Dillon and Roaring Fork Valley

July 22-29, Aug 3-4, 2021

TL;DR: This area has tons of adorable towns, but we were particularly drawn to Frisco and the Dillon Reservoir, as well as Breckenridge. Easy-going, not hard to find nice spots, great hiking in every direction, and cool crisp evenings for summer bonfires.

The stats

Hikes: 7
Hiking miles: 20.87 (2603 elevation)
Miles in Eric: 305
Miles in Layla: 475
Chipmunks accidentally trapped: 1
Campfires enjoyed: 3
Starship Troopers movies watched: 1.25

The sights

Frisco/Dillon Reservoir

Like many Colorado towns, Frisco has blocked off part of their Main Street, which makes it easy and relaxing to walk around and marvel at the gorgeous flower beds. Felt busy, but not too crowded, which is a nice pace for us.

Hiked about halfway up to Ptarmagan Peak, which had gorgeous Aspens and tons of wildflowers. The first part was quite steep and cut through a neighborhood. Got to the mid-way bench with stunning views, but decided not to do the full 10-mile round trip since we were already pretty exhausted! Glad we went early because it got busy on our way back down.

Tried to go to the Lily Pad hike, but it was so busy we couldn’t even wait for a parking spot to open up.

Stopped into Silverthorne, but it seemed to mainly be composed of strip malls.

Aspen

Really pretty drive from Glenwood Springs to Aspen (especially if you go a little farther to Independence Pass), but the town itself was a bit too fancy for our taste, with endless high-end stores and menu prices that made our heads spin.

Carbondale

Pretty cute little stop that was quite busy on the weekend we went. Stopped at White House Pizza and got a delicious pie with slightly sweet dough topped with prosciutto, arugula, tomatoes, and garlic chile glaze.

Glenwood Springs

Though situated in a gorgeous canyon, the town itself isn’t really all that charming. Feels a bit more like Disneyland. Walked to Doc Holliday’s grave up on a hill. Pretty cool quote from Wyatt Earp.

Breckenridge

Adorable town that feels about the right size for a potential next home, and is situated on one long street versus a grid. Had a few beers outside at Breckenridge Brewery and sat in a cute corner among the Aspens. On our second visit, we went to Carboy Winery, where the wines were good and the frose was absolutely magical.

Details, details, details

We took a really beautiful run around the Dillon Reservoir while we were there, and at 9,000 feet elevation, were very proud we survived.

There are about five great campgrounds in the White River National Forest around the Dillon Reservoir. We stayed in three of them, and they were all great.

One night, we watched one of Bri’s childhood favorites, Starship Troopers, and Jess loved it! Unfortunately, Starship Troopers 2 is quite the opposite and was so horrible we had to turn it off (something Bri NEVER does).

When we stopped in Carbondale, there was some kind of festival going on, complete with a float on which there was a band playing music. There was also a very strong, lovable hippie vibe.

Colorado’s small mountain towns are brimming with active people who look like they just got off a hike/bike, or are about to go on one.

And then this happened…

Due to the fire in 2020 that made the ground unstable, I-70 is prone to mudslides when it rains, and on our way to Glenwood Springs, we had to go all the way around—4 hours instead of 1.5—and even then we weren’t even sure if it was open since it showed closed on Google Maps. Thankfully, since we had proof of our reservation, they let us through and the last open exit was ours. Got in and hooked up just before the rain started again.

At one point, Eric didn’t want to shift into overdrive and we later realized he had not had his oil changed in 6,000 miles, which is almost 2x what it should be. Oops.

Brian sliced his back while coming out from under an open slide. #RVLife. : (

When we were walking up to Doc Holliday’s grave in Glenwood Springs, we walked by an older group, and one lady said, “We’re hot and sweaty,” the next said, “He’s waiting for you,” and then the older gentleman said, “He’ll be your huckleberry.”

When we got to Dillon Lake, we were putting everything away and noticed that a chipmunk had somehow finagled its way under the screen door. Spent the next 20 minutes try to get him out as he went back and forth between Brian’s seat and Jess’s up front. Tried to sneak to the back, but eventually went out the open screen door. He returned the next day and was halfway up the screen door before we noticed!

At a thrift store in Breckenridge, we heard a kid ask his Dad, “Why are you so socially awkward?” and couldn’t help but burst out laughing. The Dad turned to us and said (jokingly), “Apparently, I don’t beat them enough.”

Now we know

Dillon Reservoir is “so cold” that you’re not supposed to swim in it. Apparently the combo of thin air and cold water makes it dangerous.

Roadfood

Right in the middle of Frisco, Bread + Salt serves delicious French toast, egg-and-grain bowls, and homemade jam.

Glenwood Springs’ Pullman offers tasty comfort food like carrot cake cinnamon buns, fresh corn fritters with herbs, and slow-cooked brisket hash.

Surrounded by fresh mountain air, we enjoyed garlic-crusted Rocky Mountain trout and a breakfast burrito smothered in pork green chile at Dillon’s Arapahoe Café.

At Frisco’s Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe, we devoured butter-crisped eggy bread and rich biscuits and gravy at 9,097 feet.

Since 1973, Moose Jaw has served Frisco tons of personality, cheap beer, golden fries and burgers loaded with ham, bacon, cheese and creamy mushrooms.

Where we stayed

Night one: Site 35, Peak One Campground, near Frisco, Colorado

Super gorgeous setting right next to Dillon Reservoir. It poured just after we got there, which provided for a gloriously chilly night. Was within walking distance to the beautiful Dillion Reservoir Loop, which goes 18.4 miles around the lake.

Nights two and three: Glenwood Canyon Resort, spot 39, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

NIghts four and five: Lakeside Campground, Spot #53, near Rifle, Colorado

The small-ish reservoir is big enough for boats and has lovely green water. Went for a nice swim there, which was super refreshing once we got past the mud and before it started to thunder and lightning.