Sign In
Highline Lake
Highline Lake

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​An oasis in the desert, Highline Lake is the recreation epicenter for the Grand Valley with two lakes, lush grass, trails and trees.

No matter the season, Highline Lake State Park is a diverse and welcome retreat. Connected to miles of trails and close to communities, the park makes an ideal base camp for exploring the Grand Junction area. Whether passing through on mountain bikes, or as an end destination, the park welcomes campers, anglers, families and groups.

Birders have plenty to see here. The Audubon Society designated the park an important bird area; thousands migrate through the area every winter.

​​​​2023 Camp Hosts Still Needed​

​Highline Lake is recruiting two Camp Host positions for the 2023 season. Come be a part of our enthusiastic community that shares your passion!

When you volunteer with CPW, you can give back, get outside, meet people, and make friends.  
Explore current host opportunities, explore our programs or create an account on cpwconnect.state.co.us​ 

Contact us at dnr_highline.park@state.co.us​ with questions. 


​Avian influenza

In late December, park staff and volunteers noticed an increase in dead geese on the ice. One of the geese was collected and sampled for avian flu. On January 5, 2023, Highline Lake Rangers were notified of an injured Great Horned Owl in the campground that was shaking and unable to fly. Health lab test results from both birds confirmed that both were positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

This strain of HPAI was first confirmed in wild geese in Northeast Colorado in March of 2022. From March through November 2022, HPAI mortalities were documented in a number of raptors, waterfowl, and vultures in numerous locations throughout the state.

Although rare, some HPAI strains can infect people. The human health risks from this strain of HPAI is low according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CPW recommends that people avoid handling dead or sick birds or other animals. Precautionary measures such as personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended for people who may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds that can put them at higher risk of infection.

To date, there are no reports of people becoming infected with this strain of avian influenza directly from wild birds. Hunters are advised to avoid harvesting birds that appear sick. Most birds that are sick with HPAI will be on the ground; however, in some cases, sick snow geese may be seen flying very low and alone. Below are some basic precautions that hunters should always take when handling and consuming wild game:

  • Do not handle or eat wildlife found sick or dead.
  • Do not eat, drink, smoke, or put anything in your mouth while cleaning or handling game.
  • Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling and cleaning game.
  • Wash hands thoroughly and disinfect knives, equipment, and surfaces that come into contact with game.
  • Keep wild bird carcasses away from domestic poultry
  • Cook all game thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F
See the Avian Influenza​ page for more information.