Did you know that Highline Lake State Park, despite being in Colorado’s high desert, is home to over 200 bird species? This 738-acre oasis in western Colorado serves as a crucial migratory stopover, with the Audubon Society designating it as an Important Bird Area. Beyond its surprising biodiversity, this hidden gem offers a refreshing escape with two lakes, lush grass, and miles of scenic trails just waiting to be explored.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Highline Lake State Park is located in Loma, Colorado, just 15 miles northwest of Grand Junction. The park serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the Grand Valley region with its unique desert landscape and recreational opportunities.
Closest Airports
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 23 km (14 miles)
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) – 145 km (90 miles)
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – 402 km (250 miles)
Driving Directions
From Interstate 70, take the Loma exit (Exit 15) and turn north onto Highway 139. Travel about 8 km (5 miles) and turn left on Q Road. At 11.8 Road, turn right and follow it north to reach the East Entrance and Visitor Center.
For the West Entrance (recommended for boaters), follow the same route but turn left onto R Road after 11.8 Road. Travel approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) and follow the signs to the West Entrance.
Park Address: 1800 11.8 Road, Loma, CO 81524
Contact: 970-858-7208 | [email protected]
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Recommended Seasons
- Late Spring (May-June): Comfortable temperatures between 21-29°C (70-85°F), wildflowers in bloom, and less crowded than summer.
- Early Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 18-26°C (65-80°F), beautiful foliage, and fewer visitors.
- Summer (July-August): Perfect for water activities with temperatures reaching 32-38°C (90-100°F), but expect crowds on weekends.
Seasons to Avoid
- Winter (December-February): Limited activities with temperatures between -1 to 10°C (30-50°F), though bird watching can be excellent.
- Holiday Weekends: The park often reaches capacity, especially for boating activities.
| Season | Temperature | Precipitation | Crowd Level |
| Spring | 15-29°C (60-85°F) | Low | Moderate |
| Summer | 21-38°C (70-100°F) | Very Low | High |
| Fall | 10-26°C (50-80°F) | Low | Moderate |
| Winter | -1-10°C (30-50°F) | Low | Low |
Weather Tip: The high desert climate means dramatic temperature changes between day and night. Pack layers even in summer when evenings can cool significantly.
Getting Around Locally
Highline Lake State Park is best explored by a combination of driving and walking. The park has two main entrances: the East Entrance leading to the Visitor Center and the West Entrance providing access to the boat ramp and western shore facilities.
Within the Park
- Walking/Hiking: 9.6 miles of trails connect different areas of the park.
- Biking: Mountain biking is popular on designated trails.
- Personal Vehicle: Required to travel between different sections of the park.
Nearby Attractions
A personal vehicle is essential for visiting nearby attractions like Colorado National Monument (20 minutes), Grand Junction (25 minutes), or Fruita (15 minutes).
Where to Stay
Camping at the Park
The park offers 56 campsites in a lush, grassy area with shade trees. Sites include:
- Basic sites (no hookups)
- Electric hookup sites
- Accessible sites
Amenities include hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season.
Nearby Hotels
The closest accommodations are in Fruita (15 minutes) and Grand Junction (25 minutes):
- Budget motels from $70/night
- Mid-range hotels from $110/night
- Vacation rentals from $130/night
Fruita offers a small-town atmosphere with easy access to the park, while Grand Junction provides more options and amenities.
Unique Stays
For a more unique experience, consider:
- Glamping sites in nearby Palisade (30 minutes)
- Ranch stays in the Grand Valley
- Vineyard accommodations in wine country
These options provide a distinctive Colorado experience while still offering easy access to the park.
Camping Tip: Campground sites fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance to secure your spot.
Dining & Local Cuisine
At the Park
Highline Lake State Park doesn’t have restaurants on-site, but offers:
- 105 picnic sites throughout the park
- Grills at designated picnic areas
- Visitor Center store with basic supplies
Nearby Dining
The closest dining options are in Loma and Fruita:
- Fruita (15 minutes): Local cafes, brewpubs, and family restaurants
- Grand Junction (25 minutes): Wide range of dining options from casual to fine dining
- Palisade (35 minutes): Farm-to-table restaurants and wineries
Local Specialties
The Grand Valley region is known for:
- Palisade peaches and other orchard fruits
- Colorado wines from local vineyards
- Craft beers from Fruita and Grand Junction breweries
- Farm-fresh produce from local growers
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Water Activities
- Swimming: Designated swim beach with buoyed area
- Boating: Power boating, jet skiing, and water skiing (March-September)
- Paddling: Kayaking and paddleboarding on both lakes
- Fishing: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, and channel catfish
Note: Highline Lake often reaches capacity for boats on summer weekends. Arrive early to ensure access.
Land Activities
- Hiking: 9.6 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate
- Mountain Biking: Popular trails including the 18 Hours of Fruita Trail
- Horseback Riding: Designated equestrian trails
- Wildlife Viewing: Bird watching platforms and wildlife blinds
- Picnicking: 105 picnic sites throughout the park
Seasonal Activities
- Spring: Wildflower viewing and bird migration
- Summer: Water sports and camping
- Fall: Hiking and photography
- Winter: Bird watching and peaceful hiking
- Hunting: Waterfowl hunting in designated areas during season
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
At the Park
- Visitor Center: Exhibits on local wildlife, geology, and park history
- Historical Sites: Remnants of the early 1900s Uintah Railway that transported dinosaur fossils
Nearby Cultural Attractions
- Museum of Western Colorado (Grand Junction, 25 minutes): Exhibits on regional history
- Dinosaur Journey Museum (Fruita, 15 minutes): Paleontology exhibits and dinosaur fossils
- Colorado National Monument Visitor Center (20 minutes): Geological and cultural exhibits
Annual Events
- 18 Hours of Fruita (May): Endurance mountain bike race using park trails
- Colorado Lavender Festival (July, Palisade): Celebration of local lavender farms
- Palisade Peach Festival (August): Celebrating the famous Palisade peaches
- Colorado Mountain Winefest (September, Palisade): Largest wine festival in the state
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Highline Lake State Park offers a fascinating contrast between desert landscape and water oasis. The park’s 738 acres encompass diverse habitats that support a surprising variety of wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing
The park is designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Wildlife you might encounter includes:
Birds
- Great Horned Owl
- Mallard
- Ruddy Duck
- Rock Wren
Mammals
- Desert Cottontail
- Rock Squirrel
- Mule Deer
- Striped Skunk
Reptiles
- Common Side-blotched Lizard
- Sagebrush Lizard
- Striped Whipsnake
- American Bullfrog
Plant Life
The park showcases high desert vegetation with interesting adaptations to the arid climate:
- Cottonwood trees (near water sources)
- Prickly Pear Cactus
- Mat Saltbush
- Desert wildflowers (spring)
Wildlife Viewing Tip: Early morning and evening hours offer the best opportunities to spot wildlife. The park provides several wildlife viewing platforms and bird blinds for optimal observation.
Notable Trails for Nature Lovers
- Highline Lake Trail (3.5 miles): Circles the main lake with excellent wildlife viewing
- Blue Heron Ponds Loop (1 mile): Great for bird watching below the dam
- East Bluffs Loop (1.7 miles): Offers panoramic views of the park and surrounding landscape
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Water Safety
- Life jackets are required for children under 13 on boats and recommended for all swimmers
- The park offers a free Life Jacket Loaner Program at the Visitor Center
- Be aware of boat traffic when swimming outside designated areas
- Check for any water quality advisories at the Visitor Center
Environmental Protection
- Both lakes are designated as “infested” for zebra mussels – clean all gear thoroughly
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert vegetation
- Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles
- Fires allowed only in designated fire rings at campsites
Park Regulations
- Park hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (unless camping or fishing)
- Pets must be leashed at all times
- Alcohol is permitted in moderation (except in swim beach area)
- Quiet hours at campground: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Weather Safety
- Summer temperatures can exceed 38°C (100°F) – stay hydrated and use sun protection
- Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly – seek shelter if lightning occurs
- Desert temperatures drop significantly at night – bring layers even in summer
Important: Cell phone coverage can be spotty in parts of the park. Download maps and information before your visit and inform someone of your plans if hiking in remote areas.
Visitor Comments About Highline Lake State Park
“We discovered this hidden gem while exploring western Colorado. The contrast between the blue lakes and surrounding desert landscape is stunning. The campground was well-maintained with nice shade trees, and we loved having access to hot showers. Excellent bird watching too!”
“Highline Lake was the perfect base for our family vacation. We spent mornings hiking the trails, afternoons swimming at the beach, and evenings stargazing from our campsite. The Visitor Center staff were incredibly helpful with suggestions for nearby attractions too.”
“As an avid bird watcher, I was amazed by the diversity at Highline Lake. I spotted over 30 species in just two days! The park’s location also made it easy to explore Colorado National Monument and the wineries in Palisade. Will definitely return during a different season.”
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.
Fruita Mountain Biking Trails
Fruita (15 minutes away) is world-renowned for mountain biking. The 18 Road Trails and Kokopelli Trail systems offer rides for all skill levels through spectacular desert terrain.
Palisade Wine Country
Located 35 minutes from the park, Palisade is Colorado’s wine country with over 25 wineries and tasting rooms. The area is also famous for its peach orchards and farm stands selling fresh local produce.
Practical Travel Tips
Fees and Passes
- Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-12
- Individual Daily Pass (walk/bike in): $4
- Annual Vehicle Pass: $80
- Keep Colorado Wild Pass (for Colorado residents): $29
Reservations
- Campground reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance
- Reservations strongly recommended for summer weekends and holidays
- No reservations needed for day use, but the park can reach capacity
What to Pack
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Layers for temperature changes
- Plenty of water (desert climate)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Insect repellent (especially near water)
Local Services
- Nearest gas station: Loma (5 minutes)
- Nearest grocery store: Fruita (15 minutes)
- Medical services: Community Hospital, Grand Junction (25 minutes)
Your Desert Oasis Awaits
Highline Lake State Park offers a perfect blend of desert beauty and refreshing water recreation that makes it truly unique among Colorado’s outdoor destinations. Whether you’re casting a line at dawn as the sun illuminates the surrounding bluffs, paddling across the glassy morning waters, or simply relaxing at your campsite beneath the shade of cottonwood trees, this desert oasis provides a welcome respite from everyday life. With its diverse recreational opportunities and proximity to other western Colorado attractions, Highline Lake creates the perfect base camp for exploring this fascinating region. Pack your sense of adventure and discover why this hidden gem continues to captivate visitors season after season.
The above is subject to change.
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