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Park Conditions
Park Conditions

  • Boating


    Highline Lake closes to boating from October through February annually to create a resting place for migratory waterfowl. This closure includes paddleboards, canoes, and other hand-launch vessels. The last day of the 2022 boating season will be Friday, September 30th.  

    Mack Mesa Lake is available to paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and hand-launched boats (hand-powered or registered, electric motor). 


    (Updated: 4/17/2022 1:34 PM)

  • Camping

    Bookcliff Campground and the Camper Services Building are open year round. Reservations are required; make reservations by calling 1-800-244-5613 or online at www.cpwshop.com.   Hot showers are free, and there are  coin-operated laundry facilities available. 


    For more information, see the Highline camping page. 

    (Updated: 8/23/2021 6:14 PM)

  • Cell Phone Coverage

    Cell phone coverage in and around the park is usually great!  The campground has good reception; some low-lying areas, such as near the west boat ramp and at Mack Mesa, may be spotty.
    (Updated: 10/6/2021 4:04 PM)

  • Fire Restrictions

    Fires are allowed in permanent fire pits, fire rings and barbecue grills in the campground and day use areas.  Propane stoves are also allowed.   

    In the event that Mesa County were in Stage II Fire Restrictions, there would be impacts on the ability to grill and have a fire at the park. Stage II restrictions would be listed as a Park Alert on our main page. 

    (Updated: 8/23/2021 6:12 PM)

  • Fishing Report

    Highline Lake is open to fishing from a boat as well as from the banks of the lake.  Either way, it's a great way to spend a day! 

    Fishing licenses are available at the Visitor Center.  Currently, Visitor Center hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.  Contact the park at 970-858-7208 to be sure the Visitor Center is open. 

    You must have a valid ID and social security number, or a CID number and an email address to purchase a fishing license.  

    Nightcrawlers are also available at the Visitor Center!    

    ​If you would like a photo of you and your "Big  Fish"  posted on our Big Fish Board, stop by the Visitor Center.  We will take your photo and post it!  Or, email your photo and fish information  to  highline.park@state.co.us. Then stop by the Visitor Center to find your photo, and check out what others have caught!   

    (Updated: 10/6/2021 4:03 PM)

  • Park Entrance

    ​​The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, with extended hours on holidays and weekends.  You are welcome to call 970-858-7208 to make sure the building is open.   

    At the Visitor Center you may purchase passes, hunting and fishing licenses, and registrations for boats, OHVs, and snowmobiles. 

    In our Gift Shop you will find Highline Lake clothing, hats, books, ice cream, stuffed animals, and more. Our Campground Store section also contains items you may have forgotten at home, such as propane, bug spray, and sunscreen.

    For your convenience, there is an automated machine at both East and West entrances to the park, where you can buy daily passes and annual passes. Both automated machines accept credit cards ONLY; no cash is accepted at the machines. If you purchase an Annual pass from either of the automated machines, you may redeem the receipt at any manned CPW entrance for the physical pass to attach to the vehicle windshield.

    (Updated: 5/14/2022 10:39 AM)

  • Swimming Conditions

    The Lakeview Swim Beach is open through the last day of September 2021. Highline Lake is closed to all surface-water activities, including swimming and boating, from October 1st through the end of February annually.
    (Updated: 8/23/2021 6:23 PM)

  • Trails

    All of our trails are open year round! 

    Always be prepared before heading out on the trail system by checking the Highline Lake Home Page Weather​ for the most up-to-date weather information! 

    The trails are in fine shape and are seeing lots of activity from bikers and hikers alike!  However, always be prepared if you decide to go onto the trails at Highline Lake!

    Dress in layers and bring appropriate gear for the fickle Western Slope weather!  You know the saying, "if you don't like the Western Colorado weather, just wait 15 minutes . . . ! ​ It might change!" 

    Climb to the top of Mack Hill to watch the sunrise or sunset and the beautiful 360 degree scenery of the entire Grand Valley  - a totally awesome way to start or end any day.  

    Thank you!  For helping to keep the park and trails clean by leashing and picking up after your pet, whether it is a small dog or even a horse!  Pets must be on a leash 6' or less at all times in the park -  including the trails!

    There are free doggie/trash bags available at the trail heads, at the Visitor Center, at the Camper Services Building, or from any park staff member. Please report any issues on the trails to the Visitor's Center.  For more information, visit our Trails page​.

    (Updated: 10/6/2021 4:04 PM)

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