loop follow roads, the vast majority of it is on dedicated bike paths, making it ideal for road riders who want to avoid traffic.
From the parking lot at the Frisco Adventure Park, dedicated bike paths lead you to a junction with the Swan Mountain Road.
On the east side of the lake, the route takes a marked bike lane on Swan Mountain Road to climb the hill overlooking the reservoir, then turns onto a paved, dedicated bike path to go down the other side on fun, curvy switchbacks. The path crosses Swan Mountain Road then continues through broad, grassy meadows and woodlands at the edge of a residential area to meet Highway 6 near the northeast corner of the lake.
At the highway, turn left onto the Snake River Recpath. This paved path stays mostly flat and runs parallel to the road for about 3 miles, featuring nice views over the lake for most of the way.
Once in Silverthorne at the lake’s northwest corner, continue onto another off-street bike path that more or less hugs the shoreline. It passes a marina, then crosses the top of the dam, then passes through a few campgrounds and by other trailheads as it continues into Frisco. This southern end of the lake has many islands and marshy inlets, making for great birdwatching and wildlife viewing, as well as interesting scenery.
When the path meets Highway 9 in Frisco, turn left and follow it through this urban area for a few miles. Soon the buildings thin out, and you’ll return to the recommended trailhead at the Frisco Adventure Park. Written by Greg Heil
This scenic loop circumnavigates Lake Dillon Reservoir, passing through the towns of Silverthorne and Frisco along the way. While portions of this loop follow roads, the vast majority of it is on dedicated bike paths, making it ideal for road riders who want to avoid traffic.
From the parking lot at the Frisco Adventure Park, dedicated bike paths lead you to a junction with the Swan Mountain Road.
On the east side of the lake, the route takes a marked bike lane on Swan Mountain Road to climb the hill overlooking the reservoir, then turns onto a paved, dedicated bike path to go down the other side on fun, curvy switchbacks. The path crosses Swan Mountain Road then continues through broad, grassy meadows and woodlands at the edge of a residential area to meet Highway 6 near the northeast corner of the lake.
At the highway, turn left onto the Snake River Recpath. This paved path stays mostly flat and runs parallel to the road for about 3 miles, featuring nice views over the lake for most of the way.
Once in Silverthorne at the lake’s northwest corner, continue onto another off-street bike path that more or less hugs the shoreline. It passes a marina, then crosses the top of the dam, then passes through a few campgrounds and by other trailheads as it continues into Frisco. This southern end of the lake has many islands and marshy inlets, making for great birdwatching and wildlife viewing, as well as interesting scenery.
When the path meets Highway 9 in Frisco, turn left and follow it through this urban area for a few miles. Soon the buildings thin out, and you’ll return to the recommended trailhead at the Frisco Adventure Park. Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rec Way Path Climb to Dickey | 0.41 mi | 85 ft | 3.7% |
| 9 to 9 Down | 1.14 mi | -89 ft | -1.5% |
| New path DH | 0.46 mi | -69 ft | -2.8% |
| Swan Mountain to bike path climb safe seg | 1.52 mi | 456 ft | 5.7% |
| Swan Mountain Road | 1.61 mi | 433 ft | 5.1% |
| Swan Mtn sprint | 1.59 mi | 443 ft | 5.2% |
| Swan Song | 0.49 mi | 164 ft | 6.3% |
| Swan my descent | 3.47 mi | -449 ft | -2.4% |
| Swan Mountain to Summit Cove (bike path) | 2.50 mi | -413 ft | -3.1% |
| Don't get "Trucked" decent | 0.57 mi | -115 ft | -3.5% |
| 1/4 mile uphill Swan Mtn bike path descent | 0.27 mi | 66 ft | 3.5% |
| Swan Mtn SE Descent - Road to Bridge | 1.30 mi | -240 ft | -2.6% |
| Soda Creek Sprint | 0.51 mi | -23 ft | -0.4% |
| Hightail across Dillon Bay | 1.12 mi | 30 ft | 0.1% |
| Marina Path Hill | 0.20 mi | 52 ft | 4.8% |
| Dillon Marina path hill | 0.15 mi | 16 ft | 2.0% |
| Dillon Marina Trail Climb | 0.25 mi | 23 ft | 1.8% |
| Who sees the speed limit | 0.24 mi | -39 ft | -1.8% |
| middle school little hill | 0.11 mi | 20 ft | 3.4% |