SUP Island Hopping On Lake Dillon
An Island Hop Adventure on Lake Dillon Reservoir
So you came to Colorado to admire its beauty? You’ve hiked a few trails, maybe taken a raft trip or grabbed some bikes for an afternoon. You’ve got a few days left in your trip, but you still haven’t gotten enough of the bluebird skies, dramatic mountain vistas, and piney forests. And you want to enjoy the water in a different way, maybe learn a new skill.
Grab Colorado Adventure Guides gear and our guides, and take the whole family to Lake Dillon for the day. We’ll guide you around the islands that the creation of the dam produced. These uninhabited islands pop out of a crystal clear drinking water reservoir, and are covered with lush vegetation and animals. Choose whether you want a single or double kayak, or try a stand up paddle board, and we’ll bring all the crafts and safety gear you need, too.
What’s the Lake Dillon Island Hop Tour Like?
First your Colorado Adventure Guide instructor will do a quick safety talk at the campground meetup spot (facilities available.) The water in the reservoir is COLD so try not to fall in! It’s important to stay near your group and guide because if anyone needs help quick action is required. Your guide will teach you basic paddling skills, and you’ll be off. Paddle away in your SUP or kayak and head out onto smooth, morning water.
Around you rise dramatic peaks of mountains that cater in the winter to skiers, riders, and snowshoers. Get your sea legs on and paddle toward the islands. The sun is on your shoulders, the pine-scented air in your lungs. Circle the islands – quiet, lush mounds where you’ll likely see birds and small creatures, but also perhaps a raptor diving for fish, bunnies, and a fox or two. Cruise past the shoreline and watch sailboats tilting in the breeze. Head out further into the middle of the lake if you like, then turn
When Should You Go?
The islands that Colorado Adventure Guides tours are sheltered from the strongest winds, but it’s still best to take the morning trip if possible to enjoy the glassiest waters, and, typically, the clearest, bluest skies. This is an activity the whole family can do well into fall, weather permitting. The trees and bushes on the islands and shoreline display beautiful fall colors not to be missed, typically throughout September. Depending on how warm it is outside, you can wear board shorts or a swimsuit, or we have splash jackets you can wear to block the sun and wind. We’ll bring the life vests, too; you bring some water and maybe a snack.
What can we do after the tour?
After your tour on the water, we recommend walking the shore of the lake where you can enjoy a variety of wildflowers, fresh pines, and nice trails. Nearby and above, there is a paved biking trail which hikers can use, too, but the bike riders tend to be fast. Closer to the water you’ll find a well-marked gravel trail that circles the lake past pines and wildflower stands where bikes don’t go. Small patches of beach line the edge of the lake where locals head to sunbathe and bask in the sunshine with a book and a picnic. After this you’ll be hungry, so head over to the Frisco Marina to enjoy some tacos and a beer or a cold ice cream.
Join us, Colorado Adventure Guides, on Lake Dillon Reservoir, on a SUP or in an inflatable kayak. We need at least 4 people to run the trip, and trips depart daily at 9 am and 2 pm.
