Highline Lake State Park Review

Our Field Photographer (Greg) is still on the road and is now in Colorado. Here’s his latest report:

On Wednesday morning I left Steinaker State Park and headed for Colorado and my destination, Highline Lake State Park.

Taking US 40 East, you reach the town of Dinosaur, Colorado just over the Utah border. Then it was CO 64 and CO 139 south to the campground. This stretch of highways is known as Dinosaur Diamond, a Scenic Byway.

The landscape through which this byway passes once shook under the footfalls of giants. Dinosaurs were abundant in this area and have since left their mark on the land in the form of fossils and footprints. CO 139 crests at Douglas Pass, almost 8300 feet high. The second photo below shows the view looking North from the pass, and the third is looking South:

I arrived and set up camp, then about 2 hours later a thunderstorm hit. I noticed one of my neighbors was in danger of having their tent blown away, so I hurried over with extra stakes and guy lines to help secure it for them. They repaid me with fresh ribs for dinner. The pictures below show my campsite, inside my car as the storm rages, and the sun shining on the lake as the storm breaks:

Highline Lake State Park is the center for watersports in the Grand Valley. It is about 10 miles from Fruita and 30 from Grand Junction. It’s warm water provides a comfortable setting for waterskiing, swimming, fishing and picnicking. Little Mack Lake, just to the North, is for non-motorized boats only. There is also a 4 mile trail around the lake, so that I was I walked on Thursday.

The first 3 photos are from the trail, the 4th is Mack Lake, and the last is the beach area at the campground:

I will be leaving on Friday for the short drive (30 miles) to the James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Grand Junction. I’m looking forward to a dip in the river. No snappy comments to end this post. I am still mourning the loss of my eReader. Till we meet again…

Regards, Park Ranger