Activities at Highline Lake | Colorado State Parks

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Activities

Biking - 5/17/2012

Bikers have several trails in the park to choose from. The 3.5 mile Highline Lake Trail circles Highline Lake; in addition, there are several bonus loops that provide challenges and unique views. For a real challenge, ride the world famous 18 Hours of Fruita Trail; mountain bikers use this trail during the annual 18 hour endurance race that puts Highline Lake at the center of the mountain biking world the first weekend of every May. Try the newest addition to the 18 Hour Trail on the west side of the park! This new section adds to the 6.42 mile trail of 2011. A map and other information about this loop is posted on the Highline Lake Trails pages. The park is also close to the North Fruita Desert trail system and the Kokopelli Trail head, as well as the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. There is also a map available at the park for biking from Highline Lake to the 18 Road complex, on only rural roads. Ask for it! The campground makes a perfect base camp for all of these biking opportunities. After using the trails, many bikers swim at the swimbeach, during the summer season, or fish in the lakes, then enjoy campfires and the star-filled night sky from their campsite!

Birding - 5/17/2012

Named an important birding area by the National Audubon Society, over 200 species of birds have been observed at Highline Lake State Park, including Vermilion Flycatcher, extremely rare in Western Colorado; pelicans; blue herons; osprey; bald and golden eagles; owls; sandhill cranes; loons; loggerhead shrike and Cooper's Hawks. A 'Birds of Highline Lake State Park' checklist is available at the entrance stations or the park office. There are two Watchable Wildlife Kiosks on either side of Highline Lake, complete with viewing scopes.

Boating - 5/17/2012

There are two lakes at Highline Lake State Park, Mack Mesa Lake and Highline Lake. Highline Lake is open to power boating, jet skiing, water skiing, sailboating and sailboarding from March 1st, lake conditions permitting, through September 30th. Highline Lake State Park is part of the fight to curb the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS). For more information about this program, choose the Colorado State Parks Boating Pages. All trailered watercraft entering and leaving Highline Lake will be inspected for ANS. On weekends May through Labor Day, the lake regularly reaches boat capacity, requiring boats to wait to enter until another one leaves. There is rarely a wait on weekdays and evenings, though, so bring the boat to Highline Lake after work, or on your weekday off! Park rangers patrol Highline Lake regularly to provide emergency assistance and carry out boat safety inspections on the lakes within the park. All boats must carry the appropriate safety equipment outlined in Colorado boating regulations and statutes. Since underwater hazards may not be marked, use caution when boating. Mack Mesa Lake is restricted to hand or electric-motor powered boating only.

Camping - 5/17/2012

Plan to stay awhile in the grassy, shaded campsites. Enjoy the clean restrooms with hot showers, washers and dryers; fill tanks with easy access to water, and use the dump station when needed. The campground is open year round! Individual and group campsites are available. Sites go fast on weekends March through October; please reserve early or consider camping during the week or off-peak times. See the maps on the Reserve America website or click on the Publication link at left to choose a campsite. For group sites, contact the park at 970.858.7208.

Education Programs - 5/17/2012

The 2012 Kids' Summer of Outdoor Fun program is coming soon! We will meet on Wednesday, June 6 to get to know our new Interpreter Sarah, and talk a little about our plans for the summer. Each Wednesday from 10 am to noon, we will explore a new topic, and hands-on learning will be emphasized! The weekly program is designed for kids aged 7 and up, and will be packed with outdoor fun, learning about our natural resources and environment, flora and fauna. Each week will focus on a different FUN outdoor experience. The Kids will learn all about birds, how to identify animal tracks, see and identify the creepy-crawlies that live in and around the water at Highline Lake, then identify the fish in the lake, and learn to fish with poles and tackle they will take home! The Kids will have fun learning in and about the great outdoors where they live and play. Parents are encouraged to attend each week with their kids! The program will end August 1, with a BBQ Blast! We will have more information in this space and on our Calendar pages soon. View our home page at www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/highlinelake, or our calendar link from www.parks.state.co.us. You may also contact us at 970-858-7208 or email us at highline.park@state.co.us. Our Weekend Families Outside at Highline Lake was also a GREAT SUCCESS in 2011! For 2012, we plan to have programs, activities and guest presenters each Saturday and/or Sunday for park visitors. These programs are very family-friendly, with something for everyone including take-home crafts, short hikes looking for flora and fauna, and exploring the natural world in and around Highline Lake. Two exta-special evenings this summer will be when the Western Colorado Astronomy Club visits on May 26 and September 1! These evenings of star-gazing, telescopes and mind-blowing information are always popular and lots of fun. These guys are awesome, and really know their stuff! Welcome back, Western Colorado Astronomy Club, and a big

Fishing - 5/17/2012

There are two lakes to fish at Highline Lake State Park, Mack Mesa Lake and Highline Lake. Anglers can enjoy the warm-water fishing opportunities, which include largemouth bass, black crappie, black bullhead, and channel catfish. Mack Mesa and Highline lakes are stocked with cold-water rainbow trout in the spring and fall. Click on the Conditions link at left for current fishing information. Check the Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing guide for more information. Only hand or electric powered boats are allowed in Mack Mesa. Boats are only allowed in Highline Lake March 1 through September 30, weather and lake conditions permitting.

Group Camping - 5/17/2012

A large grassy, shaded area, with shelter, modern restroom building, electricity, water, over-size grill, fire ring, volleyball and horseshoes! Thanks to a group of appreciated volunteers, we recently added benches near the fire ring, creating a setting just right for those tall tales after dark! The group area is perfect for groups - schools, clubs, family reunions, or friends! Up to 100 persons can tent camp; however, this area is not suitable for ANY type of RV. The area is available by reservation. Reservations for March through October go quickly, so call the park office at 970.858.7208 or email highline.park@state.co.us for additional information and fees.

Group Picnicking - 5/17/2012

The Group Picnic Area is a great venue for groups of up to 150 persons. Weddings, reunions, company picnics, and other types of parties and celebrations are more fun outdoors! This area is complete with modern amenities and lots of extras! Reservations for March through October go quickly, so call today to reserve the area for your special event. Phone 970.858.7208 or email highline.park@state.co.us for information.

Hiking - 5/17/2012

There are five great trails within the park to choose from, varying from easy to difficult for hikers of all ages and abilities. Trails and loops circle Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake; wander through a wetlands area below the dam rich with wildlife and birds; and take a hike to the top of Mack Mesa, where there is an amazing 360 degree view of the Grand Valley, from the Bookcliff range to Grand Mesa to the McInnis Canyons and everything in between! Watchable Wildlife Kiosks, with viewing scopes, are located on either side of Highline Lake, and are easily accessible. More information is found on the Highline Lake Trails page, or on the Highline Lake State Park Area Brochure and Map, found on the Publications page.

Hunting - 5/17/2012

During waterfowl hunting seasons, there are seven blinds available at north end of Highline Lake for hunting. Hunters must register at the west gate for a blind prior to hunting. Hunting is allowed Monday through Friday only, 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Check the Conditions page for hunting information during the season.

Ice Fishing - 5/17/2012

Mack Mesa is perfect for ice fishing during the winter months, and is usually frozen over before Highline Lake. When Highline Lake does freeze over, the ice fishing has been known to be excellent!

Ice Skating - 5/17/2012

Ice skating at Mack Mesa often turns into an impromptu hockey game! As soon as ice conditions permit, a portion of Mack Mesa is cleared for skating.

Jet Skiing - 5/17/2012

Jet skiing is as popular at Highline Lake as boating! The same conditions that draw boating enthusiasts to Highline draw jet skiers - blue skies, lots of water, a boat beach, and easy access to lakeside cabanas, for those wanting a less crowded area for picnicking. Highline Lake State Park's fight to curb the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) applies to all trailered watercraft, including jet skis. For information about Highline Lake's inspection stations, including hours of inspection, choose the Conditions link, on the left. For more information about the ANS program, choose the Colorado State Parks Boating Pages. Lakeview Rentals is normally open Memorial Day through Labor Day, renting jet-skis and other water toys hourly or by-the-day. For information, visit the Rentals page of Highline Lake Activities, or contact 970-858-2081 or 970-255-1671.

Picnicking - 5/17/2012

Close to both Mack Mesa and Highline Lake, there are 44 family picnic sites with tables and grills throughout the park that are available year round. Some sites are in grassy areas with mature shade trees, others are cabanas near sand just made for building castles.

Sailboarding - 5/17/2012

During the boating season, usually March 1 through September 30, Highline Lake is a beautiful place to bring a sailboard or sailboat. Whether just learning or a master, Highline is an amazing place to enjoy the wind and water. During the day on weekdays, or any evening, the water is less troubled by motorized boats, and a boarder can enjoy the wind taking the boat or board where it will! Highline Lake is closed to all boating October 1 through February 28.

Swimming - 5/17/2012

A buoyed-off swim area complements the shaded turf grass picnic area at Highline Lake. The lake water temperatures range from the high 60s to 80s in summer, allowing the normal swimbeach season to run from Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Check the Conditions page for current information about the swimbeach.

Volleyball - 5/17/2012

Poles are available at the swim beach; poles, net and ball are available for use when reserving the Group Area.

Water Skiing - 5/17/2012

Highline Lake is typically open to boating March 1st, weather and lake conditions permitting, through September 30. The lake's proximity to Fruita and Grand Junction makes it a perfect location for an evening of water skiing after school or work. Special zoning regulations are in effect, including all boats must travel in counter-clockwise direction, have an observer on board, and carry an orange warning flag. See Conditions page for current water temperature and lake information.

Wildlife Viewing - 5/17/2012

Wildlife and waterfowl are abundant year round at Highline Lake. There are Watchable Wildlife Kiosks at either side of Highline Lake. These accessible educational shelters contain information about the wildlife in the park as well as viewing scopes for up-close viewing. See the web page Photo Gallery for photos of wild visitors to the park. The Visitor Center has posted photos of the park and wildlife on the walls.

Winter Activities - 5/17/2012

Highline Lake State Park is a great place to relax in winter. The climate is mild and the park usually receives little snow, making it a nice base camp for winter recreation. When the park does receive snow, park visitors can enjoy a day of cross-country skiing, sledding, or ice fishing without leaving the park! Downhill skiing, ice fishing and sledding can also be enjoyed in the nearby mountains before returning to the park and the warmth of a winter campfire in the campground. Observing eagles, mule deer, various hawks and other wildlife and waterfowl that seek winter haven at Highline Lake is a special winter treat for park visitors.

Winter Camping - 5/17/2012

Highline Lake has camping available year round, complete with coin-operated, pressurized hot showers and laundry facilities.

Last Modified Date: 3/10/2011 11:34 AM