Waking up under large, old growth trees, our campsite at Highline Lake State Park was an oasis in the desert. Rain was forecasted through much of Colorado for Memorial Day weekend. Waking up to clear skies and warm temperatures was what my soul needed for the kickoff to summer.
I gathered our family and my coffee cup to for a morning walk down to the lake. My toddler kicked his feet as he coasted “Fred Flintstone style” on his Strider bike while I pushed the stroller with our infant son and held onto the dog leash. We crossed through the campground and across the main road into the park, which, even at our slow pace, only took a couple minutes. Crossing the sandy beach, we dipped our toes in the cool water. Shade shelters and picnic benches scattered around the lake provided relief from the hot mid-day sun. But the morning air was still cool enough to ride the rolling trails around the lake.
At first, I wasn’t super excited when I accepted a last minute invite to camp at Highline Lake State Park. Temperatures in the western part of Colorado were forecasted to soar into the 90s. Usually, we head to the Fruita / Grand Junction area to take advantage of the mountain bike system, but temps are too hot for exposed riding. I questioned what we would do for several days since I’m not good at sitting. But once we settled in, I realized there were plenty of activities and the destination was perfect for young active families.
Family Friendly Weekend Activities at Highline Lake
Highline Lake State Park is a family-friendly home base to explore the Western Slope of Colorado, with ample opportunities to swim, bike, hike, paddle, fish, camp, and more. By the end of the weekend, we were sold on making this a regular stop in our spring rotation. Here’s how to spend a family friendly weekend in Highline Lake State Park.
Pulling off at the Loma exit, about 20 miles west of Grand Junction on I-70, we veered north and drove through a few miles of flat farmland until we reached the park entrance. Inside, we were surprised to find a lush little oasis. Large cottonwood trees shaded much of the grassy campground and the picnic area next to the beach, providing relief from the scorching sun. An above-average winter left the desert blooming in color. Tall, purple-hued grass waved in the gentle wind. Colorful wildflowers in shades of yellow, purple, red, and pink dotted the 560 acres of open space within the park. Miles of rolling trails, suitable for hiking or biking, surrounded the two lakes within the park.
The Colorado State Park is home to two lakes, Highline Lake and a smaller, Mack Mesa Lake. Between recreating on the two lakes and miles of dirt trails, there is plenty to do for a family-friendly weekend at Highline Lake State Park.
Lake Life & Swim Beach
Temperatures soar in the summer months and Highline Lake provides a refreshing way to cool down. The swim beach is narrow strip of sand that gently leads into the water. Shade shelters, picnic tables, and grills are scattered through the area. Others are posted up on the shaded grassy field that leads up from the water. Pack a picnic, food and beverages are permitted on the beach. Paddleboards may launch from the swim beach, or grab a tube to float in the water. Water temperatures range from mid-60’s to low 80’s.
Ample parking is available a short walk from the beach. A handicap accessible paved path to the beach is stroller friendly.
The swim beach is open from the second weekend in May through September 30.
Hiking / Biking Trails
Nine miles of gentle rolling trails circle the lakes in Highline Lake State Park. Highline Lake Trail is an easy 3.5 mile trail that circles the lake. Numerous off-shoots are available to extend your ride to an 8-mile loop with under 400 feet of elevation gain. The trail is a flowy, fun beginner-to-intermediate loop that provides views from the top of bluffs looking down on the lake and through high desert grassland. While it’s not a technical ride, it’s a nice loop to have from the campground. As parents who were tag teaming bike rides and kid-duty, it was a convenient way to get exercise before parking ourselves at the beach for the rest of the day. Alternatively, you can head to the Kokopelli Trail System, a 12 minute drive on the south side of I-70. This trail system has numerous loops for longer, and more challenging, rides.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in both Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake. In Highline Lake, anglers can catch largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. There are quiet fishing spots on the east side of the lake, away from the swimming beach and boaters. A unique barrier-net system was installed to keep sportfish in the lake while keeping endangered fish in the Colorado River. This system is the first of its kind to be installed in the United States.
Additionally, Mack Mesa Lake is a nice fishing spot for small anglers with shore spots accessible for most of the year. It’s a popular spot for trout fishing in the spring and fall as well as ice fishing in the winter.
Boating
Motorized boats are allowed on Highline Lake starting in March through the end of September. There is a capacity limit for boats on the lake, which is often reached early in the day on summer weekends. On Mack Mesa Lake, only hand powered boats are allowed due to the shallow depth.
Are dogs allowed at Highline Lake State Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Highline Lake State Park, but they are not permitted on the main swim beach. Adjacent to the main swim beach is a dog-friendly swim beach. Also, there is a short, flat singletrack loop from the beach to let them romp and shake off. Dogs must be leashed in the campground. Luckily, it’s a short walk to the swim beach and trails.
Camping at Highline Lake State Park
34 campsites are spread throughout large old growth trees in the Bookcliff Campground, which provides ample shade from the hot desert sun. Large, grassy areas separate the campsites. Bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers are a nice amenity. The campground is flat, each spot spacious with room between with you and your neighbors. At night, a bike gang of small children rode around the circular campground when daytime traffic subsided. The beach is just across the road through the park. Pro tip: Load your gear in a wagon to the beach.
For kids, there’s also a great playground in the middle of the park. Additionally, the proximity of the campground to the beach was ideal for naptime.
Camping reservations must be made in advance.
When to Go to Highline Lake State Park
Highline State Park is great to visit in spring, summer, and fall. Boating and the swim beach are open through September 30. In the summer, temperatures are sweltering, but the lake is a wonderful way to cool down.
Looking for more family-friendly travel destinations in Colorado’s Western Slope? Check out Dominguez Escalate National Conservation Area or Silverjack Reservoir.