Tucked into the high desert of western Colorado near Loma in Mesa County, Highline Lake State Park is a 563-acre oasis that draws visitors year-round with its striking contrast of shimmering water against red-rock mesas. With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews, this park has earned a loyal following among locals and travelers alike.

The park centers on two reservoirs: Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake. Highline Lake is the main attraction, open to motorized boating, water skiing, and jet skiing during warmer months — a rarity among Colorado’s western slope parks. Mack Mesa Lake offers a quieter experience, reserved for wakeless boating, fishing, and swimming at the designated beach. Anglers will find largemouth bass, catfish, and trout depending on the season.

Beyond the water, the surrounding desert landscape invites hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. The park sits along a migratory flyway, making it a surprisingly productive birding destination — herons, pelicans, and raptors are regularly spotted. Picnic areas with shelters dot the shoreline, and the flat terrain makes it accessible for families with young kids.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when water activities are in full swing and daytime temperatures settle into the 80s and 90s. Winters are mild by Colorado standards but quiet.

If you’re passing through on I-70 between Grand Junction and the Utah border, Highline Lake is well worth the short detour — especially on a hot western Colorado afternoon.

Explore Nearby

• Mack Ridge – Kokopelli Trails — Public Land
• Rattlesnake/Mee Canyons — Public Land in Colorado
• Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway — Scenic Byway in Colorado
• Mesalands Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Grand Mesa National Forest — National Forest in Colorado