Highline Lake

1800 11.8 Road, Loma, CO. 81524 (MAP) – Western Slope State Park – fees & reservations

About Highline Lake Park

Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lakes is a mecca for water lovers in the Grand Valley, and just 30 mins north of Grand Junction. Jet and water skiers, paddle boarders, swimmers, and boaters can enjoy the warm waters, and plenty of sunshine.

The lake is open to boating from March 1 to September 30 and often reaches boat capacity on summer weekends, so arrive early. The swim beach is open from May 1 to September 30. These lakes provide great warm-water fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. Each spring and fall, the lakes are stocked with rainbow trout.

Bookclif Campground, open year-round, offers 36 sites accommodating both tents and RVs. Reservations are required for camping. The retail store sells books, fishing bait, ice, firewood, and camping supplies. For a quieter day, the much smaller Mack Mesa Lake offers bird watching, fishing, and boating for hand-propelled and electric craft.

The Highline Lake Trail is a 3.5-mile loop with many out-and-back legs providing over 9 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and good wildlife-watching opportunities. There are numerous regional trails within minutes of the park.

Thousands of birds migrate in spring and fall, and the National Audubon Society has designated the park an Important Bird Area. Birdwatchers will find more than 200 species, including bald and golden eagles, herons, pelicans, egrets, cranes, and other birds. Seven blinds are open to waterfowl hunters in hunting season, Monday through Friday. — Back to All State Parks.