Sapphire Point Overlook
Sapphire Point Overlook sits between Keystone and Breckenridge on Swan Mountain Road, at an elevation of 9,500 feet. The overlook offers a stunning view of Dillon Reservoir, hemmed in by the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges.
Sapphire Point is a day-use area that can be reserved for two-hour blocks for private gatherings. It is the only designated site where wedding ceremonies are permitted to take place on the Dillon Ranger District.
This is a non-exclusive day-use area, able to accommodate up to 35 people for small events such as wedding ceremonies. Although the site may be reserved, all visitors have access to the site.
Use of portable chairs and other furniture is allowed, however, commercial services, such as delivery of rental or catering items, are prohibited unless the vendor has a valid permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
Notifications and Alerts
The White River National Forest will be starting the planning for a project at Sapphire Point Observation Area and trail. The project would include trail upgrades to meet accessibility standards, improvements to the two overlooks, defining the existing parking area and travel zones for the varied users of the site and several new rules at the site. There may be intermittent administrative closures of the site to facilitate this work in both 2024 and 2025. If you would like to stay updated on this planning and project efforts visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver and look for information posted on this banner.
The Sapphire Point reservation system is unavailable for new reservation until spring of 2024. The Forest Service is re-designing the reservation page with an updated venue platform that should be more user-friendly to reserve this outdoor venue. Existing reservations for the winter 2023-2024 months will be honored and remain in place. Updates will be posted when we have the exact date of when reservations can be made. We apologize for this inconvenience. The Forest Service is updating the reservation system to a venue platform that will be more user friendly.
Need to Know
This facility is located in Summit County. Please visit https://summitcountyco.gov/1306/Coronavirus for the current COVID-19 County Public Health Order and information on gatherings and events.
- Reservation confirmation must be in the possession of someone at the site during use
- The trail to the wedding site is not maintained in winter so wedding attendees need to dress for the weather and don appropriate footwear
- Please remove all furniture, flowers, trash and other items from the site at the end of your reservation
- Ground must remain undisturbed; stakes and poles prohibited, and releasing or distributing seeds, plants, plant parts, animals or other items must be approved in advance
- If you provide a commercial service at Sapphire Point, please contact the Dillon Ranger District at (970) 468-5400 to make sure you have a valid permit
- Site must remain open to all users at all times
- 22 parking spots available at overlook for all users
Click here for more information about White River National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this overlook is part of the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest. Recognized as a place of serenity and adventure, the area boasts eight wilderness areas, four defined seasons and ten peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation.
Described as being more vertical than horizontal, the nearby Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, designated in 1976, is a playground of craggy cliffs, sheer rock faces, alpine lakes and deep, forested valleys.
Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests to live.
Nearby Attractions
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within ten miles from Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year-round.
Recreation
Encompassing a landscape of rivers, mountains, trails and forest roads, the White River National Forest is one of the top recreation Forests in the nation.
The area surrounding Sapphire Point Overlook provides visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities.
Dillion Reservoir is the greatest draw to the area. At 3,233 acres and 26.8 miles of shoreline, the reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing, boating and sailing. Anglers will find that the reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional cutthroat trout finding its way into the lake from feeder streams.
Opportunities for hiking and biking in this area abound as well, including more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system.
The Old Dillion Reservoir trail is a favorite among visitors. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir.
Contact Information
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SWAN MOUNTAIN ROAD SUMMIT CO
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 970-262-3451
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Approximately 4 miles from I-70 on US 9 heading South towards Breckenridge, turn left, heading east, onto Swan Mountain Rd. (Co Rd 1). Continue for approx. 2 miles to the top of the hill to Sapphire Point parking lot. Approximately 5 miles from I-70 on US 6 heading South towards Keystone, turn right, heading west, onto Swan Mountain Rd. (Co Rd 1). Continue for approx. 4 miles to the top of the hill to Sapphire Point parking lot.
Available Campsites
- Site 10:00AM - 1:00PM, Loop SAPPHIRE POINT, Type Lookout
- Site 6:00PM - 9:00PM, Loop SAPPHIRE POINT, Type Lookout
- Site 6:00AM - 9:00AM, Loop SAPPHIRE POINT, Type Lookout
- Site 2:00PM - 5:00PM, Loop SAPPHIRE POINT, Type Lookout
