Nestled in the high desert of western Colorado, Highline Lake State Park is one of only 11 designated “Important Bird Areas” in Colorado by the National Audubon Society, with over 200 species of birds recorded at this unexpected desert oasis. This hidden gem offers a refreshing contrast to the arid landscape surrounding it, providing visitors with a wealth of recreational opportunities amidst stunning natural beauty.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Highline Lake State Park is located at 1800 11.8 Road in Loma, Colorado, just northwest of Fruita and approximately 30 minutes from Grand Junction. The park is easily accessible by car via Interstate 70.
Closest Airports
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 32 km (20 miles)
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) – 161 km (100 miles)
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – 402 km (250 miles)
From Grand Junction, take I-70 west to Exit 15 (Fruita), then follow Highway 6 west. Turn north on 16 Road, then west on L Road, and finally north on 11.8 Road to reach the park entrance.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Recommended Seasons
- Late Spring (May-June): Pleasant temperatures of 21-29°C (70-85°F), wildflowers in bloom, and fewer crowds before peak summer season.
- Early Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures of 18-26°C (65-80°F), beautiful fall colors, and excellent bird watching as migration begins.
- Summer (July-August): Perfect for water activities with temperatures of 32-38°C (90-100°F), though this is peak season with more visitors.
Seasons to Avoid
- Winter (December-February): While the park remains open, temperatures can drop to -7°C (20°F), and many water activities are unavailable.
- Late Summer Weekends: The lake often reaches capacity early in the day, requiring boats to wait until others leave.
For the most up-to-date weather conditions, check the local forecast before your visit. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the afternoon.
Getting Around Locally
Highline Lake State Park spans over 563 hectares (1,391 acres) with two lakes and numerous trails. The park is designed for easy navigation with well-marked paths and facilities.
Within the Park
- Walking/Hiking: The park features over 9 miles of trails that connect all major areas.
- Biking: Bicycles are welcome on all trails, making this an efficient way to explore.
- Personal Vehicle: Parking lots are available near major attractions and trailheads.
Nearby Attractions
- Fruita: 10 minutes by car
- Colorado National Monument: 20 minutes by car
- Grand Junction: 30 minutes by car
- Kokopelli Trail System: 15 minutes by car
Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the Visitor Center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A daily vehicle pass costs $10, while an individual daily pass is $4.
Where to Stay
Camping at the Park
Highline Lake State Park offers 31 year-round campsites in a grassy area with mature shade trees. While sites lack electricity, the campground provides coin-operated hot showers, laundry facilities, and water hydrants. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Contact: 970-858-7208
Nearby Hotels
The nearby towns of Fruita and Grand Junction offer various accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly motels to upscale hotels. Most are within a 15-30 minute drive from the park.
Popular choices include the Comfort Inn & Suites in Fruita and various hotels along Highway 6 and I-70.
Vacation Rentals
For families or longer stays, vacation rentals in Fruita, Loma, and Grand Junction provide more space and amenities. Many offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and are convenient for accessing both Highline Lake and other area attractions.
Dining & Local Cuisine
While Highline Lake State Park doesn’t have restaurants within its boundaries, there are 44 family picnic sites with tables and grills throughout the park. These sites are available year-round and located close to both Mack Mesa and Highline Lake.
Picnicking at the Park
- Shaded Areas: Many sites feature mature shade trees in grassy areas.
- Lakeside Cabanas: Some sites are cabanas near sandy areas, perfect for families.
- Grills: Each site comes with a grill for cooking.
Bringing your own food and drinks is recommended as there are no food vendors in the park.
Nearby Dining Options
- Fruita (10 minutes): Hot Tomato Pizzeria, Camilla’s Kaffe, Munchies
- Grand Junction (30 minutes): Wide variety of restaurants including Il Bistro Italiano, Bin 707 Foodbar, and Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery
The western Colorado region is known for its fresh produce, particularly peaches and wine from nearby Palisade.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Water Activities
- Swimming: The Lakeview Swim Beach is open from the second weekend of May through September.
- Fishing: Both lakes offer opportunities to catch largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and trout.
- Boating: Highline Lake permits motorized boating, water skiing, and jet skiing from March through September.
- Paddleboarding: A popular activity, especially on Mack Mesa Lake.
Land Activities
- Hiking: Over 9 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult.
- Mountain Biking: The park serves as a starting point for world-class mountain biking routes.
- Wildlife Viewing: Abundant year-round with Watchable Wildlife Kiosks available.
- Picnicking: 44 sites with tables and grills throughout the park.
Seasonal Activities
- Bird Watching: Over 200 species have been observed, with winter being particularly good for migrations.
- Hunting: Waterfowl hunting is permitted Monday through Friday during legal seasons in designated areas.
- Ice Fishing: Available during winter months when the lake freezes sufficiently.
- Geocaching: Eleven caches are hidden throughout the park.
Popular Trails
Easy Trails
- Mack Mesa S Trail: 0.6 miles with windy downhill turns and views of the Colorado National Monument.
- Blue Heron Marsh Trail: 0.6 miles offering the best tour of riparian habitat around the lake.
Moderate Trails
- Greasewood Flats Loop: 1.1 miles with sage and cedar smells, excellent for wildlife viewing.
- Mack Mesa Loop: 1.2 miles with views from one of the highest points in the park.
- East Bluffs Loop: 1.1 miles providing access to cabanas along the east side of the lake.
Difficult Trails
- Highline Lake Trail: 3.3 miles featuring excellent shore bird and mule deer viewing opportunities.
- 18 Hours of Fruita Trail: Over 7 miles per lap, used for the annual endurance race the first weekend of May.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
At the Park
The Highline Lake Visitor Center features educational displays about local wildlife and ecosystems. Visitors can explore multiple educational mounts including a beaver, a bobcat, and a great horned owl. The center also houses a skins and skulls table where curious visitors can touch and examine specimens up close.
The walls display photos, paintings, and carvings of birds and wildlife commonly seen in the park, many created and donated by volunteers.
Annual Events
- 18 Hours of Fruita: A mountain biking endurance race held the first weekend of May that puts Highline Lake at the center of the mountain-biking world.
- Youth, Veteran, & Active Military Weekend: Special waterfowl hunting event for these groups.
- Bird Migration Celebrations: Educational events during peak migration seasons.
Nearby Cultural Attractions
Fruita
This small town 10 minutes from the park is known for its dinosaur museums and outdoor culture.
- Dinosaur Journey Museum
- Colorado Canyons Association
Grand Junction
The largest city in the area offers various cultural experiences 30 minutes from the park.
- Museum of Western Colorado
- Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
- Art on the Corner sculpture exhibit
Palisade
Known for its wineries and orchards, Palisade is about 45 minutes from Highline Lake.
- Wine country tours
- Peach and lavender festivals (seasonal)
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Highline Lake State Park has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, making it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts. The contrast between the desert landscape and the water features creates a unique ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife and waterfowl are abundant year-round at Highline Lake. The park features Watchable Wildlife Kiosks on either side of Highline Lake, complete with viewing scopes for close-up observation.
- Mammals: Mule deer, raccoons, red foxes, and occasionally bobcats
- Reptiles: Various lizards and snakes adapted to the desert environment
- Amphibians: Several species found in the wetland areas
Birding Paradise
Over 200 species of birds have been observed at Highline Lake, including some rare sightings like the vermilion flycatcher, which is extremely rare in Western Colorado.
- Waterfowl: Snow geese, white swans, pelicans, blue herons
- Raptors: Osprey, bald and golden eagles, owls, Cooper’s hawks
- Other Species: Sandhill cranes, loons, loggerhead shrikes
Unique Ecosystems
Desert Landscape
The surrounding area features classic high desert terrain with sagebrush, cedar, and other drought-resistant plants. This creates a striking contrast with the lakes and provides habitat for desert-adapted species.
Riparian Areas
The Blue Heron Marsh Trail offers the best tour of riparian habitat around the lake. These water-adjacent ecosystems support a different set of plants and animals than the surrounding desert.
Wetlands
Below the dam, wetland areas provide crucial habitat for many species. These areas are particularly good for wildlife viewing and photography, especially during early morning or evening hours.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Water Safety
- Swim only in designated areas (Lakeview Swim Beach).
- Children should always be supervised near water.
- Be aware that no lifeguards are on duty.
- Wear life jackets when boating.
- Check for any water quality advisories before swimming.
Trail Safety
- Carry sufficient water, especially in summer months.
- Wear appropriate footwear and sun protection.
- Stay on designated trails to protect the ecosystem.
- Be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
- Check trail conditions at the Visitor Center before hiking.
Hunting Season Safety
- Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons.
- Keep dogs on leashes with bright bandanas or vests.
- Make noise to alert hunters to your presence.
- Stay on designated trails and out of hunting zones.
- Be courteous to hunters and avoid unnecessary noise.
Park Etiquette
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave natural items where you find them.
- Quiet Hours: Observe quiet hours in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Pets: Keep dogs leashed at all times and clean up after them.
- Wildlife: Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Fires: Use only designated fire rings and grills.
- Alcohol: Consume responsibly and be mindful of other visitors.
- Noise: Keep music and voices at a reasonable level.
- Drones: Check current regulations before flying drones in the park.
Visitor Comments About Highline Lake
“Highline Lake was the perfect surprise during our Colorado road trip. We only planned to stop for a quick lunch but ended up spending the whole day. The contrast between the desert landscape and the beautiful blue water is stunning. The trails were well-maintained and offered amazing views. Don’t miss the Blue Heron Marsh Trail if you’re into birdwatching!”
“As an avid mountain biker, I’ve visited many trails across the US, but Highline Lake offers something special. The 18 Hours of Fruita Trail provides a challenging ride with incredible scenery. What makes this place unique is that after a hot ride, you can cool off with a swim in the lake. The campground is also excellent with nice shade trees and clean facilities.”
“We visited Highline Lake during our family trip to Colorado and were amazed by the bird diversity. My children counted over 30 different species in just one afternoon! The Visitor Center has excellent educational displays that helped them learn about local wildlife. The picnic areas are well-maintained with beautiful views. I highly recommend visiting in early fall when the weather is perfect.”
Additional Nearby Destinations
Colorado National Monument
Just 20 minutes from Highline Lake, this stunning park features towering sandstone monoliths and deep canyons. Drive the scenic Rim Rock Drive for spectacular views or explore hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
Kokopelli Trail System
The trailhead for the world-famous Kokopelli Trail System from Loma to Moab, Utah is just six miles south of Highline Lake State Park. This 142 km (88-mile) trail is popular with mountain bikers and hikers seeking adventure.
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Palisade Wine Country
Colorado’s wine country features over 25 wineries and vineyards in a beautiful setting. Take a tour, enjoy tastings, and explore the charming town of Palisade, also known for its peach orchards and lavender farms.
Distance: 56 km (35 miles)
Grand Mesa
The world’s largest flat-top mountain offers a completely different ecosystem with alpine lakes, forests, and meadows. In summer, enjoy hiking and fishing; in winter, it’s perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Distance: 64 km (40 miles)
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
This vast wilderness area features the second-largest concentration of natural arches outside of Utah. Explore slot canyons, sandstone formations, and ancient rock art in this less-visited gem.
Distance: 24 km (15 miles)
Downtown Grand Junction
The largest city in western Colorado offers shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture exhibit “Art on the Corner” and the vibrant farmers market (seasonal).
Distance: 32 km (20 miles)
Practical Travel Tips
What to Pack
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (even in cooler months)
- Water: Refillable bottles (water available at the Visitor Center)
- Appropriate Footwear: Hiking shoes for trails, water shoes for the beach
- Binoculars: Essential for birdwatching
- Insect Repellent: Especially near water in summer months
Reservations & Fees
- Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
- Individual Daily Pass: $4
- Camping: Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
- Annual Pass: Consider if planning multiple visits
- Hunting Blinds: Reservations highly recommended during season
Connectivity & Services
- Cell Service: Limited in some areas of the park
- WiFi: Not available in the park
- Nearest Gas Station: Fruita (10 minutes)
- Nearest Medical Facility: Family Health West in Fruita
- Emergency: Park staff or call 911
Park Contact Information:
Highline Lake State Park
1800 11.8 Road, Loma, CO 81524
Phone: 970-858-7208
Email: highline.park@state.co.us
Your Desert Oasis Awaits
Highline Lake State Park stands as a refreshing contrast to Colorado’s more famous mountain destinations—a true desert oasis that offers unexpected natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Whether you’re casting a line at dawn as the sun illuminates the desert landscape, hiking trails that showcase the unique ecosystem, or simply enjoying a family picnic by the water, Highline Lake delivers memorable experiences in a less-crowded setting. As one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, this park invites you to discover the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility in the high desert of western Colorado.
The above is subject to change.
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